How to Conduct Effective Internal Audits for ISO/AS Certification

How to Conduct Effective Internal Audits for ISO/AS Certification: A True North Quality Guide

Achieving and maintaining ISO 9001 or AS9100 certification is more than just a one-time event. It requires continuous improvement, rigorous adherence to standards, and a commitment to quality at all levels. One of the most crucial tools for ensuring your company remains compliant and ready for certification is the internal audit. At True North Quality, we specialize in helping manufacturers streamline their internal auditing process, making sure it’s thorough, effective, and aligned with ISO/AS standards.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to conduct effective internal audits to not only maintain compliance but also drive continuous improvement across your organization.

1. Understand the Purpose of Internal Audits

Internal audits are not just a formality or a compliance checkbox. They are a powerful tool that helps you identify gaps, inefficiencies, and potential risks within your Quality Management System (QMS). The goal is to verify that your processes align with ISO/AS requirements and to ensure that your team members are consistently following documented procedures.

At True North Quality, we approach internal audits as opportunities for growth. The objective is not just to identify non-conformities but to find areas for improvement that will lead to better operational efficiency and product quality.

2. Plan Your Audits Strategically

The success of an internal audit begins with proper planning. Developing a clear audit schedule ensures that all processes and departments are reviewed regularly, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of your QMS. Your audit plan should cover key areas like process controls, documentation, training records, supplier management, and customer feedback.

At True North Quality, we recommend mapping out an annual audit schedule, making sure all critical areas are covered. This allows you to address issues proactively, well before the official certification or surveillance audit. The goal is to build an audit process that’s systematic, not reactive.

3. Train and Empower Your Internal or 3rd Party Auditors

Your internal or 3rd party auditors play a critical role in the success of the audit process. They need to be well-trained, knowledgeable about the standards, and empowered to assess processes objectively. At True North Quality, we offer specialized training for internal auditors to ensure they are equipped with the right skills to identify gaps, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement. We also offer that critical 3rd party audit which lends to a fresh eye that internal auditors sometime miss due to the repetitive nature of internal audits.

It’s important that your auditors have a deep understanding of ISO 9001 or AS9100 standards and how they apply to your unique operations. By providing comprehensive training, you ensure that your auditors are not only compliant but also adding value to the audit process.

4. Focus on Objectivity and Independence

An effective internal audit requires objectivity and independence. Auditors should assess areas where they are not directly involved in day-to-day activities. This helps avoid biases and ensures a fresh perspective when evaluating processes.

True North Quality recommends selecting auditors from different departments to review each other’s processes, ensuring that the audit is as impartial as possible. These auditors should be well versed in the IS0/AS standard. Additionally, we provide external auditing services if you want an unbiased, third-party assessment.

5. Dive into Documentation and Process Compliance

ISO/AS certification relies heavily on thorough and accurate documentation. During internal audits, it’s crucial to review all relevant documentation, such as quality manuals, work instructions, and training records, to ensure they are up to date and reflect current practices. You’ll want to ensure that all procedures are being followed as documented and that any changes are properly recorded.

At True North Quality, we emphasize the importance of document control and make sure our clients have clear and efficient systems in place. This not only ensures compliance but also streamlines operations by making sure all team members have access to the latest procedures. True-Northquality.com offers an entire ISO9001 document system that can be customized to your business model or brand, that is fully compliant to the quality standard.

6. Look for Opportunities, Not Just Non-Conformities (Key!)

While identifying non-conformities is an essential part of any internal audit, it’s equally important to look for opportunities for improvement. Audits should not be punitive; instead, they should encourage a culture of continuous improvement.

True North Quality helps manufacturers focus on the bigger picture by highlighting ways to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall quality. Whether it’s tweaking a process or implementing new technologies, these insights help drive ongoing growth and success.

7. Conduct Root Cause Analysis for Non-Conformities

When non-conformities are identified, the next step is to understand the root cause. It’s not enough to simply fix the issue; you need to address the underlying problem to prevent it from recurring. It's critical to get to the root cause so that recurrences of the issue don't repeat. At True North Quality, we guide our clients through a thorough root cause analysis, ensuring that corrective actions are effective and sustainable.

This process ensures that the improvements you make are long-lasting, which will ultimately lead to fewer non-conformities and a stronger QMS.

8. Implement Corrective Actions and Follow Up

Once non-conformities and opportunities for improvement are identified, it’s critical to implement corrective actions promptly. At True North Quality, we work with companies to create actionable plans that address the issues found during the audit. More importantly, we emphasize the need for follow-up to ensure that corrective actions have been implemented and are effective.

Continuous follow-up is crucial because it ensures that improvements are sustained, and the same issues do not arise again in future audits.

9. Document Audit Results and Communicate Findings

Effective internal audits depend on clear communication and documentation. Once the audit is complete, document all findings, including both non-conformities and areas of improvement. This documentation not only provides a record for future audits but also serves as a tool for ongoing performance improvement.

At True North Quality, we provide detailed audit reports that offer clear, actionable insights. These reports are shared with management and relevant team members to ensure that everyone is aligned on the path forward.

10. Use Audits as a Continuous Improvement Tool

Internal audits should not be viewed as a one-time event. Instead, they are part of a larger strategy for continuous improvement. At True North Quality, we help manufacturers embed audits into their culture, using them as regular opportunities to refine processes, enhance quality, and drive operational efficiency.

By approaching internal audits as a tool for growth, rather than a checklist item, your company can stay ahead of potential issues, maintain compliance, and continually improve its operations.

Conclusion: Partnering with True North Quality for Internal Audit Excellence

Conducting effective internal audits is critical for achieving and maintaining ISO/AS certification, but it’s also an opportunity to transform your manufacturing operations. At True North Quality, we bring decades of experience in quality management and ISO/AS standards to help manufacturers implement internal audits that not only ensure compliance but also drive meaningful, lasting improvements.

Whether you’re looking for support in training your auditors, conducting external assessments, or improving your internal processes, True North Quality is here to help you take your auditing process—and your business—to the next level.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your ISO/AS internal audit needs and help you build a culture of continuous improvement