How do you select and train quality auditors for manufacturing engineering?

1 Skills and qualifications

Quality auditors for manufacturing engineering need to have a combination of technical and soft skills, as well as relevant qualifications and certifications. Technical skills include knowledge of manufacturing engineering principles, methods, tools, and standards, such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or IATF 16949. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical, and ethical skills. Qualifications and certifications may vary depending on the industry, sector, or organization, but generally, quality auditors should have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, and a certification from a recognized body, such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) or the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA).

2 Roles and responsibilities

Quality auditors for manufacturing engineering have different roles and responsibilities depending on the type and scope of the audit. There are three main types of audits: internal audits, external audits, and third-party audits. Internal audits are conducted by the organization itself to assess its own quality management system. External audits are conducted by customers, suppliers, or regulators to verify the organization's compliance with their requirements. Third-party audits are conducted by independent certification bodies to certify the organization's conformity with international standards. Quality auditors may act as lead auditors, who plan, coordinate, and report the audit, or as team members, who assist the lead auditor and perform specific tasks.

3 Methods and tools

Quality auditors for manufacturing engineering use various methods and tools to conduct the audit, such as document review, interviews, observations, measurements, tests, checklists, questionnaires, and audit software. The audit process typically consists of four phases: planning, preparation, execution, and reporting. In the planning phase, the quality auditor defines the audit objectives, scope, criteria, and schedule. In the preparation phase, the quality auditor reviews the relevant documents, develops the audit plan and checklist, and communicates with the auditee. In the execution phase, the quality auditor collects and analyzes the audit evidence, identifies any nonconformities or opportunities for improvement, and discusses the findings with the auditee. In the reporting phase, the quality auditor prepares and delivers the audit report, which summarizes the audit results, conclusions, and recommendations.

4 Training and development

Quality auditors for manufacturing engineering need to undergo regular training and development to maintain and enhance their skills, qualifications, and performance. Training and development may include formal courses, workshops, seminars, webinars, online modules, mentoring, coaching, or self-study. Some topics that quality auditors may need to learn or update are: new or revised standards, regulations, or customer requirements; new or improved manufacturing engineering technologies, methods, or tools; best practices and benchmarks for quality management; and feedback and evaluation from previous audits. Quality auditors should also seek to obtain or renew their certifications from recognized bodies, such as ASQ or IRCA, which may require continuing education or professional development units.

5 Challenges and solutions

Quality auditors for manufacturing engineering may face some challenges in their work, such as: resistance or hostility from the auditee, who may perceive the audit as a threat or a criticism; lack of cooperation or support from the audit team, who may have conflicting interests or agendas; limited time or resources to conduct the audit, which may affect the audit quality or scope; or complex or ambiguous audit situations, which may require the quality auditor to exercise judgment or discretion. Some possible solutions to these challenges are: building rapport and trust with the auditee, by explaining the audit purpose, process, and benefits; establishing clear roles and expectations with the audit team, by communicating the audit plan, checklist, and responsibilities; prioritizing and focusing on the most critical or relevant audit aspects, by using the risk-based approach or the Pareto principle; and documenting and justifying the audit decisions, by using the audit evidence, criteria, and standards.

6 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?