The certification audit is a fundamental step for obtaining product or process certification. During the audit, an independent certification body evaluates whether the company meets the requirements of the relevant regulations. Facing a certification audit can be a stressful time for companies, but by following some useful tips, the audit can become an opportunity to improve your quality management system. Here are 6 tips that may help:
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Prepare for the audit
To successfully pass an audit, it is important to adequately prepare. This means the company must understand the requirements of the relevant regulations and ensure they have been properly implemented in its quality management system. The company should also prepare all necessary documentation for the audit and ensure it is easily accessible to auditors. -
Involve staff
Staff are a key element for successfully passing an audit. It is important to involve staff in the preparation process, communicating its importance and providing training and support for the initial phase. This way, staff will understand the requirements and be able to actively collaborate during the audit. -
Handle auditor questions
During the audit, auditors will ask questions about the implementation of the company’s quality management system. It’s important to clearly and accurately answer questions, providing the requested information. If unsure of an answer, admit it and provide a response later if possible. -
Address any issues
During the audit, issues or inconsistencies may arise in documentation or quality system implementation. It is important to immediately address these issues, providing an explanation and corrective action if needed. This demonstrates commitment to continual quality system improvement. -
Learn from past experiences
After the audit, it’s important to learn from past experiences and improve the quality management system. Analyze audit results and any requested corrective actions to identify areas for quality system enhancement. -
Remote audits
A remote audit is a verification procedure conducted remotely without the physical presence of an auditor. Digital tools enabling document sharing and real-time communication between auditor and inspected company are needed for remote audits. Certiblok can provide valid support, allowing easy, quick document sharing while ensuring traceability and integrity. It also facilitates managing any corrective or preventive actions an auditor may require, making the entire audit process efficient and transparent.
In conclusion, facing a certification audit can be stressful, but following these useful tips, the audit can become an opportunity to improve the quality system. A final tip – Certiblok’s support can become an enormous resource helping streamline your company’s activities!
