COVID-19 has forced everyone, in all industries, to adapt to these new and uncertain circumstances. Thankfully, remote audits can now ease some of this anxiety with its reliable and systematic approach to helping businesses run in the most efficient way possible. Remote audits offer many attractive benefits for companies, including flexibility, online scheduling, digital paperwork, and perhaps most appealing, reduced travel expenses.

There are a number of different forms of remote audits:

• Complete remote audit up to 100%
• Restricted remote audit – including remote and on-site visits
• Expert remote audit – Auditors on-site are supported by high qualified technical expert remotely.

If it is not possible to perform an audit 100% remotely, the audit elements that can be audited only in person are planned and carried out. Due to the current situation regarding the corona virus, TÜV Rheinland employees are regularly and comprehensively informed about personal hygiene measures and sensible protective measures. We ask all customers to ensure that our employees are extensively protected from infection during their work on site by appropriate hygiene and protective measures. We have trained our employees and kindly ask you to make suitable preparations if a on-site visit is needed.

Once a company has made the decision to move forward with a remote audit, the question becomes “How do we prepare?” The process of a remote audit is similar to the in-person audit process and has several stages. To best prepare for a remote audit, it is important to understand what to expect.

Establish logistics

The client is first approached remotely via phone call. To ensure that this process runs smoothly and without delays, we carry out a test of the internet connection and the implemented information and communication technology, such as Skype for Business or Zoom, with you beforehand. Communication devices – like laptop, desktop computer or tablet, mobile phone equipped with microphone, camera, and loudspeaker must be available on the whole territory of the company to ensure video connection in adequate quality. A full remote audit of production operations without an on-site presence is possible only if an online video connection is assured. Information about management and production processes, description of the site, equipment, floor plans, technical datasheets might be requested beforehand. That way, not only can auditors interview the employees in the office, but they can also go through production, track manufacturing processes, visit warehouses, inspect infrastructures and assess the process environment – just as if they were actually there.

Prepare documents and materials

Another key requirement for a remote audit is that you have all your documents available in digital form. Issues such as data protection and data security as well as the granting of access rights need to be clarified in advance. Our experts will be happy to support you with the preparations for a remote audit.

Conduct the audit

The auditor will assess the documentation and materials submitted. After the successful completion of the entire process, the company receives its initial certification or its re-certification, which is due for companies already certified every three years.