The New Normal: The Basics of an Effective Remote Audit
Trish Borzon
1489 Posts

Presented by: Ernest Blanchard, SGS North America, Inc.

Area of Focus: Basics and Session Level: Basic

In the ongoing aftermath of a global pandemic, the auditing paradigm has shifted from once being entirely on-site and in-person to a mixture of audits completed using information communication technology (ICT). This session will examine the difficulties in planning and execution from the perspective of over 18 month's experience in the execution of remote auditing. We will examine the best and worst practices in light of this experience and provide insight into how your organization can implement effective remote audits at the first, second, and third-party levels.

3 Replies

@Trish Borzon:

Presented by: Ernest Blanchard, SGS North America, Inc.

Area of Focus: Basics and Session Level: Basic

In the ongoing aftermath of a global pandemic, the auditing paradigm has shifted from once being entirely on-site and in-person to a mixture of audits completed using information communication technology (ICT). This session will examine the difficulties in planning and execution from the perspective of over 18 month's experience in the execution of remote auditing. We will examine the best and worst practices in light of this experience and provide insight into how your organization can implement effective remote audits at the first, second, and third-party levels. MyAccountAccess Login

Remote auditing has become an essential part of the auditing process due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While it may have been initially challenging to switch from on-site audits to remote audits, many organizations have now gained substantial experience in executing remote audits. In this session, we will examine the difficulties faced by organizations in planning and executing remote audits and provide insights into the best and worst practices based on this experience.

One of the significant difficulties faced by organizations during remote auditing is the lack of physical presence. Auditors need to rely on digital communication tools such as video conferencing, email, and instant messaging to communicate with the auditee. This can lead to challenges in assessing the physical evidence of the auditee's activities, which can be critical in identifying risks and non-conformities.

To overcome this difficulty, organizations need to establish effective communication channels with the auditee. They must ensure that the auditee understands the requirements and scope of the audit and provide them with adequate time and resources to gather and present relevant information. It is also essential to ensure that the auditee has access to appropriate technology and that the auditors have the necessary skills to use remote audit tools effectively.

Another challenge in remote auditing is ensuring the security and confidentiality of data. Auditors must ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access, modification, and disclosure during the audit process. This can be achieved by using secure communication channels, such as encrypted video conferencing, and restricting access to sensitive data.

To ensure effective remote audits, organizations should consider implementing the following best practices:

Develop clear communication plans and protocols that outline the expectations and requirements for remote audits.

Ensure that auditors are trained in remote auditing techniques, such as video conferencing, document sharing, and remote data collection.

Establish secure communication channels and protocols to protect sensitive data.

Conduct regular assessments of the remote audit process to identify areas for improvement.

Establish clear expectations for the auditee's responsibilities and provide them with adequate time and resources to gather and present relevant information.

In conclusion, the ongoing pandemic has changed the way auditing is conducted, with remote audits becoming an essential part of the process. While remote audits present challenges, they also provide opportunities for organizations to improve their audit processes and increase their flexibility. By implementing best practices and learning from the experiences gained over the last 18 months, organizations can continue to conduct effective remote audits at all levels.

David Jems
3 Posts

This works really well for us Conduent Connect Login

Shara Hall
2 Posts

@subway surfers
With travel restrictions and social distancing measures in place, the auditing paradigm has shifted from being primarily on-site and in-person to a mixture of audits completed using information communication technology (ICT).

The session will focus on the difficulties in planning and executing remote audits, drawing on over 18 months of experience in this area. Both the best and worst practices will be examined in light of this experience, providing valuable insights into what works well and what doesn't when conducting remote audits.