Andy,
thank you so much - this really helps me a lot. I've been so frustrated with no help and this is my first audit for TS. I may have some more questions once I get started if you don't mind? I really need a professional's help on this and you have given me the best info so far.
Thanks again!
Andy is definitely leading you in the right direction. The guidelines for auditing have changed since this thread began and Check Lists are now frowned upon, because they don't comply with the Process Approach.
The way an audit should start is by the Internal Auditor reviewing the Performance Metrics of the process which they are auditing. Ask the process owners "
how they measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the process", or "
how they know that their process is effective and efficient". The status of the metrics will help direct them to where they need to do a deep dive in the audit. A review of process performance and any resulting corrective actions that were taken can help lead the auditor to the problem areas, and might help uncover the potential root cause of poor performance.
Along with that, in preparation for the audit, if need be, the internal auditors should use the "Flow Charts" of your processes, and prepare appropriate questions for the audit following the documented flow...that's what the "process approach" is all about. Don't focus on the "standard elements".
You shouldn't have to be concerned about auditing every "element" of the standards, because your system documents already address each "element", as confirmed at your initial Document Audit, performed by the External Auditor. Good Luck!
Patricia.
