Auditing

As defined in ISO 9000:2000, section 2.8.2, “Audits are used to determine the extent to which the quality management system requirements are fulfilled. Audit findings are used to assess the effectiveness of the quality management system and to identify opportunities for improvement.”

First- party audits are conducted by, or on behalf of, the organization itself for internal purposes and can form the basis for an organization’s self-declaration of conformity.

Second-party audits are conducted by customers of the organization or by other persons on behalf of the customer.

Third-party audits are conducted by external independent organizations. Such organizations, usually accredited, provide certification or registration of conformity with requirements such as those of ISO 9001.

SG Consulting is available to provide assistance or clarification in all the above facets of auditing.