The remote audit is appreciated, as revealed by a TÜV Italia survey

TÜV Italy conducted a survey to verify attitudes, future expectations and perceptions of the effectiveness of remote audit techniques

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Remote audit

Remote audit is one of the audit techniques contemplated by international regulations, made possible by the advent of new communication technologies. The body and the client company agree together on the date of the audit, the times and the methods for carrying it out. During the phases of the Covid-19 emergency, remote auditing was widely used, as the certification body confirms TÜV Italy, which maintained its services and ensured the provision of audit services both "on site" and "remote". In parallel, in order to better understand what customers' real experiences and their present and future expectations were, TÜV Italia conducted a survey to verify attitudes, future expectations and perception of the effectiveness of remote audit techniques. The survey, carried out from the beginning of March to mid-June, involved a panel of about 250 companies of different sizes operating in different sectors and allowed not only to better understand what were the needs and expectations in time of emergency, but also the future orientations towards this method once the emergency is over.

Remote audits are good, but factory visits remain a staple

The research explored issues related to the use and knowledge of the digital tools needed to conduct an audit remotely, possible risks and opportunities, perceptions of the effectiveness of the remote mode in conducting audits, and above all expectations and future directions of this mode.

In terms of digital technologies for videoconferencing useful for conducting audits remotely, almost all respondents (97%) said they were familiar with audio and video sharing platforms and 76% already use them regularly for work. Only 3% of respondents did not know how to use them.

In general, the level of satisfaction with the remote mode was very high: 92% of respondents said they were fully satisfied with it, so much so that more than half of respondents indicated it as a technique that will be increasingly used in the future.

Interpersonal relationships are seen as very important by the respondents, which is somewhat lacking during remote audits, but over 80% of the customers did not see any problems during the remote audit.

With regard to the operational risks that may be encountered, it is interesting to note that over 80% responded that they did not perceive them in general. To a much lesser extent it was found, for example, that the lack of inspection, especially for production sites, was a negatively perceived factor. On the other hand, the approach of the auditor, who especially in remote mode, has to give clear indications and put the interlocutors at ease, was very important.

In terms of operational opportunities, the majority of respondents (74%) said that the major advantage of remote mode was the ability to ensure continuity of services even in emergencies but also greater flexibility and better optimisation of travel time and costs.

Elements also emerged that were considered very useful in ensuring that a remote audit is effective, such as the internal preparation of documents, the coordination of colleagues and, at a technical level, the stability of the connection to allow the audit to be carried out without interruption.

When asked specifically about the future of remote auditing, the answer given by more than half of the respondents was that it is an increasingly useful tool, especially for documentation but also for some inspections of secondary activities.

However, respondents emphasised the importance of maintaining the factory visit for manufacturing companies.

TÜV Italy's conclusions

Research data shows the growing importance of remote auditing, which is seen as a great opportunity and technique to be used in the future, even in non-emergency situations, because it offers undoubted advantages, such as saving time and resources. Important elements contributing to an effective remote audit are above all the preparation of the personnel and the positive attitude of the auditor conducting the audit. No particular criticalities emerged, indeed there is great openness, however it was stressed that aspects such as on the one hand the interpersonal relationships established during the on-site audit and on the other hand the physical visit are essential, especially in contexts where production is more important.

In conclusion, it is reasonable to think that in the future the remote mode will not completely replace the traditional one but that they will complement each other to maximise the advantages that these two techniques offer.

Sara Brandimarti, Business Manager Management Systems Business Assurance Division of TÜV Italia, concludes: " In a liquid society it is essential to grasp the instances of change and the opportunities that arise from them. Thanks to the contribution of our customers and professionals, we have experienced a new landscape and we are ready to improve our services even more".

 

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