A factory audit is a structured assessment of a manufacturing site’s capability, controls and compliance against defined sourcing requirements. It provides evidence about the actual facility and systems behind a supplier quotation.
What can an audit cover?
- Legal identity, licenses and site ownership
- Production lines, equipment and capacity
- Quality management and inspection records
- Material control and traceability
- Worker, safety and environmental practices
- Subcontracting, security and business continuity
How should the audit be prepared?
Define the product, process, risk and evidence required before selecting the checklist. Confirm the site address, scope, auditor competence, access rights and whether announced or unannounced work is permitted.
Factory audit vs. product inspection
A factory audit assesses the facility and management system. A product inspection checks particular goods or a production lot against specifications. A capable factory can still produce a defective shipment, so the controls complement each other.
How should findings be rated?
Classify findings by severity, evidence and effect on approval. A critical legal or safety issue should not be averaged away by high scores in housekeeping or documentation.
What happens after the audit?
Assign corrective actions, owners, evidence and deadlines. Verify closure proportionate to risk, update supplier status and record any limits on approved products, volumes or processes.
