QMS Internal Audits
The word “audit” has such a negative emotional impact. Most often, audits are associated with being unprepared or intense amounts of work. Albeit audits can quite often catch us off guard and provide uncomfortable confrontations, rest assured, internal audits are intended to help!
What is an ISO Audit
There are two types of audits associated with ISO Certification:
ISO Certification Audit
Each organization that wishes to become ISO 9001 certified must undergo a Certification Audit through the ISO registrar. The ISO 9001 Certification Audit is the final step in becoming certified.
ISO Internal Audit
Without proper planning, you would undoubtedly feel those familiar feelings associated with “audit.” With proper planning, your organization may become certified. An ISO Internal Audit will help ease the stressors of possible findings. An ISO Internal Audit takes place just before undergoing the ISO Certification Audit. The internal audit is done internally to identify gaps in your organization’s quality management system.
Why ISO 9001 Internal Audits Are So Valuable
ISO 9001 Internal Audits
Quality Management Systems should consistently be implemented with plans for improvement or correction of gaps. Once your company drafts, establishes, and actively utilizes a QMS system, Internal Audits are designed to check its effectiveness. Internal Audits are performed via strict permitters, which allow a member or active member of your organization to observe and review your organization’s adherence thoroughly. The value of this audit is not only through the preparation for a Registrar audit but also channeled by self-reflection and deep review of your company’s people, products, services, and procedures.
The purpose of ISO Internal Audits without seeking certification:
Your organization is wise enough to have a quality management system but isn’t interested in acquiring official ISO-certified status. Internal Audits should still take place. This fact-finding act is incredibly purposeful to the success and safety of your company.
To detail, let’s outline the goals of the audit:
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To evaluate the reliability and soundness of its internal control system;
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To ensure the amount of compliance with established standards, policies, and procedures;
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To minimize company losses and maximize profits;
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To prove whether the information generated in an organization is accurate and reliable;
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To ascertain the level of integrity of the data provided to management;
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To provide informed advice and feedback to management on the next steps and growth opportunities;
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To seek opportunities for improvement in the existing systems.
ISO Certification: You can’t skip the ISO Internal Audit
If ISO 9001 certification is your goal, the ISO Internal Audit must be on your to-do list. ISO requires that your organization perform these audits in planned intervals to provide proof that the organization’s QMS conforms to the following:
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the company’s self-imposed requirements for its QMS
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the needs of the ISO 9001 standard
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the correct implementation and maintenance of the QMS.
How long does an ISO Internal Audit take?
The answer to his question varies, frankly. Initial interviews and documentation gathering take about 4-6 hours on average.
The review and evaluation needed to complete the audit take about 10-14 days. Keep in mind these are averages and truly depend on the complexity of your QMS and the organization of your documents. The ISO Internal Audit also includes a presentation of findings and a closing meeting that can vary in length.
Who performs an ISO Audit?
Selecting an auditor can be tricky, even more so for small companies. ISO requires that auditors be nonbiased in the duties and job functions they audit. It’s also necessary that the internal audit be performed by someone with a significant amount of available time and knowledge of QMS and ISO 9001:2015 requirements.
It’s often very beneficial for organizations to seek external ISO Consultants for efficiency and knowledge.
Whether your company is planning to undergo the IS0 9001:2015 certification process or is simply looking to enhance an existing Quality Management System, Cascade QMS is an ideal solution. Our qualified Internal Auditors have assisted many companies throughout various industries in preparing for their ISO certification. We’ve also helped to strengthen quality management systems that promoted growth and revenue. Our ISO Internal Audits are thorough, insightful, and impactful. Once we identify gaps, we offer solutions and tools to correct them.
Cascade QMS believes establishing and maintaining a QMS system tailored to your company’s brand and vision is imperative. We also have seen the value-add of adopting global quality and organizational standards.
Reach out to one of our ISO Consultants – we’ll explain more!