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How to digitize the NCR process without a 6-month project

CM

Carlos Mendoza

Founder, CARET

Jul 15, 20268 min read
CARET

The problem with traditional digitization projects

Most maquiladoras that contact us have the same pain point: they've been managing NCRs in Excel, email, and shared folders for years. They know they need something better, but every time they evaluate a solution, the project is estimated at 6-12 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

"They told us implementing a digital QMS would take 9 months and $200K. We decided to stick with Excel for another year."

— Quality Manager, medical device maquiladora in Tijuana

The result: Excel remains king. And with Excel come the problems we all know.

The hidden costs of the status quo

  • Time lost in reconciliation: 4-6 hours weekly just to consolidate reports
  • Duplicate or lost NCRs: without a single source of truth, duplicates are inevitable
  • Stressful audits: last-minute scramble to find evidence
  • Zero real-time visibility: you don't know how many open NCRs you have until you run the report

A different approach: modules, not monoliths

At CARET, we took a different path. Instead of selling a monolithic QMS that requires replacing your entire stack, we offer modules that connect to your existing operation.

Week 1-2: Configuration

  • Define your non-conformity types
  • Configure the disposition workflow
  • Import catalogs from your ERP

Week 3-4: Pilot

  • Start with one line or area
  • Train inspectors and QEs
  • Adjust based on real feedback

Week 5-6: Rollout

  • Expand to the rest of the plant
  • Connect reports to Power BI if needed
  • Document for audit

Typical results

Plants that have implemented CARET's Inspection module report:

  • 60% less time in non-conforming material disposition
  • 100% traceability from detection to closure
  • Zero findings in NCR control-related audits

Is it for you?

If your operation:

  • Handles more than 50 NCRs per month
  • Has ISO 13485, IATF, or customer audits
  • Is tired of Excel and email

Then a 30-minute conversation is worth it.

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Does your operation face this challenge?

Let's talk about how CARET can help digitize your manufacturing operations.

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