Not right first time
Construction Quality Planning Guide, Draft for Consultation, Published by the Construction Innovation Hub in May 2020, suggests that Not Right First Time (NRFT) refers to: ‘The first measure under the QCD (Quality, Cost and Delivery) approach to improved production performance, it measures a product’s ability to match a specification. It is typically expressed in ‘number of defect parts per million’ with a defective unit defined as one that does not conform to specification and may be scrapped or reworked.’
QCD: measuring manufacturing performance, Published by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2004 suggested that Not Right First Time (NRFT) measures a product’s ability to match a specification and is expressed in number of defect parts per million.
Not right first time = 10^6 X (Quantity of defective units / Total quantity of units supplied)
NRFT can be measured internally and externally in the production cycle:
- Internally – defective units identified within the production process.
- Externally – defective units that are identified outside the production process, either from the supplier or at the customer’s site.
A defective unit is a unit that does not conform to specification and may be scrapped or reworked.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.