Difference between Audit and Inspection

Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make a change: Barbara Mikulski

Introduction

Husband and wife have a difference of opinion. Parent and child have a generation gap. Employer and employee see things from a different perspective. We individuals have different viewpoint for the same situation as New Year resolution. But we all are right from our perspective!

Objective

We interchangeably use many words without realizing the fact that each word has its own meaning and significance. Audit and Inspection are two such words which we often use as same without comprehending that each of them has a distinct meaning and purpose. To put in a summary, Audit is about ‘Past’ and Inspection is about ‘Present!’   

Definitions: ISO 9000: 2015

Inspection (Cl 3.11.7): Determination of conformity to the specified requirement.

Audit (Cl 3.13.1): Systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which audit criteria are fulfilled

Detailed Information

In an organization, Audit and Inspection are conducted at different stages of the process. The key objective is to ensure that product and services are able to fulfil the organization and relevant interested parties’ requirements (like a customer).

Audit and Inspection: It can be of 3 different types

First Party: By the organization for their own organization

Second Party: Either by the customer (for the organization) or for the supplier (by the organization).

Third-Party: Independent body like Certification body, Government, Banker etc. for the organization

There are few distinct differences between Audit and Inspection which are stated below although both needs to be conducted by competent personnel (even though competency requirements may vary).

Key Difference between Audit & Inspection

Present Challenges:

• How often qualified Internal Auditors are clear about the difference between Audit & Inspection?
• How often the organization understand the difference between Product Audit & Product Inspection?
• How often organizations understand the difference between Product Audit and Layout Inspection?

References:

IATF 16949: 2016

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