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The current Covid 19 pandemic reminds us employees, operations, supply chains and customer relations can all be affected by unplanned disruptions. That is why every business needs a plan to meet potential interruptions with clarity, confidence and calm.
That being said, the development of a set of comprehensive contingency plans comes in handy. A good contingency plan will identify likely disruptions and identify develop action items designed to minimize the impact on operational performance.
That being said, the development of a set of comprehensive contingency plans comes in handy. A good contingency plan will identify likely disruptions and identify develop action items designed to minimize the impact on operational performance.
Simply put, contingency planning is an outline of procedures to follow in case some major event impacts your business operations. Technically, the contingency plan is a document that identifies the actions the organizations will take when a specified incident happens. The goal is to minimize the incident’s impact to your operations, employees, supply chain and customers. Contingency plans should be developed for all critical processes, tasks and systems.
To that end, we have detailed 8 steps for effective contingency planning:
By following the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way to creating effective contingency plans that chart realistic tactics and achievable goals in addressing potential operational disruptions.
To learn more about how Accupoint can help streamline your contingency planning, please contact us today.
Stay safe and healthy!
- Start by setting up a committee and chose a lead. The leader will provide the skills, tools and direction so that each department can develop its own plans. Contingency planning is a big task, so involve the appropriate number of people to maximize input.
- Record the business processes for each department.
- Identify issues (real and potential) that can negatively impact business operations.
- Review the issues list with department managers and rank contingency priority to help focus plan development.
- Create plans to address each prioritized issue. Try to minimize the number of steps required to resume operations.
- Test your contingency plans. If a portion of the plan is flawed or conflicts with other contingency plans, modify and then reassess the plan.
- Formalize and communicate the plan with applicable personnel within the organization.
- Finally, make sure to review the plan at pre-determined intervals to insure continued relevance. This review will help identify areas for improvement.
By following the steps outlined above, you will be well on your way to creating effective contingency plans that chart realistic tactics and achievable goals in addressing potential operational disruptions.
To learn more about how Accupoint can help streamline your contingency planning, please contact us today.
Stay safe and healthy!
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New technology continues to overwhelm and amaze us as faster and smaller devices with specific software continue to make a major difference in how we live our lives and conduct our work.
This is especially true in the oil and gas industry. Just a couple of decades ago, questions and answers had to go through phone calls, faxes or face to face meetings. Information was compiled and stored on paper documents in a limited number of locations. But today, questions can be answered instantly through e-mails and texts and information can be stored in one place yet easily and instantly accessed by an entire workforce via electronic devices.
Unfortunately, access to new technology alone does not guarantee improved results. We've all heard stories of someone we know with a phone that doesn't understand how to do the simplest of tasks. Or of the company that purchased new computer hardware and software but never utilized it because the employees were fearful and uncertain of how to use it.
Here are two helpful reminders when considering purchasing and installing new technology. First, the education and training of the workforce is just as important as the equipment itself. New technology touted to save your staff time and energy cannot work if the staff doesn't fully understand how to use it. Training and support are required. Be sure to factor into any purchase decision the ability for users to ask questions and then be willing to consistently evaluate if the software is working as it was intended.
The second consideration is a focus on mobile technology. The benefits of mobile computing are numerous and include: data capture in the field, ease of collaboration from multiple locations, and better decision making. This in turn improves efficiency, communication and profitability. Many organizations understand these benefits, but are not fully embracing it in their day to day operations.
For more information on Accupoint's mobile solutions and our ability to empower employees and increase productivity in the manufacturing, energy and service industries, please contact us today.
The second consideration is a focus on mobile technology. The benefits of mobile computing are numerous and include: data capture in the field, ease of collaboration from multiple locations, and better decision making. This in turn improves efficiency, communication and profitability. Many organizations understand these benefits, but are not fully embracing it in their day to day operations.
For more information on Accupoint's mobile solutions and our ability to empower employees and increase productivity in the manufacturing, energy and service industries, please contact us today.
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Maintaining a management system that is effective, satisfactory and suitable is a requirement of the API Spec Q2 standard. In fact, section 6.5 states:
“The organization’s quality management system shall be reviewed at least annually by the organization’s management to evaluate the quality management system’s continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.”
