NAOTB said:
I want to thank everybody who posted to my original question. Thank you Claes for links and to Craig for more beneficial insight into audit questioning.
Although telling somebody to form their own questions is helpful, practical explanations and/or examples are more valuable. The production audit checklist and the Management audit checklist along with the Standard references have led me down the path that my initial question for help was intended. It points out matter of factly that no question is a stupid one.
This forum is fantastic and I look forward to exploring and using it often.
When ever I perform an internal audit I start at the top. Let say that we select Purchasing. We start with the QA manual and run copies of all sections pertaining to Purchasing. Then on to the QA Procedures and pull all that affect purchasing, next its detailed work instructions.
Now that I have my "stack" I begin the review of each of these documents taking notes and highliting as I go. Next I begin to write the questions, I the auditor, want answers to. Just remember not to try to ask questions of everything in the procedure, select what you think needs asking. It is rather easy. Take the requirement from the procedure and simply put it in question form.
In short it is called and an "audit plan". This plan is forwarded to the exec VP for review. Once approved by the VP the plan is issued to the department head with a scheduled audit date of 2 weeks.
In two weeks the audit begins and when it is over we issue the customary list of findings and concerns. Corrective actions are requested for all findings with a two week follow up.
I have not found an easier way that yields better results. All audits must be a learning experience and must contribute to the bottom line or they are a waste of time. I do however use checklist for all product audits.
