Remote Audit

News

Remote Auditing Solution by Bureau Veritas

Apr. 23 2020

The global coronavirus crisis continues to place unprecedented pressure on businesses of all sizes, with guidelines changing daily as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread. Our focus is of course on ensuring safety of our clients and employees, and we are committed to supporting our clients throughout this unprecedented time. As part of this support, we have put in place a new process of conducting audits using digital technology in order to ensure the continuity of our services.  

WHAT IS A REMOTE AUDIT? 

A Remote Audit is conducted when an offsite auditor audits a client’s company processes, policies, procedures and personnel in real-time
through ICT (Information and Communication Technology). An auditor can interview auditees through video conferencing tools, review evidence using screen sharing functionalities and observe activities and processes falling under the client’s scope of certification using wearable / portable devices etc.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF REMOTE AUDIT PROCESS?

Remote Audit Infographic

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS CONDITIONS FOR AN EFFECTIVE REMOTE AUDIT?  

Key prerequisites for an effective and efficient remote audit: 

Document preparation:  Make sure the documents are ready and available to be shared on the screen with the auditor.  As an on-site visit is not possible, make sure all documents are accessible remotely and can be shared online.  

ICT tool & good Connectivity: Make sure your network has enough bandwidth to support multiple connected people on the digital meeting with screen sharing. In case a specific room is needed for better connectivity assure its availability for audit time.  

Security & confidentiality: Make sure you have a secured network with VPN (Virtual Private Network) system that can be used for connecting to the ICT system.  Bureau Veritas auditors, on their side, will use BV VPN.  

Team availability:  As any certification audit, make sure all necessary people can access (and are invited) to the video conference and participate in the remote audit. People can connect anytime they need or are required to.  

Time management: Remote audit requires specific time management compared to on-site audit. BV auditors will adapt their auditing program accordingly. 

WHICH AUDITS CAN BE DONE REMOTELY?  

Majority of accreditation bodies* agreed to authorise Remote Audits during COVID-19 crisis to maintain certificate validity and business continuity. These authorisations are informed by the IAF MD4:2018 IAF Mandatory Document for the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Auditing / Assessment Purposes and Informative, the IAF ID 3:2011 Informative Document for Management of Extraordinary Events or Circumstances Affecting ABs, CABs and Certified Organisations and the guidance and
directives issued by IAF, ABs and scheme owners.

The most commonly used ISO standards are eligible for Remote Auditing. Depending on the organisation’s eligibility, part or the whole of the audit can be conducted using remote auditing alternatives. Typically, an audit can be conducted 100% remotely if all the requirements of the standards can be evaluated remotely, including observation of activities.

Please contact us for our team to better understand your circumstances and elaborate a tailored solution with
you.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF REMOTE AUDITS?

  • Maintain your certification   

  • Improved efficiency of the audit due to more flexibility and reduced travel times 

  • Save time and money as there is no travel required 

  • Maintain business continuity during the pandemic  

  • Prepare to re-start your activity when the lockdown is over