Hi Guys,

Please can anyone explain how auditing can function as:

A] a control system
&
B] an Improvement system

Kind Regards

Cindi:)

Hi Guys,

Please can anyone explain how auditing can function as:

A] a control system
&
B] an Improvement system

Kind Regards

Cindi:)

Cindi,


I have moved this thread to the auditing forum for better responses.

First, auditing is not going to improve a Business System (or QMS). It is a tool to validate that the processes are compliant to documented procedures.

Second, it is not used to control the system.

Auditing is a valuable tool to help the system that has been documented. You would used the Continuous Improvement Process to better the system.

This is in my opinion. But there are other experts that might enlighten you on the internal audit process.

Audits are part of a control system only in the sense that they measure whether or not the control system has been effectively implemented as specified by the external or internal standards used.

Audits will only help improve a system to the extent that the standard to which the audit is done includes significant business improvement components, and helps to identify deficiencies or opportunities within those components. For example, use of the Baldrige criteria for an audit/assessment would likely identify opportunities for improvement in nearly any organization. However, it would only be actions taken after the audit that would actually create that improvement.

Hi Guys,

Please can anyone explain how auditing can function as:

A] a control system
&
B] an Improvement system

Kind Regards

Cindi:)

Auditing per se cannot function as either a control or improvement system.

However, a good auditor and a receptive auditee can work together to improve process controls. Unfortunately they don't often come as a matched pair.

Auditing is a support function.

We don't control; we evaluate controls and point to areas needing greater focus.

We don't improve; we help others gain insight on opportunities for improvement, and make it plain when things are going well.

The audit team's value is directly proportional to the organization's openness to honest criticism, and responsive corrective actions for things auditors find.

Auditors can help provide measurements if process owners don't have the capability. We can supply insight on how other organizations do things, so as to shine light on choices.

Good auditors supply the organization with information needed to make sound choices.

Hi Guys,

Please can anyone explain how auditing can function as:

A] a control system
&
B] an Improvement system

Kind Regards

Cindi:)Hi Cindi. Please let us know, later on, the score of this ISO 9000-related test you are taking. Covers are high achievers and we normally score in the high 90%'s ;)

Hi Cindi. Please let us know, later on, the score of this ISO 9000-related test you are taking. Covers are high achievers and we normally score in the high 90%'s ;)
:lmao: My thoughts, too.

Cindi, we are perfectly happy to help, but, if the information you are seeking is for a class project, or test, it might help us to understand that so we answer appropriately for your intended use.

I think this question was in the U.K's Institute of Quality Assurance "Quality Management" exam paper, when I took it, back in 1986......................:lmao:

Andy