overvågningsaudit

Overvågningsaudit, or surveillance audit, is a periodic external assessment performed by an accredited certification body to verify that a certified management system continues to conform to the applicable standard (for example ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001). It is part of the certification cycle and occurs after the initial certification at regular intervals between recertification audits. The main purpose is to confirm ongoing conformity, assess performance, and promote continual improvement.

The audit typically reviews documentation, records, and performance data, conducts interviews with personnel, and observes operations as appropriate. It may involve on-site visits, but remote assessments are increasingly used. The scope generally matches the certified system and may address changes in processes, products, or regulatory requirements since the last audit. The audit team checks the implementation of corrective actions from the previous audit and evaluates the effectiveness of the management system.

At the end, a formal report is issued with findings, including any nonconformities that require corrective action. If nonconformities are identified, the organization must implement timely corrective actions and provide evidence. The certificate remains valid during the surveillance cycle, provided findings are addressed; a new surveillance cycle is scheduled and a recertification audit will occur at the planned interval.

Surveillance audits help ensure continued compliance, reliability, and stakeholder confidence. They differ from initial certification audits, which assess readiness, and from recertification audits, which occur at longer intervals to reaffirm the certificate.