Rework is action taken to bring a defective or nonconforming component into compliance with requirements or specifications.

It involves correcting errors, deficiencies, or deviations to ensure that outputs meet defined quality standards and project requirements.

Key Characteristics

  • Corrective in Nature – Addresses issues after defects are identified
  • Specification-Driven – Aligns deliverables with documented standards
  • Impacts Cost and Schedule – May increase resource use and delay progress
  • Triggers Quality Controls – Often follows inspection or verification activities

Example Scenarios

  • Rewriting code modules that failed system integration testing
  • Rebuilding a structural component that did not meet engineering tolerances
  • Revising documentation to correct omissions or inaccuracies

Role in Quality and Control Processes

  • Ensures Compliance – Aligns outputs with technical and contractual obligations
  • Supports Continuous Improvement – Provides feedback for process refinement
  • Reduces Risk of Defects – Prevents escalation of unresolved quality issues
  • Feeds into Change Management – May result in formal change requests or plan updates

See also: Defect Repair, Corrective Action, Control Quality, Change Request, Quality Management Plan.