Audits
At Vallis we take considerable pride in our wide range of audit processes. We offer inspections of pre and post shipment stock, focusing on the physical status of the product and identifying potential damage, contamination, and overall condition. Audits can be targeted to purely numerical verification of stock quantities, or they can be broadened to identify the efficiency and effectiveness of processes, procedures, and systems.
Site inspections examine the suitability of a facility for a given purpose focusing on details such as fire prevention infrastructure, site access, weatherproofing and site security features. Vehicles and equipment can be inspected for any damage sustained and to assess if they still meet any local compliance criteria as may be required.
Our audits cover our own operations through internal procedures and specific audits for clients on a one-off or revolving basis. We ensure to deliver verifiable information as comprehensive reports with accompanying photographic evidence. Enabling decision makers to act with confidence knowing they have up-to-date, accurate information to enable proper control of stock and processes.
Planning for Audits
Successful audits need to be planned to ensure that all relevant background information is to hand, locations are properly identified and that the correct amount of time is allocated to each activity to be undertaken. Vallis plans this by:
- Liaising with the customer’s team if required.
- Identifying the specialist equipment and physical elements required.
- Formulating and costing the audit and inspection plan.
Conduct Audits
Vallis inspectors arrive on site to perform the inspection be it at a storage facility, container site, warehouse or any other location. Photographs of important details will be taken, and any other pertinent information will be recorded. If an audit is included as part of the inspection these are conducted “unannounced” to enable a more realistic picture of the subject activity.
- Vallis will investigate important details pertinent to the inspection they have been tasked to undertake according to the agreed audit and inspection plan.
- As commodity stocks are frequently the subject of our audits and inspections, the storage units must be verified as being fit for purpose.
- Vallis staff will approach the operation with flexible mindset and proactively take note of details that may not have been considered initially.
- Added auditing operations include: conducting interviews, certificate and compliance verification for equipment and documentation.
Cross Reference Documentation
An essential element of any audit is to ensure that documentary evidence of activity and stock levels backs up what is physically observed.
- Vallis ensure that documents are coherent, authentic and match appropriately when cross-referenced with each other
- Vallis will review past audit reports and current stock figures or processes.
Photographic Recording of Findings
The findings of any Vallis report will always be backed up by diligent photographic evidence of any claims. All points of interest will be accurately recorded to generate a clear snapshot of conditions on the ground at the time of inspection.
- Photography is often the quickest and most efficient way to gather evidence from documents or system displays observed during an audit or inspection.
- Vallis also use video where necessary to record verification of activity observed during the conduct of audit or inspection.
Audits Reports
Findings from the audit and inspection are accurately displayed to clearly communicate Vallis’ conclusions and provide a high-quality end document to inform future decision-making for our customers.
- All findings are accurately recorded in as much detail as possible to build a clear picture of the on-site conditions.
- Where necessary Vallis will approach on-site staff for testimony to guarantee an accurate assessment of the situation on the ground.
- Reports will frequently contain recommendations and potential solutions to issues encountered during the audit and inspection. Providing a firm basis on which to base lessons identified, and over time, lessons learned.