How does an audit work?

Audits are an important tool for assessing how your business is performing. But what exactly is an audit? And how does it work? In this blog, we take a closer look at how audits are carried out.

What is an audit?

An audit is a systematic and independent investigation. An audit allows you to determine the effectiveness of your quality system. It can also be used to determine the extent to which customer requirements, legal and regulatory requirements or internal requirements are being met. It is a source of information for assessing where your company can improve. An audit identifies potential problems and risks in good time, before incidents or deviations occur.

Types of audits

Audits can be divided into different types, also referred to as 1st, 2nd and 3rd party audits:

• Internal audit: audits within your own organisation, carried out by an internal auditor or external agency.

• Supplier audits: audits at a supplier, carried out by an auditor from the company itself or a hired party.

• External audits: audits carried out by external independent organisations, certifying bodies, but also, for example, the NVWA.

The different types of audits are carried out for different purposes. For example, to assess whether a supplier is working according to the correct guidelines or to certify a company. The certification demonstrates to customers that a certain standard is being met.

Working method

An audit must be carried out by an independent auditor. It is important that the auditor does not assess processes for which he is responsible and therefore has no interest in the results of the audit. The working method for an audit can vary from case to case. In general, the process consists of several steps:

1. Preparation

During the preparation phase, an audit programme is drawn up and a schedule is made. The quality system or parts thereof are reviewed and the results of previous audits are examined.

2. Implementation

During the audit, the auditor examines whether your company meets the requirements of a standard based on evidence. To this end, the auditor collects information such as documents and registration forms. In addition, information can be obtained through the auditor's observations and interviews with employees. The audit checks and assesses the information. In this way, the auditor checks whether the working method described by the employee corresponds to the working method described in the documents. Can you demonstrate that you say what you do and that you do what you say?

3. Reporting

All findings are collected and recorded in an audit report. Topics discussed, points for attention and shortcomings are described in this report. Corrective measures are also recorded. The outcome is communicated to management and other parties involved.

4. Follow-up

If corrective measures have been proposed in the audit report, the follow-up assesses whether the measures have been implemented and whether they have produced the intended results. This is done in writing or by means of a repeat audit. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and depends on the deviation identified and the corrective measure.

Need help?

Do you have questions about audits or need help preparing or conducting audits, such as an internal audit, supplier audit or witness audit? Please contact us. Our auditors and inspectors are passionate about their work and have extensive experience and knowledge. This limits your risks and reduces the risk of irregularities during certification audits, customer visits and NVWA audits.

Author: Normec Foodcare Knowledge partner in food safety, product quality and taste