What is the purpose of 'internal audits' in ISO 9001?

The purpose of 'internal audits' in ISO 9001 is fundamentally to evaluate the conformance of the Quality Management System (QMS) to the established requirements, which include those specified by the ISO 9001 standard as well as any internal policies and procedures. Internal audits serve as a crucial tool for organizations to assess how well their QMS is functioning and identify areas for improvement. By systematically examining processes, practices, and compliance with the requirements, internal audits provide an organization with insights into its operational effectiveness and adherence to quality standards.

This evaluation helps ensure that the QMS is not only aligned with the ISO requirements but also functioning as intended to meet customer and regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the findings from these audits can be used to make informed decisions about corrective actions, process enhancements, and overall quality improvements, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.