Remote audits can be a valuable addition to any organization’s auditing and verification activities, contributing to building stakeholder and consumer trust.
Remote auditing enables activities when and wherever needed whether used in combination with physical visits or fully digital. With little or no investments in software and hardware, remote auditing is accessible to everyone and growing as a means for companies manage and audit their operations, products and supply chains.
“With the communication tools available today, any remote audit is plug-and-play from a technology perspective. We can deliver using both off-the-shelf tools, catering to the default software of our customers, and apply our dedicated remote auditing platform when required,” says Luca Crisciotti, CEO DNV GL – Business Assurance. “Our focus has been on developing the delivery modes and application to pledge the same professionalism and quality in every audit. As well as, we consider accreditation bodies, scheme owners or other regulatory bodies’ requirements.”
While remote audits may feel very different than a physical audit, the objective is the same and may provide added value not possible with physical audits only for various reasons. Remote audits can enable efficiency by removing travel time or allowing companies to double the number of sites audited. Removing travels can also increase access to remote sites or sites not accessible due to risky situations.
“Moreover, we believe that the right competence and audit team is critical to the quality of any audit. Coupling remote auditing capabilities with physical audits, for example, can allow us to connect additional competence when needed. It can also improve access to limited, specialized competence required by a particular scheme or regulatory body, avoiding delays and helping companies in managing their business continuity,” says Nicola Privato, Global Operations & Technical Director DNV GL -Business Assurance.
DNV GL auditors are trained in remote auditing delivery modes and procedures are aligned to comply with necessary requirements. Application can be in combination with physical audits or fully remote in specific cases. Auditors onsite also use it as a supplement to access risky areas or connect team members remotely.