This guide describes the step-by-step process for planning, conducting and closing internal audits of the quality system. Internal audits, per ISO 17025 §8.8, provide a systematic evaluation of laboratory operations at planned intervals.
Before you begin, make sure the following data exists:
| # | Prerequisite | Why it's needed | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Users | The auditor and auditee must exist as users in the system. | Users |
| 2 | Document Control | Procedures and SOPs that serve as audit criteria must be registered. | Document Control |
Tip: Before creating audits, prepare an annual audit programme covering all laboratory areas.
Go to the Internal Audits page from the QC menu. A table of existing audits is displayed.
The visible table columns are:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Code | Unique code (for example AUD-YYYY-0001) |
| Date | Date the audit was conducted |
| Area | Audit area (for example Chemical Analysis) |
| Finding | Non-Conformity, Observation, Improvement Opportunity or Conformity |
| Status | Planned, In Progress, Completed or Closed |
| Auditor | The internal auditor |
Before starting an audit, determine:
The annual programme should cover all areas at least once. The available areas are:
Click the "+" button on the toolbar to open the creation form.
Fill in the fields:
AUD-YYYY-0001) or enter your own codeDuring execution, change the status to "In Progress" and:
Tip: Use a checklist based on the ISO 17025 articles that correspond to the area being audited.
After conducting the audit, open the record in edit mode and fill in:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Finding | Finding category — select one: |
| Conformity — meets requirements | |
| Observation — area for improvement, no violation | |
| Improvement Opportunity — optimisation suggestion | |
| Non-Conformity — does not meet requirements | |
| Severity | Major or Minor (for Non-Conformities) |
| Findings | Detailed description of what was found |
| Corrective Action | Proposed or required action |
Findings are displayed in the table with colour coding:
If a Non-Conformity is identified, a corrective action process must be initiated:
For a detailed corrective actions guide, see: Guide: Corrective Actions
After all actions are complete:
The status does not change automatically — it is a deliberate decision by the quality manager.
Type in the search field for quick text filtering.
Click the filter icon to open the filter panel:
| Filter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Select | Filter by status (Planned, In Progress, Completed, Closed) |
| Finding | Select | Filter by finding type |
| Area | Select | Show audits for a single area only |
| Auditor | Select | Show audits for a specific auditor |
| Date From | Date | Range start date |
| Date To | Date | Range end date |
| Max Records | Number | Record limit for print/export (default: 200) |
Click the print icon. A PDF list is generated with:
Click the export icon to download a CSV file.
Printing and export respect active filters and the max records limit.
How often should internal audits be conducted?
Per ISO 17025, internal audits must be conducted at planned intervals. Typically, each area is audited at least once per year. Additional audits can be scheduled after significant changes or non-conformities.
Who can conduct an internal audit?
The auditor must be independent from the area being audited. They cannot audit their own work. They must also have appropriate training in audit techniques.
Can an auditor audit their own work?
No. ISO 17025 §8.8 (and the referenced auditing-guidance standard ISO 19011) require auditor independence — the person performing the audit must not have responsibility for the area being audited. Always select a person who is not involved in the area being audited.
How do I link a Non-Conformity to a Corrective Action (CAPA)?
First create the CAPA record on the Corrective Actions page, then enter the CAPA code in the "CAPA Reference" field of the audit. This creates traceability between the finding and the corrective action.
What is the difference between "Completed" and "Closed"?
Completed means the audit has been finished and findings have been recorded. Closed means that any corrective actions have also been completed and verified as effective.
How does auto-numbering work?
If you leave the "Code" field blank during creation, the application assigns the next available code (format AUD-YYYY-NNNN).