Review evidence and manage exceptions

Review the evidence behind the result

A review combines the reported result, its acceptance criteria, the applicable method or instruction, and supporting source evidence. Check that the evidence belongs to this record and revision.

• Confirm identity, units, and source references.
• Review missing, pending, or superseded evidence.
• Check exceptions and unresolved dependencies.
• Verify that you are authorized and, where required, independent of the person who performed the work.

Approve, return, or hold with a reason

Approve when the applicable requirements have been met. Return the record when the author can correct or complete the submission. Hold or reject it when the workflow requires a formal disposition. The available actions depend on your organization’s published process.

A decision should identify the reviewer, the time, the meaning of the action, the relevant revision, and any required reason. A label reading “approved” is not a substitute for that context.

Keep the exception attached to the work

1. Describe what happened and identify the affected material, record, step, or equipment.
2. Record immediate containment and assign an owner.
3. Investigate with source-linked evidence and assess downstream impact.
4. Document the decision and required corrective actions.
5. Check effectiveness before closing where your process requires it.