Remote-Audits

TÜV NORD CERT offers remote auditing as of now: certifications, recertifications as well as surveillance can partly be carried out via video conference. For companies affected by the current corona outbreak, remote audits can make a significant contribution to maintaining certification.

Digitalisation is making its way into all industries. This also applies to certification - via remote audits. The special thing about it: this form of auditing does not require the auditor to be physically present on site. TÜV NORD CERT now offers its customers this new option.

Just over a year ago we started the pilot project for remote audits. With success on both sides: our auditors found the increased flexibility in scheduling to be very positive. Added to this were the savings in travel time and the reduction of costs. The customers also emphasised the participants' local flexibility and the savings in travel expenses. They also liked the reduced 'intervention time' in the daily operations.

A remote audit is usually useful if the on-site audit time just exceeds eight hours, for example. A remote audit is particularly useful if the on-site audit time just exceeds eight hours, for example. Without remote audit, a second journey would be necessary in this case. Remote audits are also suitable for companies with many locations. It does not matter whether these are national or international locations. Travel to the location and, if necessary, an overnight stay in a hotel can be omitted by the remote audit. This saves travel expenses and travel times. In the current circumstances, however, there are numerous special regulations. Therefore, a remote audit is an ideal solution for every company.

Remote audits can be performed as part of the certification of management systems. Usually, the share of a remote audit may not exceed 50 percent of the total audit time. This has also changed in the current situation. Audits can be executed remotely up to 100 percent. For companies affected by the current corona pandemic, remote audits can make a significant contribution to maintaining certification.

In essence, the remote audit does not differ from a conventional on-site audit. The on-site audit meeting is replaced partially or completely by an interactive, web-based video conference. It is only important that auditors and auditees check the technology before the audit.

The most important basis is a laptop or computer with internet access, a webcam and a headset. Audits can be carried out via WebEx as well as via Skype for Business. Because WebEx offers better stability, the project team recommends this program. We have developed a checklist for all interested customers. It is helpful to check whether the infrastructure is suitable for a remote audit.