Get Ready For An ISO 9001 Audit
Audits often trigger anxiety, especially when conducted by a second or third-party. They are also time and effort-consuming, which is why companies question whether audits such as the ISO 9001 audits are worth the hassle.
Yes, ISO 9001 audits are expensive due to the resources that are channeled towards preparing for the audit. However, the end goal, which is to become ISO certified, is worth the effort, especially if you're dealing with 3rd parties who will only work with you if you're certified.
What Is An ISO 9001 Audit?
It’s the last step of the ISO 9001 certification process, where an external auditor evaluates the quality management system that’s been implemented by your water company. The auditor will evaluate and make recommendations as to whether you deserve to be certified or not based on relevant documentation. These important documents act as proof that your company has met the relevant ISO requirements.
Therefore, you might want to compile your documents or all information set to be audited. Ensure that the information is up-to-date and easily retrievable when the need arises. In addition to compiling the documents, the following tips will help you prepare for the audit:
- Learn And Understand The Standards
The external auditor will use the ISO 9001 requirements as a reference point; thus, you need to know the mandatory and non-mandatory requirements. Keep in mind that each company is unique; thus, some requirements will apply to certain companies, but not all. Therefore, determine the applicability of these requirements to your company and the products or services you offer.
- Conduct An Internal Audit
Internal audits are among the three types of ISO 9001 audits. The remaining two are either conducted by a second or third party. If you're preparing for an external audit, it's recommended that you conduct an internal audit.
The internal audit is considered a rehearsal, and it will help you identify weaknesses or areas that can be improved. If your water company has several departments, you'll need to dedicate enough internal auditors or subcontract the audit to ensure that all departments are covered.
Develop an audit plan and audit frequency. Some companies prefer quarterly or biannual, and others prefer yearly audits. Ensure that you stipulate how often you will have the internal audits. For example, if you audit your company and point out areas that need improvement, will you audit the company after 4 months to assess whether the recommendations were adopted?
- Adopt The Recommendations
Once the internal audit is complete, the auditor will recommend corrective actions that will help you meet the ISO requirements. Create deadlines for completing these actions and ensure that the deadlines are followed.
If possible, conduct another audit to confirm that the corrective actions were implemented and that your company meets all the relevant ISO requirements.
What Happens When You Fail The ISO 9001 Audit?
A small setback doesn’t have to pull you down. If you fail the ISO audit due to nonconformances, your company will be granted time to rectify the issues raised. The auditing process follows several stages, and the first stage is the readiness assessment, where the auditor will address any concerns or red flags before you proceed to the next stage. By the time you get to the next stage, the auditor will communicate whether your company is ready to proceed. However, if the company is not ready, the auditor will recommend against certification, which is termed as an unsuccessful audit. Such situations aren't common but don't think they can't happen to your company.
The idea of an ISO 9001 audit is not about failing or passing; it's about helping you evaluate, develop and maintain an operating system that aligns your business with the best practices and positions you for success.
Typically, if the auditor finds several minor nonconformities, you are granted time to fix them before you're offered certification. Alternatively, if the auditor finds a major nonconformity, you'll have to wait till the next audit to receive certification.
Conclusion
Before you can implement or prepare for an ISO 9001 audit, you need to understand your organization and ISO 9001 certification requirements. The certification requires you to focus on quality; thus, you need to evaluate your operations, products, and services, customer satisfaction, etc.
Ensure that you improve on areas that do not meet the requirements. In doing so, come up with a sustainable strategy to help you maintain the ISO certification and not just pass the audit. The certification process is complicated, and the audit, especially the preparation, is grueling, but it's worth it. If you fail the audit, learn from the nonconformity report and improve the areas addressed in the report.
Being ISO 9001 certified will help your company improve its efficiency, quality of products, and relationship with its customers and employees.
Source: Reciprocity Labs