VDA_6.3_EN_Yellow_Volume_22-05-16.pdf - 第21页

19 3.2 Product/process -related kno wledge of the audi tors The quality o f an audit is de termined to a large extent by the product/pro cess - related knowledge of the audi tors. There are various ways to gain this know…

3.1.3 Process auditors as external service providers

External auditors are from independent, third-party organizations and carry

out audits as a service for the organization.

Specialized knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of quality tools and methods (e.g. SPC, VDA

Volume 5/MSA, FMEA, VDA MLA/APQP, VDA Volume 2/PPAP, 8D

Method)

• If required, knowledge regarding software development processes

and methods

• Auditor qualifications (negotiation, conflict management, audit proce-

dure)

• Knowledge of the relevant customer-specific requirements

• Knowledge of the relevant management system requirements (e.g.

IATF 16949, DIN EN ISO 9001, VDA 6.1)

• Specific knowledge regarding the product and the process

Evidence of specialized training

• Qualification as an auditor on the basis of DIN EN ISO 19011 (e.g.

VDA Auditor qualification, 1st/2nd party auditor for DIN EN ISO 9001,

IATF 16949, or VDA 6.1)

• Knowledge of required quality tools and methods in the technology to

be audited

• Successfully passing an exam and obtaining a certificate within the

scope of a VDA 6.3 training course

• Evidence of ability to apply the theoretical knowledge in practice (e.g.

observation during audits/approval and witness audits)

Professional experience

A minimum of 5 years professional experience (after 3 years’ professional ex-

perience in-house apprenticeship periods may be considered additionally),

preferably in manufacturing companies within the automobile industry, includ-

ing at least 2 years’ experience in quality management.

3.2 Product/process-related knowledge of the auditors

The quality of an audit is determined to a large extent by the product/process-

related knowledge of the auditors. There are various ways to gain this

knowledge and to use it during an audit. This can for example be done by:

• Getting experts involved when evaluating product/process-specific

aspects if the process auditor doesn’t have the necessary expertise

• Auditors doing their own research prior to the audit, e.g. by consulting

specialist literature, online forums and industry standards as well as

knowledge databases

• Coordination with internal and external experts

• Drawing conclusions from previous audits

In order to systematically capture and expand this “expert knowledge” and to

make it available to the auditors, it is recommendable to build up a knowledge

database. The sources of such knowledge can for example be typical errors

that have occurred or internal lessons learned. It must be ensured that infor-

mation (from the customer, from the supplier, or from within the organization)

remains confidential.

In addition, it should be noted that the resulting questions do not lead to addi-

tional requirements that go beyond the contractually agreed requirements.

Knowledge databases can for example be made available in the form of Wikis

or process-related lists.

3.3 Code of conduct for auditors

• Process auditors must use their professional skills and judgment,

while respecting the law and upholding the principles of honesty and

integrity.

• Process auditors must continually develop their expertise. They main-

tain their knowledge and skills with respect to audit procedures, QM

systems, products and processes as well as specialized methods,

procedures and relevant standards. They must be familiar with the

quality requirements for products as well as the specific process risks

and the possible impact on the manufactured products.

• Process auditors must always behave in a way that does not endan-

ger the image and reputation of their own organization.

• Process auditors must not accept assignments that would cause

them a conflict of interests.

• Process auditors must not accept assignments that they cannot carry

out properly because of a lack of expertise.

• Process auditors are bound to secrecy regarding confidential infor-

mation that they have acquired through their professional activities.