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Sustainably Resolving Deficiencies | Corrective Actions

An audit is a systematic and independent examination conducted to verify the accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of information, as well as adherence to rules, laws, and standards. When deviations or defects are identified, they are assessed and documented, and appropriate corrective actions are recommended.

Direct Assignment of Responsibilities for Defect Remediation

Assigning responsibilities for rectifying identified defects immediately during an audit can significantly speed up the process of remedying these issues. For example, during a quality management (QM) audit at a food retail chain, a leak is discovered in a piping system in the bakery preparation area. This defect poses a risk to product quality and needs immediate attention. By promptly assigning the responsibility to the facility management, actions to rectify the defect can be initiated without delay.

Responsibility for fixing each defect can be predefined for each audit question. However, this may not always be feasible, or the process might require the auditor to assign responsibilities as needed. Whether automatic or manual, clearly assigning the individuals responsible for addressing defects during the audit is crucial. This clarity in responsibility greatly accelerates the defect remediation process.


Smart audits verify compliance with standards and document deficiencies. Efficient defect resolution is achieved through direct assignment of responsibilities, structured task lists, and tickets.


Engaging External Service Providers for Defect Remediation

In some cases, hiring external service providers to fix defects might be necessary, especially when specific expertise or resources not available within the company are required. For instance, a food manufacturer might call in external specialists for the maintenance of refrigeration units if defects are identified during an audit. Promptly bringing in these experts helps avoid potential risks, such as food spoilage, and ensures operational safety.

Task or Ticket List for Defects

Maintaining a comprehensive list of all identified defects, including responsibilities and priorities, is an effective tool for organising and tracking defect remediation. After a supplier audit, such a list could be used to ensure that all quality defects are systematically addressed according to urgency. This list would include details such as the exact location of the defect, the assigned person or department, and the priority and deadline for rectification. This structured approach ensures that no defect is overlooked and that all involved parties are clear about their tasks and responsibilities.

Effective coordination of corrective actions, integration of external expertise, and clear assignment of responsibilities are crucial elements of a successful audit and quality control process. These approaches help shorten response times, improve quality, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction and safety.


In the realm of business operations, audits and inspection procedures often entail both human assessment and a systematic evaluation based on set rules and formulas. The integration of these aspects p...
Organising audits in a company raises the question of a coordinated approach that applies to all departments and areas. However, different departments or areas may have distinct requirements for proce...
When it comes to integrating processes in audits, the goal is to link company and partner data and workflows to enable automation and process control. This makes it possible to clearly illustrate...

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