Step-by-step internal quality audit

The internal quality audit is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring that a plant's processes meet the established regulatory, contractual and quality requirements. Unlike an external or certification audit, the internal audit is carried out within the organization itself, with the aim of identifying deviations, preventing non-conformities and fostering continuous improvement.

In sectors regulated by international standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 22000 (food safety), or specific standards such as IFS y BRCGS, the internal audit is not optional: it is a fundamental requirement that prepares the company to successfully pass any official assessment.

In this article we will look at what an internal audit is, what benefits it brings, the steps for carrying it out correctly, practical examples by sector and how digital tools like Solved make it easier to carry out.

What an internal quality audit is

The internal quality audit consists of a systematic and independent examination of an organization's processes, carried out by its own or designated personnel, in order to determine whether they meet the established criteria.

These criteria can be:

• International standards (ISO, IFS, BRC).
  
• Internal procedures of the organization.
  
• Legal or contractual requirements.
  

The aim is not to penalize, but to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure that management systems work effectively.

The importance of internal audits

Internal audits are a company's first line of defense against quality problems, legal non-compliance or operational failures. Their benefits include:

• Regulatory compliance: they demonstrate conformity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, IFS and BRC.
  
• Preparation for external audits: they anticipate possible non-conformities and reduce the risk of penalties or certification suspensions.
  
• Continuous improvement: they help detect inefficiencies and propose corrective actions.
  
• Trust from customers and suppliers: the company demonstrates control over its processes and responsiveness.
  
• Cost reduction: detecting problems in time is cheaper than correcting them after a crisis or a product rejection.
  

A internal quality audit when well executed, strengthens the quality culture within the organization.

Types of internal audits

Not all internal audits are the same. Depending on their focus, we can find:

• Process audits: they focus on how activities are carried out (production, maintenance, logistics).
  
• Product audits: they review the characteristics and results of the products manufactured.
  
• System audits: they assess the entire quality management system against a standard.
  
• Thematic audits: focused on a specific aspect, such as food safety, the environment or occupational risk prevention.
  

Each type of internal audit meets a different need, but all are part of the continuous improvement cycle.

Steps to carry out an internal quality audit, step by step

For an internal quality audit to be effective, it must follow a structured process. Below is a step-by-step guide applicable to any organization.

1. Audit planning

• Define the scopeprocesses, areas, or standards to be audited.
  
• Set a scheduledates, duration, assigned auditors.
  
• Communicate the plan to everyone involved to avoid surprises and resistance.
  

2. Auditor preparation

• Review documentation: manuals, procedures, previous records.
  
• Draw up a checklist adapted to the applicable standard (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, IFS or BRC).
  
• Have a thorough understanding of the audit objectives.
  

3. Opening meeting

• Present the audit objective to the area owners.
  
• Explain the methodology and answer questions.
  
• Create an atmosphere of collaboration, not punitive inspection.
  

4. Audit execution

• Conduct interviews with staff.
  
• Observe processes in operation.
  
• Review records and documented evidence.
  
• Identify non-conformities, observations, and improvement opportunities.
  

5. Recording findings

• Document each finding clearly: what was found, in which area, which standard or procedure it breaches, and the associated evidence.
  
• Classify: major non-conformity, minor non-conformity, or observation.
  

6. Closing meeting

• Present the findings to the audited team.
  
• Make sure the issues found are understood.
  
• Explain next steps and due dates for corrective actions.
  

7. Audit report

• Summarize findings, evidence, and conclusions.
  
• Include improvement recommendations.
  
• Deliver it to management and process owners.
  

8. Corrective action plan

• Define owners, due dates, and specific measures to correct the non-conformities.
  
• Follow up through to the closure of each action.
  

This cycle ensures that the internal audit is not just a formal exercise, but drives real change in the organization.

Practical examples of application by standard

Internal audit under ISO 9001

Focused on verifying that processes meet the requirements of the quality management system. Example: review of equipment calibration records.

Internal audit under ISO 14001

Focuses on environmental compliance. Example: verifying hazardous waste management and its documentation.

Internal audit under ISO 22000

Focuses on food safety and compliance with the HACCP plan. Example: checking temperature control records in cold storage rooms.

Internal audit under IFS

Requires traceability of raw materials and finished product. Example: tracking a batch from the supplier to the end customer.

Internal audit under BRCGS

Requires backward and forward traceability tests. Example: demonstrating which farm supplied the fruit and which supermarkets each batch of juice ended up in.

Each standard has its particularities, but the internal audit method is common and must be adapted to the specific requirements.

Common challenges in internal audits

Carrying out an internal quality audit can run into obstacles such as:

• Staff resistance due to fear of sanctions.
  
• Incomplete records scattered across different systems.
  
• Lack of training among internal auditors.
  
• Shortage of time and resources to audit all areas.
  

These challenges are overcome with a quality culture, proper planning and tools that simplify record-keeping and traceability.

How Solved supports internal audits

The platform Solved offers functionalities that make each phase of the internal quality audit:

• Customizable digital checklists for each standard.
  
• Digital evidence recording (photos, videos, documents).
  
• Automatic assignment of corrective actions to owners.
  
• Real-time dashboards to monitor the status of audits and non-conformities.
  
• Integration with ERP, MES and CMMS, avoiding duplication and information loss.
  

With Solved, factories have cut the time spent preparing audits by up to 65%, translating into more focus on continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The internal quality audit should not be seen as a formality, but as a strategic opportunity to improve processes, ensure compliance and strengthen organizational culture. By following a structured step-by-step approach, aligned with standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, IFS and BRCGS, factories not only prepare for external audits, but also improve their efficiency and competitiveness.

Digitalization is key to making these audits fast, reliable and useful. Tools like Solved allow the process to stop being an administrative burden and become a driver of continuous improvement.

Want to simplify your next internal quality audit and ensure compliance with ISO, IFS and BRC standards? Book a demo of Solved and discover how to digitalize your audit management.