1 Define the scope and purpose

Before you start planning the audit, you need to clearly define the scope and purpose of the audit. What are the specific areas, processes, or products that you want to audit? What are the quality standards, criteria, or requirements that you want to verify? What are the objectives and expected outcomes of the audit? These questions will help you narrow down the focus and scope of the audit, as well as align your expectations with the supplier.

2 Select the audit team and method

Next, you need to select the audit team and method that best suit your scope and purpose. The audit team should consist of qualified and experienced auditors who have the relevant knowledge, skills, and authority to conduct the audit. The audit method should be appropriate for the type and level of audit that you want to perform. For example, you can choose between a desk audit, where you review the supplier's documents and records remotely, or an on-site audit, where you visit the supplier's premises and observe their operations.

3 Communicate with the supplier

Once you have selected the audit team and method, you need to communicate with the supplier and inform them about the audit. You should send them an audit notification letter that outlines the scope, purpose, objectives, method, team, and schedule of the audit. You should also request any relevant documents or information that you need to review before the audit, such as quality manuals, procedures, certificates, or reports. You should also agree on the logistics and arrangements for the audit, such as the location, agenda, contact person, or access requirements.

4 Review the supplier's information

Before you conduct the audit, you need to review the supplier's information and documents that you have requested or received. You should check if they are complete, accurate, and consistent with the quality standards, criteria, or requirements that you want to audit. You should also identify any potential issues, gaps, or discrepancies that you want to investigate further during the audit. You should prepare a checklist or a questionnaire that covers the key aspects and questions that you want to address during the audit.

5 Conduct the audit

During the audit, you need to follow the audit plan and agenda that you have prepared and communicated with the supplier. You should use the checklist or questionnaire that you have prepared to guide you through the audit process. You should collect evidence and data that support or contradict the supplier's compliance with the quality standards, criteria, or requirements that you want to audit. You should also interview the supplier's personnel, observe their processes, and inspect their products or services.

6 Report and follow up

After the audit, you need to report and follow up on the audit results and findings. You should prepare an audit report that summarizes the scope, purpose, objectives, method, team, schedule, evidence, data, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the audit. You should also communicate the audit report to the supplier and request their feedback or corrective actions. You should also monitor and verify the supplier's progress and implementation of the corrective actions until they are resolved or closed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?