Remote audit: confirmed by 2 major studies & strengthened by ViaSyst
ANAB (US accreditation body) just published the results of a research project to analyse the effects of moving to a predominately remote assessment model, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The central question was: did moving to a primary remote assessment model in 2020 affect the ability of ANAB’s assessment process to deliver quality assurance and assessment in the accreditation process? We sought to answer this question through 3 methods:
A) Quantitative Analysis, B) Qualitative Analysis, and C) Analysing a Case Study.
The study (full report available here) found that there was no statistically significant difference between the number of findings for ISO/IEC 17065 assessments issued during a primarily onsite assessment period (2019) and a primarily remote assessment period (2020).
The review of the case study gave a degree of confidence that remote assessments can provide an effective alternative or complement to onsite assessments.
Results of a much larger IAF/ILAC/ISO Survey to international stakeholders in August 2021 indicated quite similar trends to the ANAB Product surveys in satisfaction with, confidence in, and future preferences for remote assessments.
Since beginning of the pandemic, supporting remote auditing with efficient tools and functionalities is a high priority for the ViaSyst audit management software.
Want to know and challenge how? Just apply for a free ViaSyst audit management software demo.
Dr Didier BLANC, ViaSyst Director