ISO 9001:2015 QMS Awareness – Performance evaluation: Internal audit

ISO 9001:2015 QMS Awareness – Performance evaluation: Internal audit

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Audit = A process for obtaining objective evidence

 

Audit = A process that is systematic, independent and documented

 

Audit = A process for evaluating the objective evidence objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria (set of policies, procedures, requirements) are fulfilled

 

Purpose of internal audit – To conform (i) Whether the quality management system of the organization conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard and requirements determined by the organization, and (ii) Whether the quality management system of the organization is effectively implemented and maintained.

 

The organization needs to consider – (i) Importance of processes concerned, (ii) Changes affecting the organization, and (iii) Results of previous audit(s).

 

The organization needs to plan and establish – Audit programme (that also include the frequency, methods, responsibilities, planning requirements and reporting). 

It should be noted that specific frequency for conducting internal audit is not mentioned in the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard. The organization should determine the frequency of internal audit based on the organization’s needs, importance of the processes being audited, and the results of previous audits. 

 

The organization needs to define – Audit criteria and scope (for each audit).

 

The organization needs to select auditors to carry out internal audit (Ensure objectivity and impartiality).

 

The organization needs to implement and maintain – Planned and established audit programme.

 

The organization needs to conduct – Internal audit at planned intervals (ensure objectivity and impartiality).

 

The organization needs to report – Results of the audit to the relevant management of the organization.

 

The organization needs to take – Appropriate correction and corrective actions at an early date (without undue delay).

 

Here it is important to understand the terms ‘correction’ and ‘corrective action’.

 

Correction = An action to eliminate a detected nonconformity

 

Corrective action = An action to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity

 

Corrective action = An action to prevent recurrence of the nonconformity

 

Correction focuses on rectifying the immediate nonconformity, while corrective action aims to eliminate the root cause of the nonconformity and prevent its recurrence.

 

The organization needs to retain documented information (records) of – (i) Implementing audit programme, and (ii) Audit results.

 

For more guidance on auditing management systems, it is suggested to please refer to ISO 19011:2018 standard, Guidelines for auditing management systems.

 

Think of the following Questions

 

(1)   Why is internal audit important?

 

(2)   Can an internal auditor audit his own work?

 

(3)   What are the requirements for internal audit?

 

(4)   What is the difference between the term ‘correction’ and the term ‘corrective action’?

 

Best wishes,

Keshav Ram Singhal

 

Please have your comments / reaction.

 

To train your employees with ISO 9001:2015 QMS Awareness, please supply them “TRAINING HANDBOOK ON ISO 9001:2015QMS AWARENESS” (ASIN: B093YFFY7Z), which is available worldwide at Amazon. Please search this Training Handbook in Amazon Website of your country. 

 

 You may also supply your employees following eBooks - (i) A Concise Guide on Creating and Updating Documented Information (eBook) https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-keshav-ram-singhal-concise-guide-creating-and-updating-documented-information/ (ii) Applying Risk-based Thinking in an Organization Implementing ISO 9001:2015 QMS (eBook) https://store.pothi.com/book/ebook-keshav-ram-singhal-applying-risk-based-thinking-organization-implementing-iso-9001-2015-q/

 

Thanks.