Preparing for SQF level 2 Audit
I am currently gathering information from several C.B.'s for our first SQF level 2 Audit. As I am corresponding with them, in order to get an accurate quote, I am asked EVERY TIME "Have you had a Gap assessment?" When I respond that I had chosen to do this on my own, they proceed to pressure me into thinking that this is an absolute must.
We are a small dairy facility and like most, do not wish to spend unnecessarily. As I see it, if our programs, policies and procedures are carefully implemented and working - what more can we do?
Please let me know if you are out there and have accomplished this feat without the Pre assessment (or the help of a consultant!) I APPRECIATE IT!
Penny wise, pound foolish?
I agree with Setanta.
Food safety standards have a lot of small things that you might not be doing and in the end they add up. Not only points off on the score for SQF but time needed to correct the nonconformities.
The gap analysis isn't too hard. You go line by line and make sure you do x or have y policy in place.
I like the gap audit, even though we can usually easily do the same thing. I want the CB to have "skin in the game" so I don't get some crazy finding on the site audit during the initial certification.
Hello,
We were able to pass our first SQF 2000 L2 audit without a GAP assessment.
Our internal audit was very thorough and very instrumental (I think), in our success.
we too, are a small company and I had to wear many hats (QA manager, SQF practitioner, internal auditor and GM).
Because, I have never had a GAP assessment done, I cannot give my opinion as to whether it would have been more helpful.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Best,
B.
I recommend not passing up on the GAP assessment, especially because you wear many hats and are a small company. You want the CB on your side as Snookie mentioned. The cost of a GAP is minimal compared to losing customers your small org probably relies on if you fail your audit and cannot obtain certification. I would caution against these types of short cuts. GFSI certification cost money to maintain; this is part of those cost that your company must commit to unfortunately. Management commitment is the foundation; they must supply personal and resources.
Yes, you can do it without a GAP assessment with a strong core team and as bkim mentioned with a strong and thorough internal audit (without this it can't be done). GAP assessments are good to stroke the ego of the CB and maybe catch things that you never thought of (If they don't catch it and you fail [conflict of interest] even though it's not the same person, it's the same business). On the plus side if you have a stubborn management that thinks you're the SQF Practitioner don't bother us just get it done mentality it's good to have the GAP assessment to push the right buttons.
I also agree with Setanta, what the assessment is worth is pennies then having to redo everything all over again 6 months down the line. And if you do the assessment it shows management commitment to continuous improvement.
I see both sides wischeese I had a GAP assessment that did very little for me, but it looked good on paper.