Audit

Systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective evidence (3.8) and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria (3.7) are fulfilled Note 1 to entry: Internal audits, sometimes called first party audits, are conducted by, or on behalf of, the organization itself. Note 2 to entry: External audits include those generally called second and third party audits. Second party audits are conducted by parties having an interest in the organization, such as customers, or by other individuals on their behalf. Third party audits are conducted by independent auditing organizations, such as those providing certification/registration of conformity or governmental agencies.