New method for auditing ISO 9000:2000 The new auditing methodology was developed to increase the benefit of internal audits. Based on the new standard ISO 9001:2000 the methodology focuses on the top management and its specific audit goals. Additionally the interactions of processes are part of the audit. Konrad Scheiber, the CEO of the leading Austrian systems certification body OQS is the author and creator of this new method. He is direct participant of the ISO 9000:2000 standard revision process. Short description of the methodology Steps Accompanying activities Benefits Clarification of the initial conditions with the auditee Defining audit objectives, considering requirements and the audit purpose, using standardised audit programmes Rules of the game are defined at start. The audit partners decide whether only standard conformity or also system impact to be considered. Discussion of vision, mission, policy and strategy of the organisation Applying the agreed frame of objectives Systematic elaboration of audit and system objectives. Systems orientation is basis of the audit. Definition of system priorities together with the auditee Using a "normogramm", marking a net of not more than 5 blocks and processes Focus of top management described and can be followed systematically during the whole audit process Auditing of processes, considering permanently requirements and audit objectives Systematic inclusion of interactions with other processes and blocks Instead of sequential questions on standard requirements, a continual auditing of system impact in relation to the organisation's objectives Immediate marking of strengths and weaknesses in the "normogramm" Planning and performing audit reviews Recognising and illustrating of clusters Securing holistic audit of priorities and requirements System related strengths and weaknesses visualised within the net Each requirement connected with processes and elements Presentation of audit results Preparing a strengths-weaknesses-profile and comparing with audit objectives Subjective perceptions replaced through objective profiles, their correlation with audit objectives easily to be identified. Audit reporting, including priority of activities for improvement Applying a standardised report structure Top management can easily identify the statements of the audit report and can combine the results and their interrelations with the organisation's strategy For further information or discussion please contact: Mr. Horst Rieger: rieger@oeqs.com or Mr. Konrad Scheiber: scheiber@oeqs.com

ÖQS Zertifizierungs und Begutachtungs GmbH Mr. Markus Klettner Gonzagagasse 1/25 AT-1010 Vienna Austria Tel: +43 1 533 3050 Fax: +43 1 533 30509 e-mail: Headquarters office@oeqs.com e-mail: IQNet representative markusklettner@es.europost.org www.oeqs.at