A method for categorizing defects by severity and impact, typically as critical, major, or minor.
Defect classification helps teams prioritize response speed and shipment decisions based on risk rather than volume alone.
Severity categories are essential inputs for AQL plans and acceptance calculations.
Severity criteria
Critical defects are typically safety or regulatory issues, major defects affect function or buyer acceptance, and minor defects are cosmetic with low impact.
Each program should define severity examples clearly for consistent judgment.
Operational usage
Classification drives escalation, corrective action urgency, and release decisions at each inspection stage.
It also informs CAPA prioritization by highlighting recurring high-severity issues.
Key takeaways
- Severity-based classification improves decision quality and speed.
- Clear examples prevent inconsistent defect grading.