How do you use audit results to improve?

1 Analyze the audit findings

The first step to use audit results to improve is to analyze the audit findings thoroughly and objectively. Audit findings are the evidence of conformity or nonconformity to the audit criteria, which are usually based on the requirements of a quality standard, such as ISO 9001, or a specific contract or regulation. You should review the findings and classify them according to their severity, impact, frequency, and root cause. You should also look for patterns, trends, and correlations among the findings, as well as any strengths and best practices that you can leverage.

2 Plan and implement corrective actions

The next step is to plan and implement corrective actions to address the nonconformities and prevent their recurrence. Corrective actions are the actions taken to eliminate the root cause of a problem and ensure that it does not happen again. You should follow a systematic process to define, document, assign, monitor, and verify the corrective actions, as well as communicate them to the relevant parties. You should also prioritize the corrective actions based on their urgency, risk, and cost-effectiveness.

3 Evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions

The third step is to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions to verify that they have resolved the nonconformities and improved the quality performance. You should use objective and measurable indicators, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), customer feedback, audit results, or other quality metrics, to assess the impact of the corrective actions on your processes, products, and services. You should also collect and analyze data before and after the implementation of the corrective actions to compare the results and quantify the improvement.

4 Identify opportunities for improvement

The fourth step is to identify opportunities for improvement beyond the corrective actions. Opportunities for improvement are the potential areas where you can enhance your quality performance, customer satisfaction, efficiency, or innovation. You should use the audit results as a source of inspiration and insight to identify these opportunities, as well as other tools and techniques, such as benchmarking, brainstorming, or surveys. You should also involve your employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders in the process of generating and evaluating ideas for improvement.

5 Plan and implement improvement actions

The fifth step is to plan and implement improvement actions to realize the opportunities for improvement. Improvement actions are the actions taken to change or modify your processes, products, or services to achieve a higher level of quality, value, or excellence. You should follow a structured approach to plan, document, assign, monitor, and verify the improvement actions, as well as communicate them to the relevant parties. You should also consider the feasibility, benefits, risks, and resources involved in the improvement actions, and align them with your quality objectives and strategy.

6 Monitor and review the improvement results

The sixth and final step is to monitor and review the improvement results to ensure that they have met your expectations and objectives. You should use objective and measurable indicators, such as KPIs, customer feedback, audit results, or other quality metrics, to track the progress and performance of the improvement actions. You should also collect and analyze data before and after the implementation of the improvement actions to compare the results and calculate the return on investment. You should also celebrate and recognize the achievements and lessons learned from the improvement actions, and share them with your organization and stakeholders.

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?