What is expected from organizations regarding their internal audits?

Organizations are expected to assess and document their processes regularly as part of their internal audit requirements under ISO 9001. This approach enables a thorough evaluation of how processes are performing and whether they are meeting the established objectives and quality standards.

Regular assessment ensures that any potential issues or areas for improvement are identified and addressed promptly. Documentation of these processes is crucial as it provides evidence of compliance with the QMS requirements and supports continuous improvement initiatives. It also strengthens the organization's ability to track trends, review performance over time, and provide accountability.

Although establishing an annual audit schedule and conducting audits at intervals defined by management can be part of an internal audit strategy, the fundamental expectation in ISO 9001 is the ongoing assessment and documentation of processes to maintain a robust quality management system. This continual review process is essential to identify weaknesses and enhance organizational performance, which underscores its importance as the correct focus of internal audits.