Is the internal audit report a mandatory document according to ISO standards?

The internal audit report is indeed a mandatory document according to ISO 9001 standards. Organizations that are certified under ISO 9001 are required to conduct internal audits as part of their quality management system. The purpose of these audits is to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality management system and to ensure compliance with the organization's own procedures and with ISO requirements.

Once the internal audits are completed, documenting the findings and conclusions in an internal audit report is essential. This report serves as a key record that captures the results of the audit process, identifies areas of improvement, and ensures that management reviews can be conducted to address any issues. The documentation of the audit process, including the report, not only helps in tracking compliance but also facilitates continuous improvement within the organization.

The focus of ISO 9001 is on establishing a systematic approach to managing the quality of products and services, which includes the crucial step of evaluating and improving processes through regular auditing. Thus, the necessity for an internal audit report is intrinsic to the ISO 9001 framework.