To that end, we thought we would discuss a couple of items to help streamline your Management Review planning.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
When to Have a Review:
The standard requires that you review your system annually, at a minimum. However, best practice dictates that you schedule your reviews more often, say quarterly and focus on specific aspects during each session. Ultimately, this makes the process easier to manage and avoids duplication of efforts.
What to Include:
When you are setting up your Management Review agenda, make sure to compile data for use in the discussion. Include internal and third party audit results, customer complaints, non-conformities and corrective action requests. Develop a schedule that allows you to review each aspect of the management system by the anniversary date. Be sure to allow for a discussion period, to address areas for improvement as well as ways that the system should be monitored.
Upon completion, prepare action plans to address required changes to processes, resources, and other items identified in the review.
Documentation:
Per the standard, the results of the Management Review must be documented and maintained. In addition, top management must review and approve the summary assessment. Results should be communicated with appropriate individuals throughout the organization. Finally, the results should be used to drive continual improvement efforts within the organization.
To find out how Accupoint can help streamline your Management Review processes, please call toll free 800.563.6250 or visit us at accupointsoftware.com.
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In today’s world, the only constant is change. As the pace of technological innovation quickens, organizations must develop effective ways to adapt their core business models. This fact is especially true in the energy sector, where legacy infrastructure and strict regulations make it challenging to stay on the cutting edge of digitization.
After all, it’s hard to transform a well-established energy company into a Silicon Valley-style tech company overnight. While large corporations like Shell and BP are working tirelessly to make this transition, most firms don’t have the resources of an international conglomerate at their disposal.
Thankfully, there are a number of innovative solutions that can help any organization improve how they approach technology. One of the most promising trends for the energy sector is digital oilfield technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Let’s explore what a digital oilfield is and how it can benefit your company.
What Is A Digital Oilfield?
By definition, digital oilfield is a concept that enables organizations to maximize productivity, reduce cost, and minimize the risk associated with operations. When imagining a digital oilfield in action, it can be tempting to envision a high-tech operations center with hundreds of computer screens manned by dozens of experts. However, the inner workings of this new approach to oil and natural gas management are far more intricate.
How Does A Digital Oilfield Work?
In practice, a digital oilfield isn’t a physical location, but rather a collection of sophisticated hardware and software that helps to digitize the day-to-day operations. A typical technology stack includes sensors to monitor oil and natural gas extraction sites, servers to store incoming data streams, and software to analyze and interpret the information collected.
Through this technology, digital oilfields empower decision-makers with up-to-date business intelligence, which can pay dividends for any organization. In fact, there are several impressive benefits associated with implementing a digital oilfield, including improved compliance, increased productivity, and responsive maintenance for critical systems.
How Can Digitization Benefit Your Company?
In the world of business, there are numerous benefits associated with digitization. When it comes to oil and natural gas processes, key benefits include:
As we have seen, digital oilfield technology provides organizations with some great benefits. If your company is looking to adopt digitization technologies, please contact the Accupoint team to find out how to the first steps.
After all, it’s hard to transform a well-established energy company into a Silicon Valley-style tech company overnight. While large corporations like Shell and BP are working tirelessly to make this transition, most firms don’t have the resources of an international conglomerate at their disposal.
Thankfully, there are a number of innovative solutions that can help any organization improve how they approach technology. One of the most promising trends for the energy sector is digital oilfield technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry. Let’s explore what a digital oilfield is and how it can benefit your company.
What Is A Digital Oilfield?
By definition, digital oilfield is a concept that enables organizations to maximize productivity, reduce cost, and minimize the risk associated with operations. When imagining a digital oilfield in action, it can be tempting to envision a high-tech operations center with hundreds of computer screens manned by dozens of experts. However, the inner workings of this new approach to oil and natural gas management are far more intricate.
How Does A Digital Oilfield Work?
In practice, a digital oilfield isn’t a physical location, but rather a collection of sophisticated hardware and software that helps to digitize the day-to-day operations. A typical technology stack includes sensors to monitor oil and natural gas extraction sites, servers to store incoming data streams, and software to analyze and interpret the information collected.
