Having a well-established auditing programme is essential to verify the effective implementation of systems, whether they are quality, food safety, health and safety or maintenance. Here are some of our experiences and key criteria for success.

Kudos Blends’ commitment to the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, outlines the requirements for auditing, but the importance of an auditing programme shouldn’t be underestimated, because even if your company doesn’t work towards a standard, then auditing can still be used to identify and highlight the weak points of your procedures and processes and help you find a solution, to essentially improve and develop.

Manufacturing and Warehousing

These audits are designed to assess and enhance the effectiveness of operational processes, identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. A comprehensive internal audit of these facilities may cover aspects such as supply chain management, production processes, good manufacturing practices (GMP), inventory control, and overall facility safety.

Laboratory

The integration of our laboratory into the auditing programme endorses the importance of internal auditing of all areas of our operation at Kudos Blends. Laboratory facilities handle quality control, testing, research and development, so these audits focus on equipment calibration, adherence to testing procedures, competency, documentation practices, safety, and compliance with industry-specific regulations. The goal is to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of data generated, which is crucial for maintaining product quality and providing expert technical support, whilst also meeting regulatory requirements.

Bakery

Specific to Kudos Blends, a bakery environment could be excused from an auditing programme, but why wouldn’t this be included? The bakery team and the environment they work in are essential to the technical support that Kudos Blends can provide. By conducting regular audits of this area, the bakery can ensure that its operations align with industry best practices, meet high hygiene standards, guarantee the consistency and quality of products, and continue to provide the highest level of expertise for product development.

Key Benefits of Internal Audits

Some of the key benefits of internal auditing that we have experienced are detailed below:

Process Optimisation

Internal audits can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, and bakery processes. This insight allows for targeted improvements, streamlining operations and increasing overall efficiency.

Quality Assurance

Audits play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing product quality. By scrutinising processes, equipment, and testing methods, internal audits contribute to the production of high-quality products and services.

Regulatory Compliance

In highly regulated industries, such as food manufacturing, compliance with local, national, and international standards is paramount. Internal audits ensure that the facility and its processes align with regulatory requirements, mitigating the risk of penalties, fines and legal issues.

Risk Management

By proactively identifying potential risks, such as food fraud, supply vulnerabilities and risks to health and safety, internal audits enable the development of risk mitigation strategies. This proactive approach safeguards the business from unforeseen challenges and disruptions.

Continuous Improvement

Internal audits are not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular assessments and feedback promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

One aspect of internal auditing which is sometimes overlooked, is identifying the correct person to be an auditor and form part of an auditor team.

In conclusion, with a well-structured auditing programme, covering the significant aspects of business processes, having the correct people conducting relevant audits, and most importantly a sensible and pragmatic approach, then auditing can be very effective.

Just remember….the findings from an audit are not a punishment or criticism, they are an essential tool to improve.