Definition

Quality Audit can be generally defined as a detailed analysis of the accuracy with which a company conducts its Quality Assurance System. It is the analysis of results in relation to goals, using specific techniques.

Quality Audits are important tools to evaluate how effective the elements of a system are, and whether they are being implemented properly in order to achieve established goals.

The reality of a Quality Assurance System is subject to what is called objective evidence. In other words, it is no use to have a set of Quality documents (such as Manual of Quality Assurance, Manual of Procedures, Operating Routines, Rules and Technical Specifications etc.) if all their definitions and concepts cannot be applied in a practical manner.

If the purpose of a Quality Assurance System is to increase the competitiveness of a company by preventing non-conformances, results of Quality Audits will attest whether decisions made were correct. These results guide the company towards its goals, identifying possible corrections to reduce, eliminate and prevent non-conformances.

Thus, you must define circumstances to which Quality Audits apply and how they must be conducted.

Quality Audits are related to a single company, but they are also used in relationships between legal entities and supplier/purchaser. In other words, the relationship between two companies may depend on a good conduct of Quality Audit.