The fifth Revision of the IATF Measures Against Covid-19 document dated 30 October 2020 introduces the option of remote auditing. Remote audit can be applied for Initial, surveillance and re-certification audits. The primary key points are summarized below.
- IATF requires that audits due from 1 January 2021 onwards be conducted onsite or remotely. This would mean there will no longer be any postponement to audits overdue unless there are unique circumstances.
- The certification body can no longer apply the waivers described in the previous revisions of the document.
- Special conditions apply if the organisation is not operating or is not manufacturing automotive products when the audit is due.
- In cases where a manufacturing site or a remote support location is completely shut down, or is not producing automotive parts at the time an audit is required, the certification body shall gather the necessary information from the client to understand their current and expected future situation. Based on the evidence gathered, the certification body shall determine the potential date for the audit and contact the appropriate IATF Oversight office with a waiver request.
- Initial , surveillance and re-certification audits can be conducted using remote auditing methods
Remote audit often invites fears of abuse and that auditors have no control of what they get to see. There is a well written Annex at the end of the document specifically written as guidelines for preparation and conducting remote audit. One of the primary point emphasized is for the audit team to maintain full control of the audit steps and discussion. Some of the useful points are listed below:
a) The coordinator is not responding for the auditees;
b) If a mobile camera is used to show evidence or a location, the audit team chooses where to look, not the person holding the camera;
c) Verbal communication is clear between the audit team and all participants in the audit, repeating and clarifying questions or instructions, if needed; and
d) If the audit team needs to see something close-up that the technology can support the required image resolution, including use of a different device to take and send pictures as applicable.
As we face the challenges to work within the pandemic, fear of change would be the greatest enemy for getting anything accomplished. Do not fear remote audit. It’s how we manage it that matters. Have fun auditing!
The fifth revision of the IATF Global Waivers And Measures In Response To The Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) can be found in the link below.