Definition of Quality Audit

Quality auditors conduct audits on companies and identify problem areas.

Quality audits are performed periodically on companies that manufacture goods. These inspections allow consumers, governmental regulatory agencies and other companies to know that a particular business is producing quality products. Sometimes companies will perform quality audits on themselves (an internal audit). Whether performed internally, or by an external source, audits help companies identify problem areas and force them to find preventative solutions.

Definition

According to Praxiom.com, a quality audit can be defined as “an evidence gathering process.” An audit serves the function of examining processes and identifying quality gaps. When performed by a company on itself, this presents the opportunity to discover what practices are not working and allow for corrective and preventative actions. The results of quality audits are presented in a report and the findings are called “observations.” Audit observations are typically categorized based on their respective level of severity.

Standard Operating Procedures and Audits

When auditors perform a quality audit, they do so with a critical mindset. Part of the job for a quality auditor is to question as much as possible regarding the policies and practices for the company being audited. Auditors need to study documentation and observe employees performing their regular duties in order to find and identify potential or existing quality gaps. During a quality audit, an auditor will typically examine a process from start to finish and this enables her to have a better understanding of the efficacy of company policies and procedures.

Function

Quality audits function as a means of inspecting processes and documentation to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are established to eliminate operator-to-operator variability in the way a job is performed. During an audit, the company being examined will often need to produce documentation which displays training on corporate SOPs. Auditors will also ask to see the procedures themselves, which enables them to understand the manufacturing processes employed by the company.

Quality Management Systems

A company’s quality management system (QMS) plays a large role in a quality audit from start to finish. In the instance of an internal quality audit, the QMS will establish frequency and delegate auditors to examine the processes of various departments within the organization. With regard to external audits, the QMS determines the company’s contact person and which representatives will accompany the auditor during his visit. During the audit, an auditor’s responsibility is to examine the company’s QMS and decide if it is effective. After the audit is completed, a QMS will establish which personnel are responsible for responding to the audit observations and fixing any quality gaps discovered.

Effects

The results of a quality audit can be either positive or negative for the company being audited. If outside auditors determine that existing quality gaps are too great, it can cost the company contracts and business. This negative consequence is especially true for companies that function with known quality gaps. More likely, though, a second-party or third-party auditor will find gaps that the company is not aware exists. This can be a positive experience for a company, as it allows the organization to improve and strengthen processes.

References

• Praxiom Research Group: Quality Management Definitions