WHAT IS ISO AUDITING?

 

ISO Auditing is defined as the on-site verification activity, such as inspection or examination, of a process or quality system, to ensure compliance to requirements. An audit can apply to an entire organization or might be specific to a function, process, or production step. Some audits have special administrative purposes, such as auditing documents, risk, or performance, or following up on completed corrective actions.

During an ISO audit you:

• Verify that the management system is in compliance with the relevant ISO standard

• Check to ensure that the actions taken to meet the quality objectives of the organization are suitable

• Verify that any problems within the management system have been addressed

• look for any improvements that can be made to the system

 

The ISO definition for an audit is:

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"A systematic and independent examination to determine whether quality activities and related results comply with planned arrangements and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve objectives".

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Why does an ISO audit help take your business to the next level?

 

There are many benefits internal and external. Your employees will feel proud of ISO certification, and they’ll be eager to keep up the good work.

Your sales force will have greater confidence in the products they’re selling too. Remember, if you can “sell” to your sales team, they’ll be passionate about promoting your products to clients.

But there’s more. Preparing for your ISO audit will help you to bring about greater consistency in operations. And it will motivate managers and employees to identify and attend to priorities that influence quality.  In the process, you’ll reduce and even eliminate waste. After all, with greater consistency, there’s less chance of ending up with goods you have to trash because they’re not up to standard.

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The ISO certification should be a living management process that is constantly updated and optimized. For that to be true, you have to establish a schedule for tasks, internal audits, and reviews—and stick to it. The worst thing you can do is wait a month before the audit and then try to rush to complete everything.

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