Remote audits: Approach and best practices

Apr 08, 2020 Audit

Fast, safe and competent assessment with remote audits

Standard owners have made arrangements allowing for the expansion of remote audits to support businesses during this current time of crisis. Our comprehensive remote audits use fast, secure and interactive streaming technology to provide you technical expertise and practical assessment.

Applicable documents for our remote audits
  • IAF MD 1:2018 - IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization
  • IAF MD 4:2018 – IAF Mandatory Document for the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Auditing/Assessment Purposes
  • IAF MD 5:2015 – Determination of Audit Time of Quality and Environmental Management Systems
  • DEKRA Management Systems Manual
We develop individually tailored strategies to ensure the remote audit meets the requirements unique to each client and location. Our experts provide you the support, knowledge and experience you need during audit:
Planning
After determining and confirming the audit approach appropriate to your specific needs and according to your available technology infrastructure, our authorized lead auditor works with you to establish which technical options and assessment methods will be used in the final audit plan.
Execution
Using reliable and stable voice and video communication and screen sharing capabilities necessary for a successful remote audit, our auditors conduct personal interviews, review documents and records and observe processes and activities according to your particular plan.
Reporting
In addition to regular result reporting, our remote audit documents methods used and determines whether the audit was effective in achieving the objectives designated in your tailored plan.
We provide accredited remote audits according to the following standards:
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 50001
  • ISO/IEC 20000-1
  • ISO 13485
  • ISO 45001 / OHSAS 18001
  • EN/AS9100 series
  • ISO 22000
  • ISO/IEC 27001
Please note that remote auditing is not suitable for initial certification audits due to the higher level of risk resulting from the lack of familiarity with the client system.
Do you have questions regarding remote audits for your company? Contact our experts now!
Frequently Asked Questions: Remote audits
Is my company eligible for a remote audit?
Any company can take advantage of a remote audit so long as all processes can be remotely mapped and all the technical equipment needed to conduct a successful remote audit is available and up to standard. It is additionally important that your employees are versed in audit rules and behaviors. Further considerations may arise in cases in which on-site visits are absolutely necessary, audits might disrupt production or services, or previous audits have been problematic or unsuccessful.
What kinds of technology might be used during a remote audit?
Are remote audits limited to office locations, or can they be used to assess production sites?
Does a remote audit differ in duration time?
How are technical problems handled during a remote audit?
What happens when processes and/or activities cannot be observed during the remote audit?
What information security rules apply to a remote audit?
  • Easy access to our global network of experts
  • Fast, secure and flexible assessment anywhere in the world
  • Stay on schedule in extraordinary circumstances
As an internationally recognized testing, assessment and certification services provider, we support you with tailored remote audits in both established and recently expanded areas. In times of crisis, you can rely on our experts to provide you comprehensive services based on up-to-date information according to international standards and evolving policy. We stand by you in your efforts to keep your business flourishing in extraordinary circumstances. Our global network of experts is on hand to serve you from a single source at any time, anywhere in the world.