What is an internal quality audit?
Quality audits are conducted to ensure a quality system is in compliance with policies and standards, which can vary depending on the business run by a company. There are many industries or standards to follow.
- An internal audit is known as a first-party audit, and is done within your own company by your own employees
- Internal audits are performed for a variety of reasons, but the ultimate objective is to measure your strengths and weaknesses within your own company
- Internal audits are a tool for continuous process improvements as a rearview mirror
Steps for conducting internal audits
Despite the variety of internal audits, the procedure is the same. Internal quality audits are conducted via a systematic, independent and documented process, whereby the auditor reviews evidence and objectively determines if the findings satisfy the effectiveness of the system or process being audited.
The essential steps in internal quality audit involved are: planning, executing, reporting and follow up measures. When you're conducting an internal audit, your company has complete control over the process. Use Aptien Audit organizer to support all these phases that will help you meet your audit objectives and follow your procedures.
1. Schedule the Audit
- Access the audit organizer and create a new audit.
- Within the audit entry, open the 'Details' tab and input all required audit information.
- Use activity plans to create an audit checklist and set deadlines.
2. Perform the Quality Audit
- Conduct inspections and gather evidence on-site.
- Document findings from each inspection within the audit entry (see Audit Minutes)
3. Report Quality Audit Results
- After completing the quality audit, use the reporting tools to generate a PDF report from the audit.
- Alternatively, share the audit results digitally.
4. Create Follow-Up Actions and Corrective Measures
- For long-term corrective actions, use the corrective action organizer.
- Use task management tools to handle immediate tasks and subsequent follow-up items.