Internal Audits Done Remotely?

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.