Through this technology, digital oilfields empower decision-makers with up-to-date business intelligence, which can pay dividends for any organization. In fact, there are several impressive benefits associated with implementing a digital oilfield, including improved compliance, increased productivity, and responsive maintenance for critical systems.
How Can Digitization Benefit Your Company?
In the world of business, there are numerous benefits associated with digitization. When it comes to oil and natural gas processes, key benefits include:
- Improved Compliance With Regulations: One key advantage of digital oilfield technology is the ability to have real-time information on critical operations. This can help to ensure an organization remains in continuous compliance with environmental and worker safety regulations.
- Increased Productivity: Real-time feedback on operations in the field helps to promote increased productivity. When the status of processes is known, its outcome can be optimized to maximize profits and minimize inefficiencies.
- Responsive Maintenance For Critical Systems: Digitization can help firms know the current state of their critical infrastructure. This can assist with both proactive and reactive maintenance, which in turn helps minimize downtime and maximize profits.
As we have seen, digital oilfield technology provides organizations with some great benefits. If your company is looking to adopt digitization technologies, please contact the Accupoint team to find out how to the first steps.
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Managing field service contracts had never been easier with the arrival of Propel Field Service Management (FSM) solution from Accupoint Software.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
Propel allows real time monitoring and management of all rig service work and corporate service contracts from a single interface. Propel manages all contract pricing and issues and tracks work orders, as well as, completion status.
When a technician arrives on site, Propel can handle site inductions and pre-work site safety checklists. Propel logs contractor time on site, tracks technician’s movements and provides real time location fixing, which is essential in case of emergency.
Propel is also a powerful audit tool and reporting platform. It will accommodate any form of audit, inspections, surveys and checklists and any scoring or rating system. All inspections are GPS located and photos can be attached easily. Rectification of hazards and sub-standard work can be tracked using Propel’s Inspection Workflow system.
Realtime data visibility is enhanced with unlimited custom dashboards that enable managers and employees immediate access to the current status of the work being performed and outcomes relative to their responsibilities. The Propel dashboard streamlines contract reporting with auto assembly of real time or set period data in multiple graphical and tabular formats with the ability to add text and tables of contents. Reports can be published to the Dashboard, viewed online or printed and emailed from within the application.
The Propel Messaging center handles and tracks all contract communications. Emails generated by Propel users will appear in both Propel and email client app and all responses are automatically logged. Users can open, close and track email trails and Propel keeps a permanent record of communications, even if deleted off of the email client server.
The Propel FSM System will change the way that contracts are managed and provides an end-to-end total service solution for oil and gas industry. For more information, or to arrange a no-obligation demonstration contact us today.
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Procedure management is extremely important in any business. Procedures help direct employees on the how and why of task completion. In addition, they can provide evidence that an organization is compliant with legal regulations and contractual requirements. For this reason, having a proper procedure management system is a must for all businesses.
When it comes to procedures, there are a few things that auditors will look for first. For example, auditors will verify that a procedure was put through the proper approval process. Also, auditors will look to see if a system is in place to objectively review the procedure. In order for businesses to answer these questions, proper documentation must be gathered.
One of the most difficult things about procedure management is keeping track of documentation. Since there are many ways that employees correspond with one another, there are many documents that may surface in the process of developing and maintaining a procedure.
For example, while email correspondence may be available for one procedure, physical or paper documents may be available for another. Because of this, many companies choose to rely on QMS software to keep track of all the documents related to the procedure management process. The use of an integrated document management system streamlines the corresponding auditing process.
Web-based software applications have the added benefit of providing the ability and store procedures in a convenient location. This streamlines the audit process and ensures that procedures are accessible to team members during operations.
To learn more about Accupoint Software’s comprehensive procedures management solution, please contact us to arrange a platform demonstration.
When it comes to procedures, there are a few things that auditors will look for first. For example, auditors will verify that a procedure was put through the proper approval process. Also, auditors will look to see if a system is in place to objectively review the procedure. In order for businesses to answer these questions, proper documentation must be gathered.
