True or false: The main purpose of internal audits is solely to identify disciplinary actions.

The main purpose of internal audits is to evaluate and improve an organization's Quality Management System (QMS) by ensuring compliance with established processes and identifying areas for improvement. Internal audits are designed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the QMS in meeting its objectives, rather than focusing solely on identifying disciplinary actions.

By conducting internal audits, an organization can gather data and insights that help ensure processes are being followed correctly, assess risks, and enhance operational performance. This supports the continuous improvement ethos central to ISO 9001, where the goal is to enhance customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness, rather than merely to punish nonconformance.

While internal audits may reveal issues that necessitate disciplinary action, this is not their primary focus. Instead, they serve as a proactive mechanism for identifying opportunities for improvement and driving organizational development. The emphasis is on enhancing processes and outcomes, fostering a culture of quality and continuous improvement rather than a punitive approach.