Audit process

The audit process represents the standard procedure for carrying out an audit. It begins with the internal or external necessity of an audit. The end of this process is marked by the completion of the audit.

The effectiveness of the quality management system is checked through audits. The maintenance, improvement and adaptation of this system to new internal and external circumstances and requirements are ensured. This review takes place internally, by suppliers and a certification body.

• Responsibility: Quality Management Officer 

• Once a year, all processes included in the QM system are checked by an internal audit with regard to their significance for the quality management system and the effectiveness of the applicable requirements of the applicable standard.

• An external auditor with adequate professional qualifications is commissioned to carry out the internal audits and carries out the audit in cooperation with the QMB. The date and the course of the audit are agreed with him and the management and employees are informed in advance. The performance is to be specified as follows:

• • Planning with an audit plan based on the audit plan template or a comparable template from the auditor

  • Carrying out the audit using a specified questionnaire agreed with the QMB based on the questionnaire template 

  • Provision of an audit report

  • Planning and implementation of the audit in accordance with the requirements of DIN EN 9100 and DIN EN ISO 19011

  • Several years of experience in the certified area and in conducting audits 

• In the case of external audits, an agreement is made with the respective auditor. In particular, the certification and recertification audits by TÜV Süd must be observed. 

• Responsibility: Quality Management Officer and department manager

• The documentation and implementation of the quality management system is checked against the requirements of the applicable standard. The questionnaire can be used for this purpose. 

• In addition, all process, work and test instructions as well as technical and legal regulations (specifications, standards, ordinances, etc.) valid for the area to be audited as well as the requirements and expectations resulting from the context of the company are used as a basis.

• Responsibility: External Auditor and Quality Management Officer

• Audits are carried out on the scheduled dates by the designated auditor.

• The basis here are

• • the quality management manual

  • the relevant process, work and test instructions

  • all other quality-relevant working documents

  • the implementation documents

• The respondents' statements are checked for traceability (presentation of documented information). Evidence can be provided, depending on the process, in the form of written documents, checklists, visual inspections or confirmation from several independently interviewed employees.

• If a statement cannot be understood, this represents a discrepancy. The discrepancies identified are to be explained as specifically as possible using an example.

•  The questionnaire for internal audits serves as the basis for this. The audit report is also created on this basis. 

• Responsibility: External Auditor

• An audit report is created by the auditor after each audit is carried out. 

• The audit report will be distributed to

• • the process owners

  • The Board

• Responsibility: Quality Management Officer

• When discrepancies are identified, corrective measures are recorded in an action plan with dates, responsibilities, the degree of fulfillment and the review of effectiveness by the process owner.

• The action plan is made available to all audit participants and affected areas.

• Responsibility: Quality Management Officer / External Auditor

• The quality management officer monitors the action plan for its fulfillment. Checks of effectiveness are carried out by the external auditor after 4 weeks at the earliest.