AS9100C Complete Internal Audit Software Package Recommendations

[savvylady]

Can someone recommend a complete Internal Audit software package with a check list, NCR's and CAR's.

Thanks,

 

[Mikishots]

Re: AS9100C INTERNAL AUDIT SOFTWARE PACKAGE

Now THAT would be a feat.

I think I can safely say that something like this would not exist (at least, not one that can actually be universal).

 

[AndyN]

Can someone recommend a complete Internal Audit software package with a check list, NCR's and CAR's.

Thanks,

I've never seen one that didn't have the auditor spend more time at the computer than they did doing the audit! You really can't do an audit with someone else's checklist - unless you want to spend even more time undoing it and making it work for you.

Frankly, and with some 25+ years of experience, audits are best done 'quick and dirty' using a pencil/pen and a pad of paper...

CARs etc, however, can be managed by a program sometimes well, since they have 'escalation' utilities etc.

 

[Marc]

There are software packages these days for the iPad, for example, that will give you the checklist and audit part. The one I have in mind is one that you can develop your own checklists with. But, it does not "do it all". NCR's and CAR's are typically separate.

That said, if anyone knows of any that fulfills the original poster's needs, please do share your recommendation.

 

[insect warfare]

If you want to go this route, for starters, you could try out the link on the left side of this webpage called "Sunday Business Systems" and check out some of its related threads on the Cove to aid you in making your decision:

However, I think most internal auditing and CAPA activities can be managed quite well using a basic setup that you create and connect yourself. It does not need to be complicated for it to do wonders - at least that way, it is yours and you have ultimate control - no need to rely on 3rd parties for any assistance whatsoever. There are tons of documents on the post attachments list that you can tailor to help support your specific audit program.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with "Sunday Business Systems".

Brian

 

[Cari Spears]

Frankly, and with some 25+ years of experience, audits are best done 'quick and dirty' using a pencil/pen and a pad of paper...

I scribble all over copies of the documents (procedures, work instructions, etc.) relating to the process I'm auditing.

 

[insect warfare]

I scribble all over copies of the documents (procedures, work instructions, etc.) relating to the process I'm auditing.

So do I. And I agree with Andy that when it comes down to gathering information, hitting the floor with a pad and pencil is the "time-tested and mother-approved" method. After the audit is concluded I will transfer that information to a more structured but legible format, which is then signed and acknowledged by the audit participant(s), effectively closing any loops.

After all, they are signing off that they agree with what took place...

Brian

 

[Mikishots]

So do I. And I agree with Andy that when it comes down to gathering information, hitting the floor with a pad and pencil is the "time-tested and mother-approved" method. After the audit is concluded I will transfer that information to a more structured but legible format, which is then signed and acknowledged by the audit participant(s), effectively closing any loops.

After all, they are signing off that they agree with what took place...

Brian

Yep, I agree. In training sessions I've provided, the same questions come up all the time; auditor trainees always seem to want a checklist, a form or a package that will tell them step by step what to do and when to do it. From what they've told me, what it comes down to is that they do not feel confident just going out on the floor and auditing without a concrete and detailed checklist because they're afraid of forgetting to ask important questions or not checking a certain aspect. After all, a checklist will tell you what to ask, and will show what the next question is. That's not auditing. My 8 year old can do that.

Problem is, the checklist is completely agnostic to the answers. It won't let you follow an audit trail because it has no idea what the answers will be; it only has the questions. A checklist can be de-railed after the very first question! Whatcha gonna do now?

 

[AndyN]

Yep, I agree. In training sessions I've provided, the same questions come up all the time; auditor trainees always seem to want a checklist, a form or a package that will tell them step by step what to do and when to do it. From what they've told me, what it comes down to is that they do not feel confident just going out on the floor and auditing without a concrete and detailed checklist because they're afraid of forgetting to ask important questions or not checking a certain aspect. After all, a checklist will tell you what to ask, and will show what the next question is. That's not auditing. My 8 year old can do that.

Problem is, the checklist is completely agnostic to the answers. It won't let you follow an audit trail because it has no idea what the answers will be; it only has the questions. A checklist can be de-railed after the very first question! Whatcha gonna do now?

The reality of internal audits - not what is taught in auditor course - is that a good deal of time is required to gather information about the process, relative documentation, process controls and other supporting items.

Without this planning, there's no investment in the audit assignment and, as a result, the auditor will - as you say - fail at the first question. It is important that the auditor develops a "mental picture" of what's supposed to be happening, so that the questions - and, more importantly the answers received - are comprehended. Without this, audit trails cannot be developed and verification of process vs activity vs 'story' cannot be accomplished effectively.

We are often told 80% of doing any job is planning, so why do people always want the "silver bullet"? The canned checklist, the 'answers' to doing the audit? We know it doesn't work! As my Dad used to say, "there's no substitute for hard work!" This time it's planning!

 

[insect warfare]

Right about now I could go for a "silver bullet"......of Coors Light!