Baseline Audits

ISO Baseline Audit Process

It’s hard to believe that the Baseline Audit Program has been in existence for almost ten years. During that time, many things have changed.  For instance, the ISO 9001 Standard has changed significantly over the years and the chairs for the committee have changed several times.  Some things that have not changed are the quality of audits performed through the Philadelphia Section ISO 9001 Baseline Audit program and the quality of the auditors who perform these audits. The low cost of the audits has not changed nor has the advantage experienced by both the organization using the baseline audit program and the auditors participating in these audits.  The organization wins by having a cost-effective evaluation of their quality system performed by independent auditors with diverse experience.   The auditors gain by having the audit experience that will lead them to RABQSA certification as auditors or lead auditors. They have no incentive to act as consultants or recommend registrars.

Now that companies have settled in to the requirements for ISO 9001:2000, the requests for Baseline Audits have slowed; however, the need for auditors to gain the necessary competencies to advance their RABQSA grade level remains high.  One way that this need can be met is if organizations utilize this program not for baseline audits, but for internal audits. For those companies that don’t have the internal resources to perform in-depth audits or the discretionary funding available to pay for high-cost consultants, the use of the Baseline Audit program is ideal.  The cost is minimal. The organization pays a nominal Witnessing Lead Auditor honorarium and expenses.  It is also responsible for covering the costs of duplicating and delivering quality system documentation to the auditors.  And the result is a complete review of their quality system that meets the requirements of the standard from auditors that are impartial and objective.

To arrange for an audit or to have any questions answered about this program and how it can benefit your organization, contact BLA chairs Carolyn de Jonge at cfdejonge@aol.com or Brad Savage at brad@bradsavage.com.

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ISO Network Strategy

Sustain a Network of registered and candidate companies with the joint sponsorship of ASQ, PACE and the Delaware County Community College.

Benefits
Opportunity to share experiences with others and to learn from experts in the field of quality management and ISO guidelines

Interests
Respond with subjects you are interested in having discussed at future meeting. 610-723-2005, fax 610-, email to Debbie Funk

Meetings
Tuesday of third week of the month, Sept.- May, 8:15-10:15 AM at Delaware County Community College (DCCC), Broomall, Pa.