Achieving ISO certification, such as ISO 27001 for information security or ISO 9001 for quality management, can be a big step for an organization. But what happens if you fail an audit? This is a scenario that many companies fear, but it's important to know that it's not the end of the world. In this blog, we discuss what to expect and what the next steps are.
1. Why don't you pass the audit?
First, it is essential to understand why you failed the audit. This may have to do with:
- Inadequate implementation of required standards.
- Documentation not fully in order.
- Incomplete employee training programs.
- Discrepancies found during the audit.
Understanding the reasons gives insight into where you need to improve and helps you take targeted actions.
2. Corrective measures
If you fail the audit, you usually receive a report from the auditor describing discrepancies. This report is a valuable source of information to take necessary corrective action. The most important step is to create an action plan and address these discrepancies quickly. This includes:
- Improving processes or documentation.
- Modifying policies and procedures as needed.
- Organize training or awareness sessions for employees.
Be sure to set clear deadlines for implementing these improvements.
3. Re-audit: the second chance
Most certification bodies offer the option of a re-audit. This means that after the corrective actions are implemented, you get a second chance to demonstrate that you are in compliance with the standard. This re-audit is often more focused on the previous deviations and verifies that the corrective actions have been effective.
Prepare well for this re-audit by fully addressing all findings from the previous audit and ensuring that the necessary improvements have been implemented.
4. Don't panic: It's a learning process
Failing an audit can be discouraging, but it is important to view it as a learning experience. ISO certification is all about continuous improvement, and a failed audit gives you the opportunity to discover and address weaknesses in your organization. Making these improvements will ultimately make your organization stronger.
5. What happens if you fail the re-audit?
If you still do not meet the requirements after the re-audit, your certification may be delayed or revoked. This could adversely affect your reputation or your contracts with customers, especially if you are in an industry where ISO certification is mandatory.
In this case, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the situation and decide whether a new round of implementation is needed. Sometimes external help, such as bringing in a consultant or specialist, can help get back on track faster.
Conclusion
Failing an audit is annoying, but certainly not insurmountable. It is an opportunity to learn, improve and come back stronger. Make sure you take deviations seriously, take appropriate corrective action and be prepared for a re-audit. This will keep you in compliance with the requirements of ISO standards in the long run and ensure that your organization continues to improve.
In our white paper, we take you step by step through our implementation process.
