Some find them useful. Some do not. I don't much care for them purely due to the time it takes to map them out, for an auditor that takes away very precious audit time. As an auditor, if a client has them, I look at them, but not usually in depth. One of the big reasons I don't pay that much attention to them is that often they are not very accurate. Someone was assigned to develop them that is not fully versed on the company's structure and practice.
I sort of look at them as an ivory tower exercise.
I sort of look at them as an ivory tower exercise.
1. They are a simple, useful tool for managers to fill out to describe the details of their processes in an ISO-style format. It acquaints them a little with the ISO process approach format.
2. Then, if they exist, the auditors can use them to make audit notes.
They are not a super comprehensive tool, and Engineers generally don't respect them. But, I have seen them help inexperienced managers and auditors a lot.
Turtle? That's a glob of milk chocolate with peanuts and some caramel isn't it?
Perfect!