In quality management, what is the purpose of a quality system audit?

A quality system audit primarily serves to verify compliance with established standards. This process involves a systematic and independent examination of a quality management system to determine whether it conforms to the specified requirements, is effectively implemented, and is maintained. By conducting these audits, organizations can ensure that their quality processes align with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of their quality management practices.

Compliance verification through audits helps identify areas of non-conformance, allowing organizations to take corrective action when necessary. This also fosters continuous improvement within the organization by ensuring that quality objectives are consistently met and that best practices are upheld. Through the lens of verification, a quality system audit plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the organization's commitment to quality and in building trust among stakeholders, including customers and partners.