4 replies to this topic

[ebutera]

I have two facilities within 15 miles of each other.  Both plants use identical programs.  I have been using one internal audit schedule to complete these audits.  So far this has not posed an issue.

Recently we opened a plant 2000 miles away.  This plant will use identical programs as the other two plants.  Can I conduct the internal audits remotely?

[Lena Scott]

If you need to conduct on-site audits, definitely you can't do it remotely as you need to witness the implementation of the system.. Maybe you could just define an audit frequency wherein you dedicate a day to visit the facility itself.

[Parkz58]

I'm confused here...an internal audit normally incorporates both "desk audit" elements (paperwork, documentation, etc.) and physical examination of the plant, right?  How would you propose to conduct a thorough internal audit without seeing the plan in action, as it were?

[oronogirl]

A remote audit will not suffice to meet any quality management system type audit - food safety or not. 

 

The desk audit/document system could most likely be done remotely but then you don't always get the proper evaluation that the affected/responsible personnel understand their roles in these procedures  --- even if it is just locating them.

[Mulan1010]

I agree that I do not believe you can effectively perform Internal Audits remotely.  You could train someone there to do the audits.  He/She can send you the audits each time and then once or twice a year you could visit the facility to help coach the assigned auditor.