2 Responses

  1. Marj Harvey
    Marj Harvey at |

    I believe a good auditor has the ability to turn a non-compliance into something the client is happy about; as it is then you can improve their business.

    Reply
  2. Chris Zagers
    Chris Zagers at |

    I found this article interesting. The thing that was left out is that experience counts when it comes to audits, and observations, good or not so good. Opportunities for improvement should always be noted in a professional audit report. After leading audits in several commodities around the world I find the new generation of Quality Managers and people who hire quality auditors seem to think because someone passed a test after a sitting in a classroom listening to someone talk about auditing is not enough to give me much confidence in allowing that person to lead an audit. It may be enough to allow those people to attend an audit as an auditor. Observing one audit is not enough. Every audit is different, just as every company is different. Even different facilities of the same company can reveal vast differences in their systems, discipline on following procedures handed down by corporate offices and cooperation. I was an RAB Certified QMS Lead Assessor, and my recertification required a log of all audits I led, including where, over the previous year. It at least proved I was performing my craft proficiently enough to remain employed as a Lead Auditor. Nadcap makes you take several tests on the technical requirements of every possible spec related to the specific process you are applying to lead audits of. This is great if you want to hire a SME to lead your audits. I have taken SMEs on most audits I have led and find their input very valuable. Being a competent Lead Auditor has its own area of expertise, every bit as valuable as being an SME of some engineering area. The Nadcap test regimen didn’t ask a single question about how to lead an audit, nor how to handle scenarios that can occur during an audit. Upper Management often wants to save money by letting people lead audits who don’t have the proper skills. The results often add incredible cost to the process, and makes the global supply base even more terrified of audits. Leading Audits has its own skill set that many managers don’t understand, and aren’t even trying. Leading audits correctly is based on experience LEADING AUDITS! I know, “CATCH 22” but it is the truth as I see it after more than 23 years leading audits around the world.

    Reply

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