Internal auditing is the backbone of every company, especially ones related to the aerospace industry.
The regulations require that all the production organisations establish and maintain quality systems that ensure that all the manufactured products follow a pre-approved design and are thus safe for operation.
While some people would hesitate to bring an outsider into the company and provide them with information about their internal systems, especially when their company’s confidentiality is at risk, it is always a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes on the processes and activities of an organisation.
Why hire an external source?
If your company is ISO 9001 certified or has certification of AS 9100 which closely align with ISO, then you probably know that these certifications are exceptionally strict about maintaining a quality of products.
With so much on the line, people have started choosing other parties not only to provide them with certification cervices (3rd party audit), but as well to ensure internally that their organisation runs smoothly (internal audits – 1st party audits) or to ensure that their supply chain is effective (2nd party audits). Plus, the aerospace industry allows you to outsource internal audits and suppliers audits granted that the company you hire follows some strict rules and requirements that align with aerospace quality management systems. Condidering the cost-effectiveness and another advantages, this approach is more common than you might think.
Boarder Perspective
Because third-person parties aren’t directly associated with the company, they are able to have a better and more objective view of the situation. Another major benefit is that outsourcing of your auditing obligations may help you better adhere to relevant standards. These independent auditors have experience with a wide variety of systems so they can better analyse what is good with your system and what would require some improvements. They can provide a robust analysis of organisation structure, practices, processes, procedures and workflows, helping you analyse gaps, errors, problems, and areas that can be improved.
Cost-Effective
Most companies might not have the stable cash flow to constantly have an internal auditing team on hand because in-house hiring can be extremely expensive, and even then, competence isn’t guaranteed. Outsourcing of internal audit function is more cost-effective since auditors don’t need to be trained, nor do they need monetary benefits. All you need to do is pay their consultancy and auditing fee, and they will do the job for you, which is more efficient than training an in-house auditor.
Range Of Knowledge
Another reason people choose to outsource internal audit obligations is that they bring a unique set of skills to the table. They are highly qualified and professional and have years of field experience, which allows them to develop more effective solutions.
What do you need to do to outsource auditing obligations?
According to part EASA 21G, you may outsource the audit process, provided that you follow certain requirments. The use of Other Parties, such as a consulting companies or quality assurance companies, is permitted e.g. for supplier assessment and surveillance, corrective action and follow-up activities, but it need to be performed under controlled conditions.
Firstly, if you are an EASA Part 21G approved organisation, you would need to have a documented arrangement with the consulting company for the purpose of assessing and surveying of your suppliers.The use of consulting companies should be a part of your quality system, therefore you would need to have a procedure for using Other Parties.
The procedure should be consistent with your other procedures and should include the following:
- Identification of consulting company that you outsource audit obligations to.
- A list of suppliers under consulting company surveillance.
- The method you use to evaluate and monitor the consulting company (e.g. verification of standards and checklists used by the consulting company, verification of qualifications, knowledge, experience and training, verification that the consulting company has access to applicable proprietary necessary to conduct an outsourced auditing services).
- A definition of the scope of surveillance.
- The procedures used by the consulting company to notify you of non-conformities discovered at the suppliers, corrective action and follow-up.
Additionally, you would need to make arrangements that allow the competent authority to make investigation to include consulting comany activities.
If you are looking for a consulting firm that you could outsource your auditing obligations to, then check out services provided by EQM Consult. We provide outsourced internal audit and outsourced suppliers audit services. We will help you prepare necessary arrangements and procedures to ensure that you are complaint with regulatory requirements. We can also help you create your quality management system according to ISO 9001 or AS 9100 and environmental management system according to ISO 14001 or EASA.
For more information about our services, check out our website and contact us.
Ph.D. Beata Paliwoda
Founder and Owner of EQM. Environmental and quality consultant and auditor. Professional career built in Quality Assurance departments in various companies from the automotive, aerospace, railway industries, as well as a management systems consultant. Successfully completed many complex projects related to the implementation of management systems, process improvements and business transformation. Auditor of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS 9100, project manager of APM, lecturer at the Poznan University of Business and Economics, researcher on the effectiveness of EMS and QMS in organisations.
