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The benefits of remote auditing your certification systems

Posted by TUV Rheinland on Aug 6, 2020 2:22:58 PM
TUV Rheinland

Remote auditing your certification systems

With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all industries across the globe, the reliance on technology to keep businesses going has never been more imperative. Fortunately, auditing generic certification systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001 can still be a smooth experience, thanks to remote auditing.

What is remote auditing?

One of the benefits of enlisting our assistance is our mastery of remote auditing. It allows our team of experts to deliver your audit program at any time, from any location. 

Think of a remote audit as practically the same as an audit done on-site, but done via live streaming technological tools, such as Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Webex.

Your assigned auditor can still manage your documents, record reviews, tour your premises, conduct interviews with employees, findings, and present any relevant findings from wherever they are based, at both your convenience and theirs.

Including remote audits as a part of your programs can actually benefit your company in more ways than one. Besides accessing our expertise and help at any time, you also get minimize carbon footprint, decrease the usual auditing expenses, and ensure your company stays ahead of schedule.

So what goes into the process of remote auditing the aforementioned four certifications? Read further to find out more.

 

What to expect from a remote audit

Remote auditing is applicable for most generic certification schemes, and most certifying bodies allow it. Of course, there are exceptions. This method is not permitted for some certification procedures such as IATF 16949 (the requirement for the automotive industry).

For ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001 in particular, there are no restrictions, and the range of possibility for remote shares are between 30% to 100%. The final share of remote per company depends on the decision of the certification body based on existing conditions.

Take note that remote auditing should be used as complementary parts of an overall auditing program, and not be considered a ‘be-all or end-all’ solution that replaces it.

Depending on a company’s product or service, your auditing program may still require on-site visitation. But the good news is it can be carried out at a later date to accommodate the safety of all parties involved during this health pandemic.

 

Obstacles to consider

Nothing is perfect, and as such, you should anticipate the constraints of remote auditing well ahead of choosing it as an option. 

During a remote audit, expect difficulties to emerge particularly when inspecting areas involving product storage and manufacturing processes. What helps to mitigate them is the use of reliable live video so your auditor secures important audit evidence.

Also, not every employee can understand the ropes of e-auditing enough to guarantee a smooth experience. So it’s crucial to keep the process as transparent as possible and brief your employees before the audit process so they know what to expect and how to help out with it.

 

In need of a stellar remote audit service to audit your certification system? Contact our team of experts today to expedite your audit program.