One of the most difficult things about procedure management is keeping track of documentation. Since there are many ways that employees correspond with one another, there are many documents that may surface in the process of developing and maintaining a procedure.
For example, while email correspondence may be available for one procedure, physical or paper documents may be available for another. Because of this, many companies choose to rely on QMS software to keep track of all the documents related to the procedure management process. The use of an integrated document management system streamlines the corresponding auditing process.
Web-based software applications have the added benefit of providing the ability and store procedures in a convenient location. This streamlines the audit process and ensures that procedures are accessible to team members during operations.
To learn more about Accupoint Software’s comprehensive procedures management solution, please contact us to arrange a platform demonstration.
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Last week we continued our discussion on more aspects of a great management of change program. In Part 1 & 2 of our overview, we explored the actions that precipitate making the change. Today, we will discuss the implementation of the change, as well as required follow-up actions.
First, we will want to execute any pre-implementation changes and corresponding mitigation efforts that were identified. Subsequent to the implementation we will want to perform any post-implementation tasks that are required. Example would include updating procedures or modifying training materials to address the change.
Next, we need to confirm the effectiveness of the change. Once the change has been implemented it is important to make sure that the change does what it was intended to do. Sometimes organizations experience undesirable results. When this happens, we must determine if the system should be restored to the old model, or develop a new MOC to address the unintended results.
Finally, we need to follow-up and confirm the success of our mitigation efforts. This ensures that the new system will not produce any unseen difficulties for the organization. Also, we need to verify that the change is going to leave the system running smoothly and safely. Once all of these steps have been completed in their entirety, then the change can be closed.
After closure, we still have one final but critical step remaining. We must perform surveillance audits to confirm the changes were carried out consistently and the system is being used as intended. Comprehensive process audits are a great way to determine implementation results. Randomly selecting a few processes related to the change and auditing them is a good way to achieve this. It is important to remember that audits should be performed at periodic intervals. The frequency of audits depends on several factors, but should be scheduled in a manner that guarantees the sustainability of the change.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, contact us today.
First, we will want to execute any pre-implementation changes and corresponding mitigation efforts that were identified. Subsequent to the implementation we will want to perform any post-implementation tasks that are required. Example would include updating procedures or modifying training materials to address the change.
Next, we need to confirm the effectiveness of the change. Once the change has been implemented it is important to make sure that the change does what it was intended to do. Sometimes organizations experience undesirable results. When this happens, we must determine if the system should be restored to the old model, or develop a new MOC to address the unintended results.
Finally, we need to follow-up and confirm the success of our mitigation efforts. This ensures that the new system will not produce any unseen difficulties for the organization. Also, we need to verify that the change is going to leave the system running smoothly and safely. Once all of these steps have been completed in their entirety, then the change can be closed.
After closure, we still have one final but critical step remaining. We must perform surveillance audits to confirm the changes were carried out consistently and the system is being used as intended. Comprehensive process audits are a great way to determine implementation results. Randomly selecting a few processes related to the change and auditing them is a good way to achieve this. It is important to remember that audits should be performed at periodic intervals. The frequency of audits depends on several factors, but should be scheduled in a manner that guarantees the sustainability of the change.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, contact us today.
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Last week we talked about three crucial aspects of a great Management of Change (MOC) program. Those areas were the specificity and detail in the change requests, followed by risk and reward analysis, and the proper selection of a MOC evaluation team. This week we’re going to touch base on a few more important parts to a fully functional MOC program.
The API Spec Q2 requirements take a risk-based approach to quality management. When making changes, risks must be identified and measured by level of acceptability. Risks that are deemed unacceptable must be paired with mitigation plans. These plans are then designated to be carried out before, during, or after the implementation process. The purpose of the mitigation plans is to help bring the risk down to an acceptable level.
The next area we will address deals with the approval aspect of MOC. Many organizations get into trouble in this area, confusing the need for approval with the need to inform. It’s important to note that every change doesn’t have to have the same approver. A great MOC program should have an approval matrix describing who needs to approve which type of decisions, as well as a list of people who “must be informed”. If your organization gets these steps right, the approval process will be quick and painless.
