Minnesota Exports: - Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association

BEST PRACTICESDo not openly argue with theauditor—discuss findings in apositive fashion at pre-wrap-upmeetings. Inquire if you can correctthe error before the audit is complete—assuming it is a minor finding andis easy to correct.Customers recognize a truly robustquality business system and theemployees who manage it.Do not hide or change informationduring an audit.Ensure company leadershipattends all wrap-up meetings andinterface on a path moving forward,implementing improvement actions.During this stage, it is essential todemonstrate to their employees thatmanagement owns the system andits significance.Express to the auditor that youappreciate his help and ideas forimprovements—make him feel a partof your team.After the audit, meet and assignactions and dates. Do not delay; thefaster you respond, the better. Bethorough in your corrective action—do not put a Band-Aid on it.Understand and submit correctiveaction information in the formatthe auditor requires and on therequested deadline dates.Make sure and track that the auditor/agency/customer has received yourcorrective actions and finds themacceptable—do not throw them overthe fence and wait. Track this as acritical part of passing the audit andstaying certified or in compliance.In conclusion, if you treat an auditas a value-add activity, it will help yourcompany perform at a higher qualitylevel in business processes that serve yourcustomer. Customers recognize a trulyrobust quality business system and theemployees who manage it. In the end,“you” are the face of your company. PMDouglas G. Stohr Sr. is a quality/continuousimprovement manager at MATE Precicion Tool.He can be reached at doug.stohr@mate.com.tool steel | high speed | alloys | stainless | powder metals | grinding | boringSince 1976Rockford, IL (Corporate)ph 815-226-8800 | 800-435-0717fax 815-226-4388www.cintool.com46 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING January | February 2013