Audit software

Audit software. An audit is a systematic periodic check that is carried out by an auditor. Called 'auditing' for short. The word audit is derived from a Latin word "audire", which means "to hear". Because an audit process ultimately assesses people, it is crucial that this audit process runs smoothly. In short, audit management.
The auditor uses questionnaires or checklists to investigate whether the reality corresponds to the desired state of affairs. Usually a standard (ISO 9001, 14001, 27001, NEN7510, ..) is the reference. The auditor identifies any (structural) deviations and determines the severity of the deviation, and then reports these findings to the auditee. Usually this is the board of directors or in larger organizations the management. The results of an audit procedure are recorded in a report.  

Software side. The audit process is structured with a clear workflow. In addition, various parties (auditor / audit team - auditees) are involved who need each other's information. Remote and mobile working is also interesting. All in all, this lends itself perfectly to a good audit software tool.

Audit software - the process

An audit is an activity that identifies the risks or shortcomings in a process or organization. Does a process or organization meet the frame of reference, usually a standard. The extent to which the existing control measures sufficiently cover the risks is examined. 
The auditor who carries out the audit must be independent. An important requirement. It is important that the auditor does not assess processes for which he is responsible and therefore has no interest in the results of the audit. The method of an audit can differ from time to time.

In general, it consists of the following process steps:

1. Preparation
   An agenda is drawn up for the specific audit on the basis of a previously drawn up audit programme. What is covered and what is not. The management system or parts of it are reviewed and the results of the previous audits are examined. Have all improvements been implemented effectively?
    
2. Execution
   During the audit, the auditor examines whether the organization or process meets the requirements of a standard based on evidence. To this end, the auditor collects information such as documents and registrations and assesses operational (monitoring) systems. In addition, information can be obtained through auditor observations and interviews with employees. The auditor checks and assesses the information. Can it be shown that the auditee says what he does, and that he does what you say?
    
3. Report
   All findings, deviations from the standard or suggestions for improvement are collected and recorded in an audit report. Discussed topics, points of attention and shortcomings are described in this and these are discussed with the auditee. Corrective actions are also recorded. There should be no ambiguity about the facts.
    
4. Succession
   If corrective actions have been proposed in the audit report, the auditee must implement them. In a subsequent audit, for example a repeat audit, it can then be assessed whether these corrective measures have actually been implemented.

A very specific process. For the implementation, we therefore rely on our business partner meta-audit.nl. 

Audit software

On the IT side, software developments are moving fast. For example, remote audits have quickly become the practice. A lot is also possible with audit management software . 

Take a look at this overview of 'standard' functionalities of a digital management system, set up for audits.

For those who are still 'fighting' with loose documents, long lead times or unclear progress ....  
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