Using Software Tools to Conduct Integrated Environmental and Quality Management System Audits

摘要

In 1987, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released the ISO 9000 series of quality management system (QMS) standards to promote consistent quality practices and facilitate international trade. Nine years later, the ISO published the ISO 14000 standards for environmental management systems (EMS). These new standards were intended to provide the world with a common approach to environmental management. In today's global marketplace, companies frequently supply multiple industry sectors, each with their own specific standards. In addition, many must implement quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems. In order to maintain and audit these different systems, companies often seek to integrate them. By coordinating and integrating the common elements of these systems with their other strategic business plans, these companies also may realize significant cost savings. Auditing management systems follows a process, and, although different standards describe the audit processes for quality management and environmental management evaluation, they share many similarities and common principles. In fact, a new standard is being developed that will combine QMS and EMS auditing guidelines into one document. ISO 19011, Guidelines on Quality and Environmental Management System Auditing, is expected to be published in 2002 and should make the audit process more streamlined and cost-effective. Environmental audits have long been a part of environmental compliance programs and more recently have become a key component of corporate EMS programs. Although such audits are useful tools for evaluating compliance with the requirements of ISO 14000, they are also time-consuming and expensive. For greater effectiveness and efficiency, the EMS should be integrated with the company's other management systems, such as quality, health and safety, legal compliance and financial. As the number of standards and requirements that companies must follow increases, so too does the number of audits. As a result, companies need new tools for performing integrated audits. Audit technology (the "paperless audit") will allow auditors to manage protocols and documentation, track issues and corrective actions, as well as prepare standardized "smart" reports and communicate findings to stakeholders. Such technology also will incorporate strategic audit issues (e.g., risk assessment, business processes), audit trail and security, seamless integration with other IT tools (Adobe, Windows applications, HTML/XML), and data analysis for irregularities and statistical sampling. The result will be better knowledge management, improved work processes and collaboration, enhanced communication and scheduling and overall increased efficiency.