Concept dictionary
Rework Loop
A rework loop occurs when work must return to an earlier step because something was incomplete, incorrect, unclear, missing, or rejected.
- Review state
- Reviewed in POC
- Freshness
- Current
- Version
- 2
Also called
- rework-loop
Remember it this wayForward, back, fix, repeat.
In plain language
Work moves forward, then gets sent back because something must be corrected, completed, clarified, or approved before it can continue.
Why it matters
Rework loops are one of the clearest signs of friction.
They often reveal input problems, unclear requirements, missing validation, or decision criteria that appear too late.
Example
A customer request is sent back to intake because the original form did not include the job location.
Common misconception
Not every return to an earlier step is harmful rework. Planned review and deliberate iteration can improve the result; a rework loop repeats avoidable work because a requirement, input, decision, or check failed.
Related terms
Not connected yet.
Sources
- ASQ, "DMAIC Process"documenting the current process, identifying critical inputs, and finding causes of poor performance.
- ASQ, "Standard Work"process variation as a source of mistakes, inspection, and rework.