Overview
ISO/IEC TS 17012:2024 - Conformity assessment: Guidelines for the use of remote auditing methods in auditing management systems - is a Technical Specification published in 2024 that provides guidance on applying remote auditing methods to management system audits. It is applicable to first-, second- and third-party audits (internal and external) and supports the auditing principles in ISO 19011:2018. The document is intended to increase confidence in remote audit approaches among customers, regulators, accreditation and certification bodies, scheme owners, suppliers and other interested parties. Remote auditing methods are presented as a complementary tool to on‑site audits (enabling hybrid audits), not as a wholesale replacement.
Key Topics
- Scope and definitions: Clarifies what constitutes a remote auditing method and how virtual locations are handled.
- Audit programme management: Guidance on establishing objectives, identifying risks and opportunities, implementing, monitoring and improving audit programmes that include remote methods.
- Risk‑based planning: Advice on assessing risks and opportunities when deciding to use remote, on‑site or hybrid approaches.
- Conducting remote audits: Practical guidance for initiating audits, preparing activities, reviewing documented information, planning, communication, evidence collection, verification, generating findings, and drawing conclusions.
- Roles and responsibilities: Assigning support personnel, observers and ensuring clear communication and access to audit information.
- Reporting and follow-up: Preparing/distributing reports and managing corrective actions or follow-up activities for remote audits.
- Auditor competence: Criteria and methods for determining, evaluating and maintaining competencies specific to remote auditing.
- Informative annexes: Annex A on remote auditing methods and Annex B on useful practices.
Applications
This Technical Specification is useful for organizations and professionals involved in:
- Audit programme managers designing hybrid or fully remote audit strategies.
- Certification and accreditation bodies seeking consistent approaches to remote audits.
- Internal audit teams conducting first‑party audits across distributed sites or virtual locations.
- Second‑party (supplier) auditors performing remote assessments of suppliers and partners.
- Auditors and training providers developing competence and evaluation criteria for remote auditing.
Practical benefits include reduced travel time and cost, improved carbon footprint, enhanced business continuity, and easier access to cross‑border expertise.
Related Standards
- ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems (complementary principles).
- ISO/IEC 17021‑1 - Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies certifying management systems (related certification requirements).
- ISO 17000 - Conformity assessment - Vocabulary and general principles (terminology).
Keywords: remote auditing, remote audit methods, auditing management systems, ISO/IEC TS 17012:2024, hybrid audits, audit programme, auditor competence, conformity assessment.