This leads us to the communication section nicely. As stated before, there are those who need to “approve” and those who “must be informed”. We need to track our communication efforts with respect to the MOC. In other words, any message and corresponding response must be documented. The person responsible for sending the message is also responsible for getting a confirmation from the recipient. This means after the change is communicated, a receipt confirmation should be requested. Also, it is important to make it clear to your organization that an email response should be expected from the recipient. Simply flagging it as “Request a Read Receipt” isn’t going to get the job done. Once the recipient has responded, stating that they have received the message and understand the information, then the responsibility shifts to them to carry out the appropriate action.
Be sure to check back next week for part 3 of our overview of Management of Change. For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, contact us today.
The API Spec Q2 requirements take a risk-based approach to quality management. When making changes, risks must be identified and measured by level of acceptability. Risks that are deemed unacceptable must be paired with mitigation plans. These plans are then designated to be carried out before, during, or after the implementation process. The purpose of the mitigation plans is to help bring the risk down to an acceptable level.
The next area we will address deals with the approval aspect of MOC. Many organizations get into trouble in this area, confusing the need for approval with the need to inform. It’s important to note that every change doesn’t have to have the same approver. A great MOC program should have an approval matrix describing who needs to approve which type of decisions, as well as a list of people who “must be informed”. If your organization gets these steps right, the approval process will be quick and painless.
This leads us to the communication section nicely. As stated before, there are those who need to “approve” and those who “must be informed”. We need to track our communication efforts with respect to the MOC. In other words, any message and corresponding response must be documented. The person responsible for sending the message is also responsible for getting a confirmation from the recipient. This means after the change is communicated, a receipt confirmation should be requested. Also, it is important to make it clear to your organization that an email response should be expected from the recipient. Simply flagging it as “Request a Read Receipt” isn’t going to get the job done. Once the recipient has responded, stating that they have received the message and understand the information, then the responsibility shifts to them to carry out the appropriate action.
Be sure to check back next week for part 3 of our overview of Management of Change. For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, contact us today.
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It has come to our attention that many organizations continue to struggle with the implementation of an effective management of change (MOC) program. To that end, we are presenting a three-part overview outlining the fundamentals of a best in class MOC program.
The first aspect of MOC is the actual change request. What change needs to be made? What are the individual specs for the materials needed? What plans and documents need to be included in the change request to fully communicate what is needed? If you can’t clearly communicate what it is that needs to be changed, then the change can’t be implemented properly.
The next aspect of MOC that needs addressed is the reward of the change. Why am I even making this change? Each change should be fully connected to satisfying a business objective. Again, specificity is important in addressing these concerns. The reward needs to clearly satisfy a business goal. If it does not, why even bother taking the risk?
Possibly the most important foundation of the MOC program is the evaluation team. The MOC evaluation team is responsible for the objective evaluation of the requests. Members should represent different areas of expertise throughout the organization, with different experiences under their belt. There shouldn’t be any aspect of a request that the team can’t properly address and evaluate. Team members should be respected among their peers, and confident enough to speak up when they have concerns. If these criteria are used, your organization will select a MOC evaluation team that can handle any challenge put in front of them.
Check back next week, for part 2 of our overview on Management of Change. In the meantime, please contact us for more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, today.
The first aspect of MOC is the actual change request. What change needs to be made? What are the individual specs for the materials needed? What plans and documents need to be included in the change request to fully communicate what is needed? If you can’t clearly communicate what it is that needs to be changed, then the change can’t be implemented properly.
The next aspect of MOC that needs addressed is the reward of the change. Why am I even making this change? Each change should be fully connected to satisfying a business objective. Again, specificity is important in addressing these concerns. The reward needs to clearly satisfy a business goal. If it does not, why even bother taking the risk?
Possibly the most important foundation of the MOC program is the evaluation team. The MOC evaluation team is responsible for the objective evaluation of the requests. Members should represent different areas of expertise throughout the organization, with different experiences under their belt. There shouldn’t be any aspect of a request that the team can’t properly address and evaluate. Team members should be respected among their peers, and confident enough to speak up when they have concerns. If these criteria are used, your organization will select a MOC evaluation team that can handle any challenge put in front of them.
