Unannounced Audit Drill
Hello Everyone!
In preparation for the unannounced audit program of FSSC 22000, our company has decided to conduct an unannounced audit drill for us to identify the possible deficiency/problem that may rise in an actual unannounced audit and develop the appropriate solutions. This is also to evaluate and measure our audit readiness across all function areas.
Could you share your ideas/mechanics on how to run an audit simulation?
Would really appreciate your help in this matter.
Thank you in advance!
Hello Everyone!
In preparation for the unannounced audit program of FSSC 22000, our company has decided to conduct an unannounced audit drill for us to identify the possible deficiency/problem that may rise in an actual unannounced audit and develop the appropriate solutions. This is also to evaluate and measure our audit readiness across all function areas.
Could you share your ideas/mechanics on how to run an audit simulation?
Would really appreciate your help in this matter.
Thank you in advance!
HI,
I would prefer the following:
First you will need to select an internal auditor, who understands the food safety aspects, regulations and the FSSC audit scheme, within your company (this could be yourself, any superior QA personnel, or at the least an outside consultant).
For an unannounced internal mock audit a date should be selected for a normal operational day.The date should not be communicated to anyone, with only the internal auditor having this information.
The internal auditor should come to the facility, not as an employee, but would behave similar to a visitor/auditor. Should check for accessibility into the facility without using personal/employee credentials.
The auditor then can work with the most senior management member and should conduct the audit as per the standard of the FSSC audit, clause by clause and identifying the issue. This will include a thorough walk through of the facility and issues can be identified and noted in the audit report.
Once the audit is completed a final report of the issues/non-conformities should be submitted and discussed with the upper management to identify the key issues and a corrective action can be performed.
Hope it helps.
I would use an outside consultant with the relevant training and experience in auditing and your standard. My facility is planning this in advance of our first unannounced BRC audit this summer. As FSQA mentioned, the date should not be communicated with anyone, other than perhaps a senior member of staff who can suggest dates suitable with staffing attendance but will not share this information internally. The closer the scenario to a real audit, the more valuable a mock will be. We are asking the auditor to conduct a full inspection of the production facility, systems, documentation and GMP, and provide an unofficial report of their findings. Hiring the auditor isn't cheap but considering the value of discovering the 'audit readiness' and issues that the TM and QAs may otherwise overlook I think it is well worth doing, especially for the first time being unannounced.
Have found that it is better to bring in someone that can run an audit on a consulting basis vs. checking my own work.
Hi Mad Max,
As I have been both sides of the fence I have mixed views. If you do have the knowledge, resource and a person who is capable of taking an independent view internally then you could do this 'in-house' and gain value from the experience.
The benefits of a consultant is their independence and 'another eye' but please remember that just because someone is a consultant doesn't mean they are competent, so do some research if you decide to use one. Also get one or more of your internal auditors to 'shadow' the consultant so that they gain from the unannounced audit you will be paying for.
Kind regards,
Tony