Infor SyteLine4 min readNetray Engineering TeamUpdated March 4, 2025

How to Configure Non-Conformance Reports in SyteLine

Non-conformance reports (NCRs) in SyteLine document deviations from quality specifications for materials, processes, or finished products. A well-configured NCR system captures defect data, drives disposition decisions, and links to corrective actions for continuous improvement. This guide covers setting up defect code hierarchies, configuring NCR workflows, and establishing cost tracking for quality failures in the SyteLine Quality module.

Setting Up Defect Codes and Categories

Navigate to Quality > Setup > Defect Codes to define the defect classification hierarchy. SyteLine supports multi-level defect coding with category, subcategory, and specific defect code fields. Each defect code should include a severity classification (critical, major, minor) aligned with your quality manual definitions. Configure reason codes separately under Quality > Setup > Reason Codes to capture root cause categories such as operator error, material defect, tooling wear, or design issue. The defect/reason code combination drives Pareto analysis reports for identifying top quality issues.

Define defect code hierarchies under Quality > Setup > Defect Codes with severity levels (critical/major/minor)
Create reason code categories for root cause classification—material, method, machine, manpower, environment
Map defect codes to specific item groups or product families for targeted quality tracking
Enable mandatory reason code entry on NCRs to ensure root cause data collection on every non-conformance

Configuring NCR Workflows and Dispositions

The NCR form is accessed via Quality > Non-Conformance and supports configurable workflow stages. Define disposition codes under Quality > Setup > Dispositions—standard options include use-as-is, rework, return-to-vendor, scrap, and sort. Each disposition can require specific approval roles using SyteLine's electronic signature framework per 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. Configure the NCR status workflow to move through stages: Open, Under Review, Disposition Assigned, Disposition Complete, and Closed. Set up notification rules to alert quality engineers, production supervisors, and material review board (MRB) members at each stage transition.

Configure disposition codes (rework, scrap, return, use-as-is) under Quality > Setup > Dispositions
Set up approval workflows requiring electronic signatures for each disposition decision per your QMS
Define notification rules to email quality engineers and MRB members when NCRs are created or escalated
Enable cost tracking on NCRs to capture scrap costs, rework labor, and vendor chargeback amounts

Tracking NCR Costs and Linking Corrective Actions

SyteLine tracks quality costs on each NCR through the Cost tab, capturing material scrap value, rework labor hours, and overhead charges. Configure cost elements under Quality > Setup > Quality Cost Categories aligned with the Cost of Quality (COQ) model—prevention, appraisal, internal failure, and external failure. When an NCR reveals a systemic issue, create a linked CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) directly from the NCR form using the Actions > Create CAPA menu option. The system maintains bidirectional traceability between NCRs and CAPAs for audit purposes. Run the NCR Summary report to analyze trends by defect code, vendor, item, or time period.

Configure quality cost categories aligned with COQ prevention/appraisal/failure cost model
Track scrap value automatically by linking NCR rejected quantities to item standard costs
Create linked CAPAs directly from NCR forms via Actions > Create CAPA for systemic issues
Generate Pareto analysis reports from Quality > Reports > NCR Summary by defect code and vendor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can SyteLine NCRs track vendor quality performance?

Yes, SyteLine links NCRs to vendor and purchase order records automatically when non-conformances originate from receiving inspection. The Vendor Quality Summary report aggregates NCR counts, defect rates, and rejection costs by vendor over configurable time periods. This data feeds into the vendor scorecard system for quarterly business reviews. You can set vendor quality thresholds that trigger automatic inspection tightening when defect rates exceed targets like 2% or 5%.

How do NCRs support material review board (MRB) decisions?

SyteLine NCRs include an MRB disposition workflow stage where board members review non-conforming material. The form captures each reviewer's disposition recommendation, comments, and electronic signature. MRB decisions are logged with timestamps for audit traceability. You can configure MRB membership by product line or defect severity, and the system sends automatic meeting notifications when NCRs requiring MRB review reach a configurable threshold count.

What reports are available for NCR trend analysis?

SyteLine provides several NCR analysis reports: NCR Summary (Pareto by defect code), Vendor Quality Summary (rejection rates by supplier), Cost of Quality Report (failure costs by category), and NCR Aging Report (open NCRs by days outstanding). These reports support filtering by date range, item, vendor, defect category, and severity. Data can be exported to Excel for custom analysis or displayed in SyteLine's built-in charting tools.

Key Takeaways

1Setting Up Defect Codes and Categories: Navigate to Quality > Setup > Defect Codes to define the defect classification hierarchy. SyteLine supports multi-level defect coding with category, subcategory, and specific defect code fields.
2Configuring NCR Workflows and Dispositions: The NCR form is accessed via Quality > Non-Conformance and supports configurable workflow stages. Define disposition codes under Quality > Setup > Dispositions—standard options include use-as-is, rework, return-to-vendor, scrap, and sort.
3Tracking NCR Costs and Linking Corrective Actions: SyteLine tracks quality costs on each NCR through the Cost tab, capturing material scrap value, rework labor hours, and overhead charges. Configure cost elements under Quality > Setup > Quality Cost Categories aligned with the Cost of Quality (COQ) model—prevention, appraisal, internal failure, and external failure.

Struggling with non-conformance tracking in SyteLine? Netray helps manufacturers implement NCR workflows that reduce repeat defects and support ISO/AS9100 audit readiness.

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