In manufacturing, where complex processes rely on precision, specialized acronyms are common. MRB stands for Material Review Board, a term frequently encountered in quality management systems. The MRB is a formal mechanism for decision-making, fundamental to maintaining product integrity and mitigating financial risk. This structured approach ensures that only materials meeting stringent standards proceed through the supply chain.
Defining the Material Review Board
The Material Review Board is a formal, dedicated cross-functional team established within a manufacturing organization to evaluate and resolve issues concerning non-conforming material. This material consists of any raw component, sub-assembly, or finished product that fails to meet specified design, performance, or quality standards. When a deviation is discovered, the affected items are immediately flagged, quarantined, and referred to the MRB for a systematic assessment. The board functions as the designated authority for determining the final disposition of these suspect items, preventing their accidental use in production.
Purpose and Function of the MRB
The core purpose of the MRB is to act as a centralized decision-making body, ensuring a standardized, technically sound response to quality deficiencies. This systematic review prevents defective parts from being unintentionally integrated into final products, safeguarding product reliability. By formally evaluating non-conforming material, the board works to minimize financial waste associated with scrapping valuable resources and unnecessary rework. The MRB is a process control mechanism that confirms compliance with internal specifications and external regulatory requirements.
The board’s function extends beyond simple disposition, incorporating a focus on continuous improvement within the quality management system. Analysis of MRB data helps identify recurring non-conformances and their root causes, providing actionable intelligence to engineering and production teams. This data-driven approach allows for targeted corrective actions to be implemented upstream, preventing similar defects from occurring in future production runs. The MRB thus serves a dual role: managing immediate material issues while driving long-term process optimization.
When the MRB Process is Triggered
The Material Review Board process is initiated after a specific type of quality failure has occurred and been formally documented. The primary trigger for MRB activation is the generation of a Non-Conformance Report (NCR), which details the deviation from specifications and segregates the affected material. This documentation is typically raised following a failed inspection, such as an incoming quality check or an in-process audit. The NCR provides the board with all necessary information, including the nature of the defect, the quantity of affected items, and the relevant technical specifications.
Activation can also result from internal audits or when a production team identifies a deviation that cannot be resolved through standard, pre-approved procedures. When the issue is too complex, too costly, or involves a potential risk to the product’s form, fit, or function, the matter must be escalated to the cross-functional expertise of the board. The material in question is physically quarantined in a designated hold area and clearly marked to ensure it remains out of the standard production flow until the board issues a final, approved disposition.
Structure and Key Roles of the MRB
To ensure a comprehensive and technically rigorous evaluation, the Material Review Board is structured as a cross-functional team composed of subject matter experts from various departments. The inclusion of diverse perspectives ensures that all aspects of the non-conformance—from technical feasibility to financial impact—are considered before a final decision is made. Key roles typically include a representative from Quality Assurance, often serving as the chair, who ensures compliance with procedures and provides foundational data on the non-conformance.
Engineering Roles
Engineering is represented by both Design and Process engineers, whose expertise is necessary to determine the technical impact of the defect and the feasibility of any proposed correction. Design engineers assess whether the part can still meet its functional requirements despite the deviation. Process engineers evaluate the practicality and cost of any required rework.
Manufacturing and Procurement Roles
Representatives from Manufacturing or Production provide insight into the potential disruption to the production schedule and the availability of resources for any corrective actions. Procurement or Supply Chain personnel may also be included, particularly when the non-conformance originates with an external vendor, to facilitate potential returns or vendor management actions.
The MRB Decision-Making Process
The MRB decision-making process is a systematic procedure that begins with the board members reviewing the Non-Conformance Report and examining the segregated material. After a thorough technical discussion and consideration of the impact on product performance and safety, the board assigns one of several authorized dispositions to the non-conforming material. The most common disposition is “Rework,” which involves correcting the item to bring it into full compliance with the original specifications. Another option is “Repair,” which corrects the defect to a usable condition but may still leave the material technically non-conforming, often requiring specific engineering justification.
If the board determines that the deviation is minor and does not affect the material’s form, fit, or function, the disposition may be “Use As Is,” accepting the material without alteration. Conversely, if the material cannot be economically or technically corrected, the final decision will be “Scrap,” which mandates the physical destruction and disposal of the item to prevent its unauthorized use. For defects traced back to an external supplier, the material may be assigned “Return to Vendor” (RTV) for replacement or credit. Every decision made by the MRB is formally documented in the NCR, with required signatures from all authorized members, providing an auditable record for future quality improvement analysis.