Internal Auditor Technologies

[TacitBlue]

What technologies or products are available to assist internal auditors in conducting more efficient and effective audits or related tasks? Is it possible to use game-changing tools to reduce reliance on legacy tools? My intent is to find a way to use technology to supplement the abilities of my internal auditors. Any suggestions?

 

[Jen Kirley]

I am frankly entertained by this question, as I find that my effectiveness as an Internal Auditor was more about inquisitiveness and connecting the dots with previous audits in other areas, than technologies or products.

Some enthusiastically dispute my methods, but I attached a note sheet set in the thread ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 Audit Questions for a Security & Corporate Affairs Department which helps me follow the risks-controls-measurements-competency-documents-traceability-nonconforming management.

This is not a magic solution, as technology will not compensate for poor audit technique. This format helps me to stay organized in my note keeping and make sure I ask the relevant questions. The auditor is expected to recognize opportunities to "drill down" and understand deep effectiveness/ineffectiveness, and to explore why that happens.

I wish I could give you a simpler answer. There is a reason, in my view, why not everyone should be an auditor.

 

[Mike S.]

The "technology" I use while conducting the audit is paper (often a marked-up procedure that becomes my audit "checklist"), a pen, a highlighter, and my phone which I use as a camera if I need to take a pic to document something. Some people may be more efficient with a laptop or tablet.

 

[Randy]

more efficient

Can you define what you think is efficient?

effective

Can you define what you think is effective?

audits

Can you tell me what you think audit is?

game-changing tool

What is a game-changing tool in your understanding?

legacy tools

What do you consider legacy tools?

My intent is to find a way to use technology to supplement the abilities of my internal auditors.

Why?


What I've done above is audited your statement which is what your internal folks should do, no games, no playtime just look at what's, verify the understanding of the requirement and get the evidence.