What is the main purpose of an internal audit?

The primary purpose of an internal audit within the context of ISO 9001 is to provide information about the Quality Management System's (QMS) compliance with established requirements. Internal audits are structured evaluations aimed at determining whether the QMS is effectively implemented, maintained, and continuously improved in line with the organization's policies, objectives, and the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard.

These audits serve several critical functions, including verifying that processes are functioning as intended, identifying areas for improvement, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and assessing how well the organization meets its quality objectives. By gathering objective evidence through internal audits, organizations can take proactive steps to address any non-conformities or weaknesses identified, ultimately leading to enhanced performance and quality outcomes.

Other options may focus on aspects related to employee performance evaluations or customer satisfaction, but those are not the central aim of internal audits in the context of a QMS. The role of an internal audit is more aligned with evaluating compliance and efficacy of the management system rather than assessing individual employee performance or directly measuring customer satisfaction levels.