What is the primary purpose of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

The primary purpose of a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is to outline steps for addressing identified issues. A CAP is a strategic tool used within organizations to ensure that any non-compliance or deficiencies identified during audits, assessments, or evaluations are effectively addressed. It specifies the problems or deficiencies found, the root causes, and the exact actions that will be taken to rectify those issues. The clarity in outlining these steps helps organizations not only to resolve current problems but also to prevent recurrence by implementing systemic changes or improvements.

By focusing on this comprehensive approach, a CAP facilitates accountability and ensures follow-through on corrective actions. This is particularly important in various standards and regulatory environments where demonstrating compliance through effective management of issues is critical.