Conformity describes the extent to which a work product, process, or system meets specified standards, rules, or requirements.
Teams assess it against defined criteria. For example, they may compare a requirements specification with an industry standard. They also review documents, processes, roles, approvals, and traceability records.
First, the assessment identifies the applicable rules. Next, it checks the available evidence. This evidence may include review records, test results, decision logs, and approval histories. Therefore, the assessment produces a clear and repeatable result.
Process checks compare planned activities with actual activities. Moreover, they identify missing steps, unauthorized changes, and other deviations. Corrective actions can then address these problems.
Conformity does not result from documentation alone. Instead, an organization must follow the defined rules and provide suitable evidence.
Clear criteria and reliable records support verification, audits, quality control, and continuous improvement.
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