In a significant advancement for the auditing community, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published ISO/IEC TS 17012, a technical specification providing comprehensive guidelines for the use of remote auditing methods in auditing management systems. This milestone, achieved in July 2024, reflects the culmination of dedicated efforts by ISO/CASCO Working Group 61 (WG 61), co-convened by Brahim Houla (IAF), Nigel Leehane (BSI-UK), and Dandan Zheng (SAC-China).

ISO/IEC TS 17012 addresses the growing need for remote auditing solutions, a trend that has been significantly accelerated by global circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This document is applicable to all organizations conducting internal or external audits (first-party, second-party, and third-party) of management systems. Its aim is to provide guidance on implementing remote auditing methods effectively while supporting the general principles of auditing as outlined in ISO 19011:2018.

Key Features and Objectives

The primary objective of ISO/IEC TS 17012 is to enhance confidence in the use of remote auditing methods among a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, regulators, accreditation bodies, certification bodies, scheme owners, industry professionals, employees, consumers, suppliers, and other interested parties. The document underscores that remote auditing methods are not intended to replace on-site audits but rather to complement them, offering a viable tool for conducting audits efficiently and effectively.

ISO/IEC TS 17012 delves into the specific conditions, possibilities, and limitations of remote auditing, ensuring that organizations can make informed decisions when incorporating these methods into their auditing processes. The guidance provided helps to establish a structured approach to remote auditing, addressing potential challenges and leveraging the benefits of technology to maintain the integrity and reliability of audit results.

Development and Approval Process

The development of ISO/IEC TS 17012 was marked by extensive collaboration and rigorous review processes. WG 61, comprising 70 experts, including 61 nominated by P-Members and 9 by A-liaisons¹, conducted multiple hybrid meetings to address comments and refine the document that received an overwhelming approval rate at ballot. In the ISO/CASCO vote, the document was approved by 97% of ISO/CASCO P members, and in the parallel ballot organised in IEC, it was approved by 96% of their P-members voting.

Acknowledgments

The successful publication of ISO/IEC TS 17012 is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the WG 61 members, particularly the co-conveners Brahim Houla, Nigel Leehane, and Dandan Zheng. Notably, Brahim Houla’s nomination by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) highlights the significant role IAF played in this endeavor. Additionally, IAF representatives from various accreditation bodies and conformity assessment body associations contributed valuable insights and expertise to the working group.

Conclusion

ISO/IEC TS 17012 represents a pivotal step in modernizing auditing practices, offering robust guidelines for the use of remote auditing methods. As organizations continue to navigate the evolving landscape of management system audits, this document will serve as a crucial resource, fostering greater trust and confidence in remote auditing methods. The publication of ISO/IEC TS 17012 not only addresses current needs but also sets the stage for future advancements in the field of auditing with the re-established ISO/PC 302-ISO CASCO WG revision of ISO 19011, which is currently underway.

For more information and to access the document, visit the ISO website.

1. P-member: Participating member of a committee who takes part in the work, is obliged to vote and can nominate experts in a working group. A-liaison: Organizations that make an effective contribution to the work of the committee. They are given access to relevant documentation and are invited to meetings, and they can nominate experts to participate in a working group. ↩︎