Archive for July, 2010
Inspections and Audits
A common question asked often is what is the difference between Inspections and Audits. Most people use them interchangeably but there are some key differences.
Inspections
Inspection is an (visual) observation. Inspection is to examine closely any equipment or a facility. It may be formal (with a check-list) or informal. e.g. Inspection of a hospital room or a hotel room to ensure that cleanliness standards were met. Another example is a visual inspection of a construction site to ensure safety standards are met (that there are no hanging power cables, no obstructions, etc.)
Inspections are routine day-to-day activities and are normally pro-active.
Inspection mainly deals with the conformance of Products Parameters
Outcomes of Inspection processes are in the form of objective evidences of conformance/non-conformance and the Inspection Report is mainly numerical data based (score report).
Audits
Audit is a process of evaluation and a mean to measure performances that is based on Standards & Guidelines. Audits identify the compliance & non-compliance based on Standards and is neutral.
Audits are periodic activities and are normally reactive. Audits must be usually carried out due to government mandated directives (thus making them reactive)
Audit process deals with the conformance of Process Parameters mainly (was a process followed or not for example)
Outcomes of the Audit processes are in the form of objective evidences of conformance/non-conformance and the Audit Report will be a descriptive one and based upon ratings (e.g. excellent/good/bad)
About eInspector
eInspector allows organizations to streamline and automate their inspections and audits using innovative smart phone based technology leveraged with a powerfull web backend. Please contact us to find out more.