ISO Supplier Audits For Your Australian Business

– Completing An ISO Supplier Audit

At Integrated Compliance Solutions, we are dedicated to helping our clients gain compliance with best-practice standards. Our experienced team has extensive experience guiding businesses in achieving certification and monitoring their ongoing performance.

For many businesses, part of meeting their compliance obligations includes exerting control of the Quality of suppliers and their performance- especially when their activities are of high-risk or key to the organisation. In such cases organisations may find it particularly beneficial to conduct a comprehensive ISO supplier audit.

What is an ISO Supplier Audit?

When conducting an ISO supplier audit, organisations carefully examine the quality of each business that makes up their supply chain. By doing this, they can lower any risks that may otherwise negatively impact their operations. Those who complete an audit of this type introduce an aspect of accountability into the supply chain, encouraging suppliers to follow Quality Management Systems of their own.

On occasions where issues are identified, you will have the opportunity to reach an appropriate resolution before they progress further. If a suitable solution is not implemented to address the risk, you may decide to switch to a supplier who more adequately satisfies your quality expectations. Once your organisation has successfully audited each of your suppliers, you will be able to continue working with those who form your supply chain in confidence.

How can Your Business Benefit From Conducting an ISO Supplier Audit?

There are a number of distinct ways that your business can benefit from completing an ISO supplier audit.

Even if you are already operating in compliance with Quality Management Systems, this does not mean that your suppliers are doing so as well. If the organisations at each stage of your supply chain are not meeting the quality standards you wish to fulfil, then this will likely have negative implications on your ability to maintain your company’s reputation by providing a quality product or service. By conducting a supplier audit, your business has the opportunity to identify any issues early and introduce a sense of accountability in relationships with suppliers. Effective supplier quality management goes a long way towards preventing costly rework and mistakes through inadequate oversight and control over suppliers.

The benefits that are commonly experienced by those who conduct an effective and thorough supplier audit include, but are not limited to:

Boost Your Own Quality Standards: Completing a supplier audit encourages consistency across your entire supply chain. The quality of your suppliers will play a significant role in the quality of your final product or service. By monitoring your suppliers’ Quality Management Systems, you will be able to address noncompliant areas and achieve greater conformance with industry standards.
Identify Any Potential Risks: A supplier audit will assist your business in determining any specific gaps in current processes. Once these opportunities for improvement have been defined, you can address them accordingly. Supplier audits can help you achieve operational excellence at every stage of your offerings’ lifecycle and, because of this, will assist your business in delivering exceptional outcomes.
Improve Communication with Suppliers: By completing a supplier audit, your business is prompting active collaboration between yourself and your suppliers. When auditing your suppliers’ Management Systems, it is important that each involved party is transparent and openly exchanges information. In essence, having regularly scheduled audits means that you can work closely with your suppliers to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. When your objectives are aligned and you are both on the same page, it is likely you will both gain greater value from your partnership.
Enhance Your Customers’ Satisfaction: The completion of a supplier audit will assist your business in successfully achieving organisational quality objectives. By creating a culture of quality standard compliance across all stages of your supply chain, you’ll be able to go above and beyond your customers’ expectations. Delivering an exceptional product or service will, in turn, help your business boost customer satisfaction.

Should Your Business Gain Expert Guidance When Conducting a Supplier Audit?

If you are considering completing a supplier audit, gaining professional assistance from an experienced auditor may offer immense value to your business.

Potential benefits of gaining expert guidance when conducting a supplier audit include the following:

Save staff time and resources: An experienced consultant will be able to complete your supplier audit efficiently, allowing for your employees to dedicate their time to core business work.
An unbiased, fresh perspective: The assessment of your business operations will be completed by a third-party and, as such, will provide you with new insights into how processes can be improved.
A strategic plan of action: At Integrated Compliance Solutions our consultants have extensive experience in making clear, practical and actionable suggestions that will guide you towards greater compliance.

Interested in Finding out More?

At Integrated Compliance Solutions, our expert team of professional consultants have extensive experience conducting supplier audits.

If you are interested in completing a supplier audit, or would like more information about how your business could benefit, we can help. Speak with a specialist today by calling 1300 132 745.

Not What You’re After?

We offer a number of different auditing services. If an ISO supplier audit doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for, one of the following may be more applicable:

ISO Internal Audits: determines if a business’ management systems are compliant with ISO best-practice standards and internal protocols and pinpoints potential areas of improvement.
ISO Healthcheck Audit: helps organisations determine their current level of compliance before undergoing an external (3rd party) Certification Body audit.
ISO Gap Analysis: identifies any discrepancies between a business’ existing systems and relevant ISO standard requirements. A comprehensive plan detailing how to address these gaps is then created and actioned.

Alternatively, contact our consultants who can provide you with expert guidance and help you find the type of auditing that’s best suited to your business’ needs.