9 replies to this topic

[esquef]

I cobbled together an Internal Auditing process that, although passed our SQF re-certification audit last week with flying colors, is a real pain in the rear end to manage and maintain. I'm wondering if any brave souls out there in SQF-land are currently using the SQF Reliance Internal Audit system? The user guide is 65 pages and it looks a bit daunting. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
esquef

[stsqf]

I have used the Reliance system for the Internal Auditing process and find it to be very useful actually. The Reliance system itself has some quirks that you have to get used to and work your way through in some instances, however it is nice to have everything all in one place electronically as your corrective actions for the internal audit are done in the same manner as your actual SQF Audit. As far as the manual, it really depends on your familiarity with software, computers, etc. and how comfortable you are working with trial and error - if you are able to maneuver your way around things pretty well, you may only need to reference the daunting manual once or twice during duration of the audit.

If you have an Internal Audit Team in your company, Reliance allows you to assign certain portions, corrective actions, etc. to different members to accomplish - I have not experimented with this part yet but hope to in the future after I can get everyone trained accordingly.

I know one thing my superiors were concerned about was whether or not your SQF Auditors would have full access to view your internal audits - this is NOT the case, only the members given access within your company can access/view your internal audits.

Curious to hear from others out there though as well to see if it is being utilized much!

[Charles.C]

Dear stsqf,

Puzzled.

If you have an Internal Audit Team in your company, Reliance allows you to assign certain portions, corrective actions, etc. to different members to accomplish - I have not experimented with this part yet but hope to in the future after I can get everyone trained accordingly.

I know one thing my superiors were concerned about was whether or not your SQF Auditors would have full access to view your internal audits - this is NOT the case, only the members given access within your company can access/view your internal audits.

Not quite sure what "full" access means in context of first quoted paragraph above.
So how does the SQF Auditor verify what is actually being checked and that follow-ups are carried out, eg corrective actions ?

Rgds / Charles.C

[esquef]

"Not quite sure what "full" access means in context of first quoted paragraph above."

Charles,
I think stsqf means that since Reliance is the data portal through which the actual SQF auditor enters his/her audit report and the auditee sends in corrective actions for any NC's, there's the possibility that the auditor and SQFI could potentially see your internal auditing process and be able ti ID any weaknesses in your food safety/quality systems. They claim that they don't do this, but ?????


"So how does the SQF Auditor verify what is actually being checked and that follow-ups are carried out, eg corrective actions?"

If you're referring to the actual SQF audit, the auditor verifies corrective actions through the Reliance system. In other words If I'm assesed a NC, I have to gather data (documents, photos, invoices, video, etc.) and upload it through Reliance. The auditor can accept the corrective action or reject it. If accepted it goes on to the CB for final approval.

[stsqf]

In response to Charles C., what I meant by full access to the internal audit results via Reliance is that the SQF auditors or certification bodies are not given access to view your internal audits prior to visiting your facility and performing the audit - or as esquef said, identifying any weaknesses you may have by viewing your internal audit results. During the SQF Re-Certification audits, you can either have the printed hard copy of the completed Reliance Audit or could bring it up to review electronically with the auditor to prove your non-conformances were closed out with appropriate corrective actions, etc.

Maybe I'm naive, but I really feel that as much effort as GFSI, SQF, Certification Bodies, etc. put into trying to eliminate auditor bias, etc. I prefer to believe that this Internal Audit tool via Reliance is just that - a tool to help companies perform better complete SQF-format Internal Audits to help improve their facilities and systems throughout the year, rather than just having all aspects of your SQF system viewed during the Re-Certification Audit.

[Simon]

What does the Reliance audit system look like, I cannot seem to find much information on it?

[esquef]

What does the Reliance audit system look like, I cannot seem to find much information on it?

 

Simon,

It looks similar to iCiX in some respects. It's the replacement to Muddy Boot's QuickFire secure data transfer portal.

[Simon]

Thanks Esquef, so basically Reliance is a database run by the SQF, your site is listed with your audit report and certificate and customers and potential customers can find you...and you pay for the privilege.

[esquef]

Simon,

Actually SQFI is a customer of Reliance, which is owned by EtQ. It's self described function is an "Enterprise Quality Management, FDA Compliance, Environmental Health and Safety Software System" but the scope of what they do is much broader than that.

 

Here's their website:

 

http://www.etq.com/reliance/

 

Regards,

esquef

[Simon]

Thanks for the update esquef.