Audit Management Software
inforum manages audits as an end-to-end process: the audit program, scheduling and resource planning, questionnaires, evaluation, findings, and corrective actions are all stored in a single database. System, process, product, and supplier audits are conducted according to the same rules, in compliance with ISO 19011, VDA 6.x, and IATF 16949.
The Audit cycle in a system
Audits demonstrate the effectiveness of processes and management systems. ISO 19011 specifies the cycle: audit program, planning, execution, evaluation, corrective actions, and effectiveness review. IATF 16949 and the VDA standards impose stricter requirements for providing evidence across all types of audits.
Inforum’s audit module fully maps this cycle. The audit program controls the annual scope; the audit matrix schedules all audits across all plants; and a traffic-light evaluation displays the status for each plant. Questionnaires are generated from standard chapters or custom checklists; evaluation schemes and weightings are configurable. System, process, product, and supplier audits follow the same structure.
The post-audit phase is what makes the difference. Each finding is assigned a corrective action, a deadline, and a responsible party, and remains accessible until its effectiveness is verified. Suppliers process their corrective actions directly in inforum. Through the connection to risk management and Processes and Documents , audit results are available right where they’re needed.
Audit module overview
- Audit program and annual planning
The audit program defines which areas, processes, and suppliers will be audited annually. The audit matrix plans all audits across all plants throughout the year, and a traffic light system indicates the audit status for each plant. Dates, auditors, and resources are recorded for each audit. - All audit types in a single structure
System, process, product, and supplier audits follow the same procedure and data logic. Internal audits and supplier self-assessments use the same checklists and evaluation rules. This ensures that results remain comparable across locations and suppliers. - Questionnaires and Checklists
Questionnaires are based on the relevant sections of standards or are created as standalone checklists. Recurring audit types are based on a template that is customized for each audit. Customer-specific requirements can be mapped as a separate questionnaire. - Evaluation Based on VDA and Custom Models
Audit evaluations follow the frameworks defined in VDA 6.x or a custom model. Criteria, scoring systems, and weightings are configurable. This allows for the implementation of non-standard customer requirements without the need for a secondary system. - Findings and Actions
Deviations, recommendations, and observations are recorded during implementation. Each finding results in an action item with a deadline and a designated person responsible. The status is tracked until the effectiveness review is completed, and any missed deadlines are reported. - Suppliers in the process
Corrective and improvement measures are defined jointly with the supplier and processed in the system. All parties involved see the same processing status, without the need for coordination via email attachments and parallel status lists. - Analysis and Documentation
Audit status, results, and progress on corrective actions can be analyzed across all audits. For certification audits according to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or MAQMSR, the supporting documentation is available from day-to-day operations. - Modular design
Audits is a module of the inforum Management Software and integrates risk management, complaint handling, and process and document management within a single database. The platform can be expanded with additional modules as needed.
Audit management with inforum
Annual planning across all plants
Actions through to effectiveness
Comparable audit results
Frequently asked questions about audit management software
What features does audit management software have?
Audit management software manages the entire audit cycle within a single system: audit program, scheduling, checklists, execution, evaluation, findings, and corrective actions. In inforum, internal audits as well as process, product, system, and supplier audits are conducted within the same structure, featuring cross-plant annual planning and action tracking through to effectiveness verification.
What types of audits does inforum cover?
inforum supports system, process, product, and supplier audits, as well as self-assessments. All audit types use the same catalogs, evaluation rules, and corrective action processes. This ensures that results remain comparable across departments, plants, and suppliers.
Which standards does the audit management feature in inforum support?
inforum supports audits in accordance with ISO 19011, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA 6.x, ISA, and MAQMSR, as well as company-specific guidelines. Questionnaires are generated from the relevant sections of the standards, and customer-specific requirements can be mapped as a separate questionnaire.
How are audit measures tracked in inforum?
Each finding results in a corrective action with a deadline and an assigned person. The status of the action can be viewed at any time, and missed deadlines are reported. The corrective action remains open until its effectiveness is verified; suppliers address their issues directly in the system.
How does inforum support supplier audits?
Supplier audits are conducted as part of the same audit program as internal audits. Corrective and improvement actions are defined in collaboration with the supplier and processed in the system. All parties involved can view the same processing status.
How are audits and certification related?
Internal audits demonstrate to certification bodies that the management system is reviewed on a regular basis. In inforum, audit plans, evaluations, and records of corrective actions are generated as part of day-to-day operations. For certification audits according to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or MAQMSR, these documents are available without requiring separate preparation.
inforum for your Audit Management
Every company conducts audits according to its own rules, standards, and customer requirements. That’s why getting started with inforum begins with a consultation during which we take the time to listen to you. Get to know inforum by reviewing your audit program, catalogs, and evaluation schemes, and let our team guide you from your very first question all the way through to successful implementation.
