Planning is the most important step in conducting a successful internal audit. Without adequate planning, the likelihood of missing relevant control weaknesses or encountering engagement-related problems increases considerably. Moreover, improper planning can lead to changes in scope or objectives after much of the audit work has already been completed.

Although planning is crucial to audit success, auditors may tend to overlook important aspects of the process. To help ensure engagements run smoothly, the auditor should develop and document a plan for each audit that addresses the audit scope, objectives, client operations, administrative tasks, the opening meeting, and the audit program. With careful planning, internal auditors can meet the objectives of their reviews and identify opportunities for improvements for the process owner.

Audit managers must select the right areas to audit, and commit the right resources to perform the audits. These demands may leave little margin for error.

PRESENTER 

Angelo Scangas has assisted numerous clients in the areas of process improvement, Lean Six Sigma, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001, ISO/TS 16949 and ISO 13485 certifications. He has extensive training experience in internal auditing, advance product quality planning, FMEA, problem solving, project management, and SPC.

Angelo has worked in the medical devices, biomedical, automotive, textile, chemical, and electronics industries for more than 30 years, holding positions such as director of manufacturing, director of quality, and plant manager.

Angelo is a member of the American Society of Quality and AIAG. He is a Certified AIAG, IAOB and RAB-Lead Auditor. He is also a member in the Quality Management and Automotive Divisions of ASQ.