The One-Hour Audit – Applying Lean Systems to QMS Audits

Sean Fields, Partner, Sean Fields, Magnolia, TX, USA

Co-Speaker: Michael Sanders

Keywords: ISO 9000, Lean, Continuous Improvement

Industry: All

Level: Basic

Abstract

QMS audits are frequently laborious and time-consuming. Adding insult to injury, the information that audits yield is often disappointingly scant and superficial. With a combination of lean principles, technology, and common sense, time spent auditing can be slashed by over 90% while increasing the quantity and quality of information collected. In this session, the following concepts will be covered:

•           Internal Auditing’s Role in a QMS – Properly understanding internal audit’s role in a QMS minimizes counterproductive internal audit practices and allows a focus on value-added activities.

•           Question Formulation – Formulating questions to enable computerization, minimize data entry, and accelerate data collection.

•           Computerization – Leveraging software to further streamline and accelerate the auditing process

•           Organization – Techniques to streamline audit preparation, administration, and reporting

Ultimately, by deploying the principles outlined in this session, attendees can implement a comprehensive approach to streamline and improve their internal auditing practices.