Remote certification processes during global pandemic times

Abstract

Research background: Conformity assessment as defined in the ISO/IEC 17000 standard shows that the specified requirements for the product, process, system, person or entity have been met. A special type of conformity assessment is certification, in which the assessment is carried out by independent organizations, which has been confirmed by an accreditation body. The current crisis related to the development of the COVID-19 global pandemic has forced many organizations to change traditional forms of operation and, where it was possible, switch to a remote mode of work. Purpose of the article: The need to adapt to new realities did not bypass the certification bodies that adapted to the emergency situation, using the possibilities of remote work, including as part of certification processes. The purpose of this publication is to indicate the context of the certification bodies’ operation and the impact of such proceedings on trust in the results of their work as well as to show the changes of the way of conducting certification audits by the certification bodies. Methods: For above mentioned matter, four certification bodies were analysed in the area of remote certification processes. The used methodology was a case studies including a direct interviews with certification bodies representatives. Findings and Value Added: The main findings are related to the following issues concerning that remote auditing processes ensure business continuity; there is an increased confidence in results among customers of certification bodies; changes in process costs.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accredited conformity assessment bodies: insights from a multinational study

“…In line with previous findings [6,7], remote activities were triggered: 70% of certification and inspection bodies reported doing so, with as many as 50 % of them doing so for the first time due to the pandemic. In Italy, the share of CABs providing remote audits and inspections was significantly lower, with 44 % refraining from doing so (p = 0.01).…”

“…At the same time, opportunities emerged for the sector, with CABs providing essential services that are key to fighting the pandemic. While some CABs faced severe threats to their economic viability, others were able to respond and adapt, e.g., by implementing new digital solutions [7,18].…”

“…As core activities of CABs, on-site audits and inspections were heavily affected by restrictions as countermeasures to the pandemic, especially in the early phase, forcing them to adapt quickly [7]. Castka et al [6] found a significant increase in remote auditing and the use of information and communication technologies among certification bodies involved in voluntary sustainability standards in response to the pandemic, a development that has already shaped a "new normal".…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide, such as travel restrictions, remote operations, and unpredictable demand [2][3][4]. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs) were also affected by these challenges and associated disruptions [5][6][7][8].…”

Remote Quality Management System Audit. Auditors’ and Auditees’ Perspective and Lessons Learned

“…During this type of audit, auditors are able to adopt standard auditing techniques which they use during on-site audits, but through using modern technology (Serag & Daoud, 2021b). Remote auditing (or remote assessment) can be also defined as "the facilitation of assessment of a conformity assessment body from a location other than that being physically present" (Nowicki & Kafel, 2021), "the process by which internal auditors link information and communication technologies with data analytics to collect and evaluate electronic evidence, interact with the auditee and report on the accuracy of obtained data and internal controls, independently from the auditor's physical location" (Teeter et al, 2010), or as "the facilitation of an audit of a client by an auditor (…), who is not physically on-site" (Castka et al, 2021).…”