Auditing 101: Understanding Audits and Tips to Prepare

• An audit acts as a health check for business processes, assessing their alignment with the company’s quality objectives.
• There are different types of audits, each serving a unique purpose. Internal audits are like self-assessments within a company, identifying problems to be fixed proactively.
• For effective audit preparation, experts recommend documenting all processes, maintaining a well-prepared audit team, and ensuring that processes and documents are intuitive and easy to follow.

This article by Genevieve Diesing is the first of a 2-part article on the crucial role of auditing in a quality management system (QMS). Auditing validates that a company’s activities align with its declared commitment to quality, as outlined in its QMS, and drives continuous improvement.

An audit acts as a health check for business processes, assessing their alignment with the company’s quality objectives. It involves three main elements: the people (auditors and the audited), the rule book (standards or benchmarks), and the specific area or process under examination. There are different types of audits, each serving a unique purpose. Internal audits are like self-assessments within a company, identifying problems to be fixed proactively. Supplier audits evaluate the performance of vendors to ensure they meet quality standards. Third-party audits provide an unbiased assessment and can lead to certifications that enhance a company’s reputation.

For effective audit preparation, experts recommend documenting all processes clearly, maintaining a well-prepared audit team, and ensuring that processes and documents are intuitive and easy to follow. These practices not only facilitate the audit process but also contribute to the overall efficiency and compliance of the business. By understanding the significance of audits and preparing adequately, companies can leverage them as powerful tools for growth and quality assurance.

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