Remote Audits in Manufacturing

Remote audits are about using technology to collect evidences, gather information, interview an auditee, etc. when “face-to-face” methods are not possible or desired.

ISO 19011:2018 mentions the possibility of using remote audits and virtual audits. There is an important remark: Performing remote audits can depend on the kind of risk to achieving the audit objectives, the level of confidence between auditor and auditee’s personnel and any regulatory requirements. Please check ISO 19011:2018 Annex A.1 Applying audit methods. See also Annex A.15 Visiting the auditee’s location and Annex A.16 Auditing virtual activities and locations.

Deciding when and how to use remote auditing techniques depends on the audit objectives, scope and criteria, the available technology, the competency of the auditee and auditor to use the technology, and the type of audit evidence that needs to be gathered. The key question is whether the remote auditing techniques allow you to meet your audit objectives, while benefitting the audit process, or whether the use of remote auditing techniques could be a disadvantage to your audit.

Remote audits can be useful for auditing manufacturing during circumstances beyond the control of the organization, commonly referred to as “Force Majeure”. Remote audits can be useful for reducing audit costs and increasing audit efficiency.

The following material will provide you more information about remote audits:

• What are benefits and barriers when performing remote audits? - https://advisera.com/articles/what-are-benefits-and-barriers-when-performing-remote-audits/
• ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Course - https://advisera.com/training/iso-9001-internal-auditor-course/
• Book - ISO Internal Audit: A Plain English Guide - https://advisera.com/books/iso-internal-audit-plain-english-guide/