Recently we have been receiving questions regarding process auditing and what it means. If you are auditing your quality management system by process or area and then auditing all the applicable ISO elements while in that area, you are doing process auditing. Process auditing involves looking at an entire process including inputs and outputs and related requirements to determine if you are doing what you say you are doing.

If you are auditing your quality system by ISO elements throughout the organization you are not set up currently for process auditing.

To start: set up a table with your processes or areas listed across the top. Along the left hand column list the ISO elements. Put a checkmark in applicable boxes. For example, document control is audited in all areas while purchasing may only be audited in the purchasing department (if that department is the only place purchasing is performed.)

You can set up a column for management that includes all the management issues and also elements such planning, customer feedback, internal audits and corrective/preventive actions. Include all those elements not primarily addressed within the departments.

Second, set up an audit schedule based on areas. Remember to audit according to the importance of the area and past findings. Production is always a critical component, but if purchasing is going well and has had few findings in the past it may be audited less frequently.

To receive example pages of both spreadsheets, please contact us.

For more information on Internal Auditor Training: Objectives-Based Process Auditing at your facility please contact us.