Internal audits are a critical performance evaluation tool in ISO 9001:2015. Clause 9.2 requires organizations to conduct planned internal audits to determine whether the QMS conforms to the organization’s own requirements and to ISO 9001, and whether it is effectively implemented and maintained.
What the Standard Requires
Plan, establish, implement, and maintain an audit program considering the importance of the processes concerned, changes affecting the organization, and results of previous audits. For each audit, define the criteria and scope, select auditors who ensure objectivity and impartiality, ensure results are reported to relevant management, take appropriate correction and corrective actions without undue delay, and retain documented information as evidence.
Best Practices
- Train internal auditors on ISO 9001 requirements and audit techniques (ISO 19011 guidelines)
- Ensure auditor independence — auditors should not audit their own work
- Use a risk-based approach to audit planning: audit high-risk and recently changed processes more frequently
- Use audit software to schedule, conduct, and track findings
- Track corrective actions from findings through to verified closure
- Complete at least one full audit cycle before the certification audit
Common Pitfalls
- Treating audits as fault-finding exercises rather than improvement opportunities
- Not closing findings with verified corrective actions
- Using auditors who lack independence from the area being audited
- Auditing clause by clause instead of using a process-based approach
Related Ecesis Solutions
Document Management
Version-controlled procedures and records
Audits & Inspections
Schedule, conduct, and track audit findings
Nonconformity Tracking
Report, investigate, and resolve nonconformities
Training Management
Track competence requirements and records
Change Management
Structured review of planned changes
Compliance Obligations
Track requirements and evaluation schedules
