Audits of quality management systems

Quality management systems (QMS) require audits to monitor the implementation of certain requirements and their compliance with good practices. Internal audits or self-inspections are audits conducted by an auditor who is assigned to (contracted) or employed by the organization. Internal audits are also known as first-party audits. External audits are known as second-party audits, and are performed by a client (who audits a supplier or distributor), and third-party audits are performed by an independent organization, e.g. regulatory authority. The latter are also called inspections.

Sto Solutions Ltd. offers planning, conducting, and reporting of audits of the first and second types. First-party audits are an invaluable tool for continuous improvement of the QMS and an important input to the Management Review. The manner in which internal audits are conducted is an indicator of the maturity of the system and of the level of commitment to Quality. External audits are important for business expansion, as well as for maintaining mutually beneficial partner relationships.