How do you prepare for a plant operations audit?

2 Review and update your documentation

The next step to prepare for a plant operations audit is to review and update your documentation. Documentation is the evidence that shows how you manage and operate your plant, such as policies, procedures, manuals, records, reports, logs, charts, diagrams, etc. You should ensure that your documentation is accurate, complete, current, and consistent with your actual practices. You should also organize and label your documentation in a way that makes it easy to access and present to the auditor. You can use a checklist or a matrix to track and verify your documentation status and readiness.

3 Conduct a self-assessment

The third step to prepare for a plant operations audit is to conduct a self-assessment. A self-assessment is a mock audit that you perform on yourself or with the help of a third party to identify and correct any issues or non-conformities before the actual audit. You can use the same standards or criteria that the auditor will use to evaluate your performance and compare your results with your expectations. You can also use the self-assessment as an opportunity to test and improve your processes, systems, controls, and performance indicators. You should document and report your self-assessment findings and actions and follow up on their implementation and effectiveness.

4 Train and inform your staff

The fourth step to prepare for a plant operations audit is to train and inform your staff. Your staff are the key stakeholders and resources in your plant operations and they play a vital role in the success of the audit. You should ensure that your staff are aware of the audit scope and objectives, the audit schedule and activities, the audit roles and responsibilities, and the audit etiquette and expectations. You should also provide your staff with the necessary training and coaching to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence in their areas of work and in interacting with the auditor. You should encourage your staff to be honest, cooperative, and professional during the audit.

5 Prepare your plant and equipment

The fifth step to prepare for a plant operations audit is to prepare your plant and equipment. Your plant and equipment are the physical assets and tools that enable you to produce and deliver your products or services. You should ensure that your plant and equipment are clean, safe, functional, and compliant with the relevant standards and regulations. You should also perform any preventive or corrective maintenance, calibration, or testing that may be required or recommended for your plant and equipment. You should label and mark your plant and equipment in a way that makes them easy to identify and inspect by the auditor.

6 Plan and coordinate your audit logistics

The final step to prepare for a plant operations audit is to plan and coordinate your audit logistics. Audit logistics are the practical arrangements and support that you provide to facilitate the smooth and efficient conduct of the audit. It is important to plan and coordinate these logistics in consultation with the auditor and in accordance with the audit plan and protocol. This could include providing a suitable audit location, a reliable communication channel, a designated audit liaison, and any additional resources or assistance that the auditor may need. Doing so will ensure that the auditor can review your documentation, interview your staff, report their findings, contact you or your staff, request or send information, confirm or update their audit schedule, coordinate activities, and resolve any issues or problems that may arise during the audit.

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?