8. Mistakes to avoid

8.1 Don't rule on conformity without proof

Simply concluding that you are compliant or non-compliant is not enough. You need to be able to justify your conclusions. Don't forget, for each finding of conformity (or NC), to associate a proof. This proof, whether qualitative or quantitative, may vary according to the case in question. This evidence can be obtained either by measurements, field observations, study of documentation, individual or group interviews or/and observations or/and study of existing documentation.

The auditor has to start with the facts, verify them, compare them with others, identify discrepancies, diagnose the causes and, if necessary, propose recommendations.