Corrective action plans

Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)

• Definition: Structured responses to quality control failures that identify the root cause, implement fixes, and ensure prevention.

• Steps in a CAP:

1. Identify the Deviation: Detect through QC logs, cupping scores, or equipment readings.
2. Root Cause Analysis: Use tools like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to pinpoint whether the issue comes from green coffee, roasting, grinding, brewing, or water chemistry.
3. Immediate Correction: Apply quick fixes (e.g., adjust grind size, recalibrate scale, or re-roast a small test batch).
4. Long-Term Preventive Action: Revise SOPs, retrain staff, or adjust supplier requirements.
5. Documentation: Record the issue, corrective measures, and follow-up results in QC logs.

• Examples in Coffee:

• Issue: Espresso shots running too fast.

• Correction: Finer grind, verify tamping pressure.

• Prevention: Add burr sharpness checks to maintenance SOP.

• Issue: Roast consistently underdeveloped.

• Correction: Extend Maillard phase.

• Prevention: Update roast profile and retrain roasters.

• Benefits:

• Improves product consistency and reduces repeat defects.

• Strengthens accountability through documented responses.

• Builds customer trust by demonstrating quality commitment.

Summary

Corrective action plans create a systematic framework for resolving QC deviations, preventing recurrence, and continuously improving coffee quality across all stages of production and brewing.

• Tags:
• Green Coffee
• Grind Size
• Coffee Quality
• Quality Control
• Cupping Scores
• Water Chemistry
• Adjust Grind
• Roast Profile
• Coffee Roasting
• Finer Grind
• Brewing Water
• Qc Logs
• Customer Trust
• Grinding Brewing
• Espresso Shots
• Roasting Grinding
• Consistency Reduces
• Tamping Pressure
• Burr Sharpness