Internal Audit Management Checklist for Manufacturing
A checklist for planning, conducting, and reporting on internal quality audits to verify the effectiveness of your quality management system.
Designed to support ISO 9001 quality management, workplace health and safety regulations, and environmental compliance reporting under Australian standards.
Complete Checklist
- 1Review the annual internal audit schedule and confirm the audits due this periodCritical
- 2Select the auditor ensuring they are independent from the area being auditedCritical
- 3Prepare the audit plan including scope, criteria, and schedule
- 4Notify the auditee of the upcoming audit with sufficient advance notice
- 5Review relevant documentation including procedures, previous audit findings, and records
- 6Prepare the audit checklist based on the applicable standards and procedures
- 7Conduct the opening meeting to explain the audit scope and process
- 8Perform the audit by reviewing records, observing processes, and interviewing staffCritical
- 9Record objective evidence for all findings including conformances and non-conformances
- 10Classify findings as major non-conformance, minor non-conformance, or observationCritical
- 11Conduct the closing meeting to present preliminary findings to the auditee
- 12Prepare the formal audit report with findings, evidence, and recommendationsCritical
- 13Distribute the audit report to the auditee and management
- 14Track corrective actions from the audit to completion and verify effectiveness
- 15Update the audit program with results and any changes to the schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How should internal audit findings be reported?
Present findings objectively with specific evidence. Classify each finding by severity: major non-conformances that directly affect quality, minor non-conformances that are procedural deviations, and observations that are improvement opportunities. Include positive findings as well. The report should be factual, concise, and actionable. Provide it to the auditee and management in a timely manner.
How often should internal audits be conducted?
Quality management standards typically require that the entire quality management system is audited at least once per year. However, the frequency for specific areas should be risk-based: high-risk or previously problematic areas should be audited more frequently. A quarterly audit program that covers different areas each quarter is a practical approach for most small to medium businesses.
Who should conduct internal audits?
Internal auditors must be independent of the area being audited to ensure objectivity. They should be trained in audit techniques and understand the applicable quality standards. In small businesses, this often means the quality manager audits operations while a manager from another area audits quality processes. External auditors can supplement your internal program if independence is difficult to achieve.
Need help implementing these checks into your daily operations?
Our team can build custom checklists integrated into your daily operations workflow.