Page 231 - The Handbook for Quality Management a Complete Guide to Operational Excellence

218 P r o c e s s C o n t r o l Q u a l i t y A u d i t s 219

Auditors should be able to express themselves clearly and fluently both
verbally and in writing. They should be well versed in the standards to
which they are auditing. Where available, this knowledge should be veri-
fied by written examination and/or certification.
Auditors should master the auditing techniques of examining, ques-
tioning, evaluating and reporting, identifying methods, following up on
corrective action items, and closing out audit findings. Industrial quality
auditors should have knowledge of design, procurement, fabrication,
handling, shipping, storage, cleaning, installation, inspection, testing, sta-
tistics, nondestructive examinations, maintenance, repair, operation,
modification of facilities or associated components, and safety aspects of
the facility/process. In a specific audit assignment, the knowledge of indi-
vidual auditors might be complemented by other audit team members.

Internal Quality Surveys as Preparation
While quality audits are formal, structured evaluations involving indepen-
dent auditors, quality surveys are internal, less formal reviews of quality
systems, products, or processes often conducted at the request of internal
management. The purpose of a quality survey is informational, so formal
reports are generally not prepared. Rather, the survey results are presented
in information-sharing sessions with concerned personnel. Quality surveys
conducted prior to quality audits can assist the organization in preparing
for the audit.

Steps in Conducting an Audit
Most quality systems audits involve similar activities. The checklist below
is an adaptation of the basic audit plan described by Keeney (1995).

• Choose the audit team. Verify that no team member has a conflict
of interest.
• Meet with the audit team and review internal audit procedures.
• Discuss forms to be used and procedures to be followed during the
audit.
• Perform a desk audit of the quality manual and other documenta-
tion to verify the scope of the audit and provide an estimate of the
duration of the audit.
• Assign audit subteams to their respective audit paths.
• Contact the auditee and schedule the audit.
• Perform the audit.
• Write corrective action requests (CARs) and the audit summary
report, listing the CARs in the audit summary.
• Conduct a closing meeting (exit briefing).

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