iconsys successfully passes remote ISO recertification audits

During the COVID-19 health pandemic, global manufacturing and general economic activity have slowed down but iconsys has not stopped.

Whilst we are still functional, we must maintain the accreditations and approvals in place and maintain our ISO9001 and ISO14001 certifications.

With face to face audits not possible, iconsys along with SGS, our compliance partner, adapted quickly and efficiently to minimise service disruption and by using technology and the experience of SGS, remote auditing allowed us to continue our operations without a break in certification.

HOW REMOTE AUDITS WORK

The overall process went as follows:

Step 1. Remote Audit Planning & Assessment of available ICT TOOLS

Step 2. Schedule remote audit

Step 3. Communication with your auditor on logistics and technology details

Step 4. Client to prepare & submit relevant documents

Step 5. Audit occurs

Step 6. Receive audit report

Step 7. Correct any nonconformities

Step 8. Receive certificate (where applicable)

 

GETTING READY FOR OUR REMOTE AUDITS

Prior to the start of our audits, there were a few things we needed to get ready to ensure our auditor had everything he might need.

• Key Personnel – our QHSE Manager was available throughout the entire audit. Top leadership were also available during the opening and closing meetings, as well as at various times throughout the audit to answer any questions that arose
• Documentation – our auditor asked iconsys to email various documents so they could be reviewed remotely, including internal audit records and plans, management meeting minutes and actions, complaints and corrections logs, any core processes documents, etc.
• Site Availability – our ISO14001 certification required a site tour and therefore our Office Manager was available to walk the auditor through our facility using a mobile phone camera via Microsoft Teams.

ABOUT REMOTE AUDITS 

The remote audit was conducted completely off site using mobile and desktop applications (Microsoft Teams). The audit consisted of everything that is typically included in an onsite audit. Our QHSE Manager, along with other personnel with responsibilities pertaining to the audit plan were available for their relevant parts of the audit. Top management were also available for relevant parts of the audit, including the opening and closing meetings.

 

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES 

Upon completion of the audit, the lead Auditor from SGS stated that “the Recertification Audit was carried out remotely over 4 days (audit days and report writing inclusive) and overall iconsys demonstrated a robust Quality and Environmental Management System. There were some excellent controls and evidence seen of continual improvement in all areas sampled.

The auditors would like to thank Independent Control Systems Ltd for their open and honest approach during the audit.”