If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” In the quality management services, this adage holds true.
Manufacturing, technology and healthcare industry rely on the International Organization for Standardization to measure and manage quality. To deliver products and services that consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements, organizations often seek this certification.
You may think the QMS is complete when you obtain the ISO certification, but that’s not quite the case. You ‘ll need to undergo frequent audits to ensure your organization is maintaining the standards set by ISO. But who conducts these audits? Should you have an internal auditor within your company or outsource the task to an external auditor?
ISO 9001 certification auditors are professionals who perform audits for organizations seeking the ISO 9001 certification. Let’s check if you need the services of an internal auditor or external auditor for your organization.
What is the Role of ISO 9001 Certification Auditors?
ISO 9001 certification auditors are third-party QMS evaluators. They can be either internal or external to the organization. When you higher a firm for auditing your QMS, you should expect the auditors to perform a thorough evaluation.
Let’s discuss the roles of ISO 9001 certification auditors in detail.
1. Conducting Audits
The organization seeking certification needs to undergo two types of audits: internal and external. For the internal audit, an auditor from within the organization conducts the evaluation. On the other hand, for external audits, a third-party certification body sends an ISO 9001 auditor to evaluate your QMS.
When a third-party auditor conducts the external audit, they provide an unbiased evaluation of your QMS. To get an impartial review, organizations often prefer to hire external auditors.
When an internal auditor performs the audit, there may be a conflict of interest or lack of objectivity. Auditor may not be able to point out the flaws in the QMS. But with an external auditor, you can get a fresh perspective on your processes and identify areas for improvement.
2. Identifying Non-Compliance Issues
In a typical audit, ISO 9001 certification auditors look for non-compliance issues within the QMS. The issues identified by ISO 9001 certification auditors are classified as non-conformances. The non -conformances are further divided into minor and major issues.
But how do you know if the issue identified is a minor or a major one? Experienced ISO 9001 certification auditors identify the severity of the non-conformance like how it affects the processes and if it violates any regulatory requirements.
3. Providing Recommendations for Improvement
What I have observed every organization has some idea of the processes that need improvement. They often try to conceal the flaws. But when ISO 9001 certification auditors analyze your processes, they identify areas for improvement and provide unbiased recommendations.
External auditors bring a fresh perspective to your organization and identify areas for improvement without any bias. They are good at identifying areas where you can improve your processes and increase efficiency. With their recommendations, you can enhance your QMS and meet ISO 9001 standards more effectively.
4. Verifying Corrective Actions
Another real issue faced by organizations is to verify if the corrective actions have been implemented and addressed. That could be a reason to hire an external ISO 9001 certification auditor. They are experts in identifying if the corrective actions have been taken or not.
The verification process must be thorough and detailed resulting in a well-documented report. A best thing about the ISO 9001 certification auditors is that they work on the root cause of the identified problems and do not settle only for a temporary solution.
They will not simply accept the evidence that the corrective steps have been taken. They will review if the issue has truly been resolved, and the root cause has been identified and addressed.
5. Maintaining Objectivity
Audit duties should be kept separate from the quality management functions for a better audit system. That ensures that auditors can perform their job with unbiased judgment, meaning there is no conflict of interest when reviewing the QMS.
The ethical standards in audits ensure impartiality, objectivity and confidentiality while conducting the audit. External auditors must be independent from the organization to provide accurate evaluation of the QMS. They cannot be influenced by any internal politics or personal relationships within the organization.
What Qualifications and Skills Should ISO 9001 Certification Auditors Possess?
1. Knowledge of ISO 9001 Standards
Organization process standardization and improvement are the primary objectives of ISO 9001 certification audits. Auditors must be familiar with the ISO 9001:2015 version, its requirements, and how they apply to different industries. The context of the organization, leadership, planning, support, operational processes, and performance evaluation are all areas auditors must be familiar with.
The core vocabularies of ISO 9001 language like “documented information”, “nonconformity” and” process approach” should be at their fingertips. To met the requirement of certified lead auditor, auditors should have 1. know the control objectives, and how they are maintained through processes by supporting evidence 2. understand relationships between processes 3. know the relationships between departments and how they work together to serve the customer.
2. Audit Training and Experience
How to audit, when to audit and how often are concepts that auditors must know. The training period of an auditor is long, reaching up to 2 years. During this time, they should work closely with experienced auditors, observe audits and do some auditing under supervision. All this training will lead to essential skills such as how to ask questions effectively, how to analyze evidence properly and writing audit reports.
3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Auditing involves not just technical knowledge but also effective communication and interpersonal skills. Certification auditors must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with the organization being audited. They need to explain complex concepts and requirements in a manner that all stakeholders easily understand.
Additionally, auditors must be able to build rapport with the organization’s employees and management during the auditing process. This helps create a positive and cooperative atmosphere, making gathering information and identifying non-compliance issues easier.
4. Problem-solving and Analytical Skills
Certification auditors must possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills to conduct thorough and accurate audits. They must be able to critically analyze processes, procedures, and evidence presented and identify potential non-compliance issues.
Auditors must also be able to think critically when providing recommendations for improvement. This involves considering the organization’s unique context, risks, and objectives and providing practical solutions that align with ISO 9001 standards.
5. Ethical Standards
Integrity, objectivity, and fairness are vital qualities in a certification auditor’s role. Auditors must adhere to a strict code of ethical standards, disclose potential conflicts of interest, and maintain confidentiality.
They must also avoid familiarity bias by rotating among different organizations to ensure objectivity in their evaluations. These ethical standards help maintain the credibility and integrity of ISO 9001 certification audits.
How to Find a Qualified ISO 9001 Certification Auditor
ISO 9001 consulting requires a thorough and accurate audit by qualified and experienced certification auditors. Here are some ways to find a reputable and competent auditor for your organization:
1. Accredited Certification Bodies
The first step in finding a qualified certification auditor is to choose an accredited certification body. Accreditation bodies ensure that auditors meet specific criteria and adhere to international standards, ensuring the reliability and credibility of their audits.
Some recognized accreditation bodies for ISO 9001 certification include the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Choosing an auditor from one of these accredited bodies ensures they have the qualifications and skills to conduct a thorough and accurate audit.
2. Recommendations and Referrals
Seeking recommendations from reputable sources can also help narrow your search for a qualified auditor. For example, you can reach out to other organizations that have undergone ISO 9001 certification and ask for referrals.
You can also ask for recommendations from consultants or trusted organizations within your industry. These recommendations can help find an auditor with relevant experience and knowledge in your field.
How We Can Help You Find a Qualified ISO 9001 Certification Auditor?
Suyncuppro provides a comprehensive database of certified ISO 9001 auditors, making it easier for organizations to find qualified, experienced auditors. Our platform allows you to search for consulting based on their location, industry experience, and other criteria.
Additionally, we provide resources and tools to help organizations prepare for ISO 9001 certification audits and improve their overall quality management systems. Our goal is to make the certification process as smooth and efficient as possible by connecting organizations with qualified auditors and providing support along the way.