What is an internal quality audit?
An internal quality audit is a systematic, independent and documented process used to obtain evidence and objectively assess whether the requirements of the audited standard are being met. More specifically, the purpose of the audit is:
- To determine the conformity or nonconformity of the quality management system with ISO 9001 certification, ISO 14001 certification or EMAS for environmental management, ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety, or ISO 27001 certification or ENS for information security.
- To determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the system in monitoring and achieving objectives, managing nonconformities and implementing improvement actions.
- To identify improvement opportunities within the management system that help achieve continual improvement.
- To comply with legal, regulatory and voluntary requirements linked to the scope of the audited standards.
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How do you conduct a successful ISO audit?
Obviously, a good ISO internal quality audit must comply with the requirements of the standards being audited. There are auditors who simply cover the formality, and auditors who bring value to the business. As ISO consultants, we carry out internal audits that add value because:
- They must be carried out in an integrated way with other standards: such as ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, ISO 27001 for information security or CSR audits.
- In an ISO 9001 internal audit, we understand what is being audited. As good auditors, we know how to understand both the context and the needs and expectations of interested parties. An auditor must know the sector and show empathy with its challenges.
- An internal quality audit must provide value to Management. A good way to provide value is by linking strategy, the business plan and marketing with the certification of the integrated management system.
- An audit must support continual improvement. In a good ISO audit, useful observations and improvement opportunities are identified to help ensure that the ISO certificate becomes a real tool for continual improvement.
- It must take into account new requirements and other standards. The value of the audit increases when we contribute the knowledge we have as senior consultants, as well as our understanding of complementary standards that can add value to the organization, such as ISO 50001 for energy efficiency or ISO 14064 for GHG reporting and carbon footprinting.