changing external audit dates
In a word…. Don’t do it. Yes, I know that’s three words but don’t do it. Sure life and business get in the way, but with enough planning and enough commitment, there should be no reason to change the date. Our management system is ready 24x7. Our management system is available through any web enabled device at any time. And our certifier is a joy to work with. Not the least of which their ability to think outside the certification audit box.
Remote access. Web savvy. The ability to split events, share communication and put forward an audit plan that can be developed towards, all makes the audit date just another workday that inevitably adds value to our systems. A great point of difference with our certifier is that we do all the planning with the auditor themselves. Better control of their own calendar makes for more flexibility in determining the best situation and date to conduct the audit. Not the least of which is to determine the preferred date of the next audit anywhere up to 12 months in advance. Then just keep the communication up to ensure we are both are still on the same page (and date), and all should go well. Sure there are times when we both have to have a little give and take, but it is very rare. It is such a positive workflow to work towards a known event with a known plan to ensure the outcome needed by both the certifier and us can be achieved.
So plan ahead. Communicate and don’t change that date.