Audits provide organisations with insight, control, and confidence in their processes and suppliers. Symbol trains employees in conducting internal audits to systematically develop processes and suppliers.
Internal audits and supplier audits are essential for evaluating processes, managing risks, and achieving continuous improvement. By regularly conducting audits, organisations gain insight into the effectiveness of their management systems and supplier performance. This helps to identify deviations in a timely manner, ensure quality throughout the supply chain, and comply with standards and customer requirements.
Symbol supports organisations with internal audits, for example, in support of ISO9001 and IATF16949. Symbol also supports supplier audits according to VDA 6.3. With extensive experience at OEMs and Tier suppliers, Symbol conducts practical audits that not only identify deviations but also generate concrete improvement opportunities, as part of supply chain development.
The organisation establishes an audit programme that defines which processes, departments, and locations will be audited. This takes into account risks, previous audit results, and standard requirements, ensuring that audits contribute systematically and purposefully to improvement and control.
The auditor studies relevant documentation such as procedures, work instructions, reports, and previous audit findings. Based on this, an audit plan and checklist are prepared, enabling the audit to be conducted in a structured and efficient manner.
The audit begins with an opening meeting where the objective, scope, and methodology are explained. Agreements are made regarding planning, involved employees, and processes to be assessed, ensuring all parties have clarity on the audit’s progress.
The auditor conducts interviews with employees, observes processes, and assesses working methods in practice. This determines whether implementation aligns with documented procedures and whether processes function effectively and according to the standard.
During the audit, objective evidence is collected in the form of documents, records, and observations. This evidence forms the basis for assessing the effectiveness of processes and determining compliance with requirements.
The auditor analyses the findings and identifies deviations, risks, and improvement opportunities. These are clearly documented and substantiated, allowing for targeted corrective actions to be determined and structural improvement to be achieved.
The audit concludes with a closing meeting where the main findings are discussed. Subsequently, an audit report is prepared with conclusions, deviations, and recommendations, enabling the organisation to steer purposefully towards improvement.
The organisation establishes corrective actions to remedy deviations and implement improvements. The progress and effectiveness of these actions are monitored, ensuring that improvements are sustainably embedded within the organisation.
Good audits deliver more than just conformity. Symbol conducts internal and supplier audits that generate concrete improvement opportunities and contribute to the development of your supply chain.
What is the difference between an internal audit and an external audit?
An internal audit is conducted by or on behalf of the organisation itself to assess and improve processes. An external audit is carried out by an independent party, for example, for certification or customer assessment.
How often should you conduct internal audits?
The frequency of internal audits depends on risks, standard requirements, and previous results. In many organisations, audits are planned annually, but critical processes or suppliers are assessed more frequently.
What is the difference between an audit and an inspection?
An audit assesses whether processes and systems function effectively and meet requirements. An inspection focuses on checking specific products or activities for conformity.
How do you handle audit findings and deviations?
Deviations are analysed to determine their root cause. Subsequently, corrective actions are taken and followed up to prevent recurrence and structurally improve processes.
How do you ensure audits don't become just a 'tick-box exercise'?
By using audits as a means for improvement rather than just control. This means auditors focus on process insight, involve employees, and formulate concrete improvement actions.