How frequently should internal audits be conducted according to best practices?

Internal audits are an essential part of the quality management system as outlined in ISO 9001. The standard emphasizes the importance of conducting internal audits at planned intervals to ensure that the QMS conforms to the requirements of the standard, as well as to the organization's own requirements, and to ensure that it is effectively implemented and maintained.

Conducting internal audits twice a year is aligned with best practices because it allows organizations to regularly assess their processes, identify any nonconformities, and improve upon them in a timely manner. This frequency provides a balance between thoroughness and practicality, allowing for issues to be addressed before they become systemic problems, while also adhering to the commitment of continuous improvement that is fundamental to ISO 9001.

Auditing too infrequently, such as annually or every five years, can lead to missed opportunities for timely improvements or corrective actions. Conversely, auditing every quarter may impose unnecessary strain on resources without allowing enough time for meaningful changes to be implemented between audits. Thus, twice yearly is considered a suitable approach that reflects both diligence and efficiency in maintaining a robust quality management system.