Corrective action looks at an error that has happened; the preventive approach foresees what has not happened yet. In practice this means working on a risk basis: instead of applying the same review intensity to every job, directing resources to where an error would be most costly.
Definition
It is foreseeing errors that have not yet arisen and taking measures. The view is forward-looking. The approach is risk-based.
Difference from corrective action
Corrective action responds to a finding that has happened. The preventive approach foresees. The time axis is different.
The risk-based view
Resources are directed to the point of highest risk. Equal distribution is inefficient. Priorities are set.
The waste of equal intensity
Applying the same review layer to every job wastes resources. Low-risk jobs receive too much review. A balance is struck.
Determining the risk
Document type, intended use and visibility determine the risk level. The criterion is written down. A classification is made.
High-risk jobs
Legal, medical and safety texts belong to this group. An additional review layer is applied. Resources are allocated there.
Low-risk jobs
Internal correspondence and texts for information purposes run under a lighter arrangement. The scope is narrowed. The decision is deliberate.
Risk in new language directions
In a direction worked in for the first time the risk is high. Additional review is applied. It is relaxed later.
Working with a new resource
In the first jobs the examination ratio is raised. Trust is built with data. The approach is gradual.
Risk with a new client
With a client whose corporate language is not yet known, the risk of deviation is high. Preparation is intensified. Measures are taken.
Source text risk
A low-quality source produces findings. A preliminary evaluation is made. The risk is seen early.
Time risk
A tight schedule raises the risk. The plan is reviewed. Review is protected.
Numeric density risk
In texts dense with figures a separate review layer is set up. The risk can be measured. The measure is targeted.
Use of past data
Which finding appeared under which condition is on record. Foresight rests on this data. The estimate is realistic.
Reading the trends
A rising finding type requires a measure. There is no waiting. Intervention comes early.
Feeding the checklists
Foreseen risks are added to the checklist. The measure becomes systematic. Practice becomes lasting.
The role of tool setup
Automated checks are configured for the risky fields. Warnings become targeted. Efficiency rises.
Sharing with the client
The risk evaluation can be explained to the client. The scope decision is made together. Transparency is ensured.
Directing resources to the right place
When a limited review capacity is distributed equally to every job, not enough depth is left where the most costly error would appear; risk-based distribution produces markedly better results with the same resources. That is why the approach is selective. The decision follows criteria.
Limits of the approach
Risk evaluation is an estimate and can be wrong. A critical finding can appear even in a job considered low-risk. The limit is accepted.