Check back next week, for part 2 of our overview on Management of Change. In the meantime, please contact us for more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your MOC program, today.
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Many service supply organizations are using internal audits as a method to improve operations and impact their bottom line. In addition to being required by API Spec Q2, an effective audit program will highlight potential problems areas, identify failure points, and determine the effectiveness of controls.
Internal auditing provides the mechanism that organizations use to examine business processes and evaluate compliance with both internal and external requirements. Successful auditing incorporates best practices and other tools to provide maximum impact. To that end, we have outlined five useful tips to help advance your next internal quality audit.
1. Strong Attention to Detail
It is important for internal auditors to note and document evidence throughout the auditing process. These notes are used later to analyze events and reconstruct specific situations. This does not mean that auditors should focus on tiny, unimportant details through nit-picking, but rather components that are a part of a bigger issue that can be addressed.
2. Friendly Attitude
Stress levels are already high when employees are dealing with an audit. If an internal auditor is aggressive, hostile, or difficult to deal with, employers often minimally engage and will not share as much. If an internal auditor presents with a friendly attitude and is open, they will be more likely to get feedback. The last thing an auditor wants to do is put an employee on the defensive or make them feel ill at ease.
3. Reporting Supported by Checklists
Internal auditors use checklists to balance reporting and should ensure that they are clean and support numerical values and ratings. These checklists enable companies to report on growth as well as challenges that exist across various departments. These reports are essential and allow businesses to assess whether their improvement efforts are working, and what training is needed to reach their goals.
4. Generation of Auditing Teams
Internal auditing teams can be very successful, especially with all the documentation that goes into completing an audit the right way. While a single auditor would be responsible for actively listening while documenting their findings, a team can allocate responsibilities to various areas such as recording, listening, and documenting. This way, all team members can collaborate to ensure no information is overlooked.
5. Looking at the Whole Picture
When an internal audit is taking place, the auditor or team should be able to look at the picture as a whole, incorporating current situations as well as past audit results. Focus should take place on past issues to determine whether they have been corrected and closed before reassessments take place in the same area. This is a delicate balance that will prove most effective and time efficient.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your internal auditing program, please contact us today.
Internal auditing provides the mechanism that organizations use to examine business processes and evaluate compliance with both internal and external requirements. Successful auditing incorporates best practices and other tools to provide maximum impact. To that end, we have outlined five useful tips to help advance your next internal quality audit.
1. Strong Attention to Detail
It is important for internal auditors to note and document evidence throughout the auditing process. These notes are used later to analyze events and reconstruct specific situations. This does not mean that auditors should focus on tiny, unimportant details through nit-picking, but rather components that are a part of a bigger issue that can be addressed.
2. Friendly Attitude
Stress levels are already high when employees are dealing with an audit. If an internal auditor is aggressive, hostile, or difficult to deal with, employers often minimally engage and will not share as much. If an internal auditor presents with a friendly attitude and is open, they will be more likely to get feedback. The last thing an auditor wants to do is put an employee on the defensive or make them feel ill at ease.
3. Reporting Supported by Checklists
Internal auditors use checklists to balance reporting and should ensure that they are clean and support numerical values and ratings. These checklists enable companies to report on growth as well as challenges that exist across various departments. These reports are essential and allow businesses to assess whether their improvement efforts are working, and what training is needed to reach their goals.
4. Generation of Auditing Teams
Internal auditing teams can be very successful, especially with all the documentation that goes into completing an audit the right way. While a single auditor would be responsible for actively listening while documenting their findings, a team can allocate responsibilities to various areas such as recording, listening, and documenting. This way, all team members can collaborate to ensure no information is overlooked.
5. Looking at the Whole Picture
When an internal audit is taking place, the auditor or team should be able to look at the picture as a whole, incorporating current situations as well as past audit results. Focus should take place on past issues to determine whether they have been corrected and closed before reassessments take place in the same area. This is a delicate balance that will prove most effective and time efficient.
For more information on how Accupoint Software can help streamline your internal auditing program, please contact us today.
