SCAR vs. CAPA: What they mean for ISO & VDA compliance standards

For SQEs responsible for upholding ISO & VDA compliance standards, understanding the core differences between SCAR and CAPA is fundamental. These tools serve distinct yet complimentary roles that form the backbone of a robust CAPA process. Mistaking their scope can lead to misapplied solutions, missed preventive actions, and failed audits. 

This article explores how SCAR and the CAPA process support key compliance standards, ensuring that supplier issues are escalated appropriately and systemic risks are addressed before they recur. Read on to learn how to harness each framework to its full potential.

SCAR vs. CAPA: Key differences and when to use each

The CAPA process is the foundation of a Quality Management System, driving continuous improvement by systematically correcting and preventing quality issues. Corrective actions fix problems found through internal data, audits, or complaints, while preventive actions proactively mitigate potential risks to avoid future recurrence. Within this framework, SCAR is the formal notification issued to a supplier regarding a non-conformance. It acts as the trigger that initiates the full structured CAPA process involving that specific supplier. 

Thus, the core difference is scope: CAPA is the broad quality methodology, whereas SCAR is limited to managing quality issues stemming from the supply chain.

The imperative of compliance in modern manufacturing 

Quality is the basis of operational consistency, efficiency, and competitiveness. Ensuring adherence to compliance standards, such as ISO 9001 and industry-specific regulations like VDA and IATF, is mandatory. Failure to comply with these quality requirements represents a significant risk that can affect everything from production costs and delivery times to brand reputation and customer trust. 

That’s why the role of a SQE demands constant vigilance. Quality Directors and Engineers bear the primary responsibility for driving this commitment across the entire value chain. However, through the growing complexities of modern manufacturing, tools like SCARs and the CAPA process enable SQEs to maintain compliance and control. 

Common challenges faced by quality professionals

• Inconsistent documentation: Compliance relies on robust documentation. If quality activities are not recorded properly, they did not happen in the eyes of regulators.
• Lack of traceability and recurrence tracking: Teams must continually leverage data analysis to uncover systemic issues and ensure that solutions truly prevent problem recurrence instead of just treating symptoms.
• Supplier resistance or capability gaps: Managing external parties means dealing with the risk of poor process visibility and overcoming the fundamental inability of some suppliers to adhere to required quality controls.

SCAR / CAPA’s role in meeting key compliance standards 

How SCAR/CAPA directly supports ISO 9001

SCAR and CAPA are instrumental in fulfilling ISO 9001’s core requirements. First off, CAPA directly supports clause 10.2.3 and 10.2.1 from major Nonconformities and clause 10.2.4 from minor Nonconformities by providing a structured response to quality issues, enabling teams to contain, correct, and analyze nonconformities, ensuring similar problems don’t recur. 

Additionally, Clause 6.1 (Actions to address risks and opportunities) requires organizations to proactively identify risks and integrate mitigation strategies into their quality management systems. The CAPA process enables this by formalizing a risk-based approach and embedding preventive actions into operational planning. 

Finally, SCAR complements both clauses, CQI 19, CQI 20 y CQI 21 documents from the AIAG and reinforces ISO’s emphasis on end-to-end quality assurance through systemic management of supplier-related risks, especially regarding the control of externally provided products and services. 

SCAR/CAPA in VDA compliance standards

In VDA 6.3 process audits, SCAR and CAPA processes are mandatory for maintaining conformity and managing risk associated with product and process requirements. In fact, CAPA directly mandates the structured approach necessary to respond questions within the VDA questionnaire that carry special significance, such as:

• P6.5.3 (Production process analysis): When non-compliance with product and process requirements occurs, it calls for the causes to be analyzed and corrective actions to be checked for effectiveness.
• P7.4 (Customer care/service): When unmet quality requirements arise, failure analyses must be performed and corrective actions implemented effectively.

Furthermore, SCARs are essential for implementing corrective action within VDA audit’s section P5: Supplier Management, and ensuring quality control across the supply chain.

Elevate quality with Kiuey’s SCAR/CAPA Manager

Discover a comprehensive digital solution tailored for quality professionals who need more than spreadsheets and fragmented workflows. Kiuey’s SCAR/CAPA Manager is a centralized platform that fosters accountability through audit-ready documentation, real-time collaboration, a dedicated supplier portal, and automated reporting.

Tackle the complexities of the manufacturing landscape with clarity, consistency and speed. With built-in functionalities to streamline issue resolution, enforce compliance with ISO and VDA standards, and track recurrence across suppliers, it empowers SQEs to focus on leading proactive quality teams with confidence and control. 

If you’re ready to elevate your SCAR/CAPA process and drive continuous improvement across your supply chain, try Kiuey’s SCAR/CAPA Manager for free today.