What is the main purpose of the corrective action follow-up?

The main purpose of the corrective action follow-up is to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions taken. This involves assessing whether the implemented actions successfully address the root causes of the identified problems and prevent their recurrence. Effectiveness verification is crucial because it ensures that the corrective actions lead to meaningful improvements in processes, products, or services.

Simply documenting the actions or checking forms does not guarantee that the actions resolved the issues they were meant to address. Additionally, while ensuring compliance with ISO standards is important, the primary focus of follow-up is on assessing the actual impact of corrective measures rather than just adherence to documentation or procedural norms. By verifying the effectiveness of corrective actions, organizations not only enhance their quality management system but also foster continual improvement, a core principle of ISO 9001.