How to Ensure Your Certification and Audit Investments Deliver Returns
Many manufacturers feel confident their systems are ready for certification—until audit day arrives. Whether preparing for an annual audit or seeking a new certification, it’s not uncommon for companies to assume they’re in good shape, only to discover critical gaps at the worst moment. As Greg Gasper, WMEP’s Certification & Sustainability Services Leader, explains, simply believing your quality or business management system is “covered” doesn’t mean you’re audit-ready.
The Danger of Assumptions
“It’s not unusual to hear: ‘We’ve got this covered,’” says Greg. “Sometimes that confidence is justified—but often it isn’t. For example, when a manufacturer assumes their quality management system is fine without conducting internal audits, it’s a risk.” Similarly, when customers require a new certification, manufacturers shouldn’t move forward assuming they’ll pass. Instead, Greg recommends asking key questions:
- Who will own the system and process?
- Do we have the expertise to implement and maintain it successfully?
- Are documentation processes in place?
- What is our organization’s appetite for change?
Greg emphasizes that a thorough assessment is a smart first step—along with understanding the investment of time, resources, and leadership commitment needed before pursuing certification.
How to Confirm Readiness
A proven way to validate readiness is through an internal audit—ideally conducted by an objective, qualified resource. This serves as a valuable “pretest” before the real test, giving manufacturers a chance to catch gaps, fine-tune documentation, and approach certification day with confidence. As Greg explains: “If you only check three things and think you’re ready, you’ll still fail if you miss key requirements. A thorough assessment and internal audit help ensure everything is addressed—and remove the guesswork.”
An effective internal audit should examine whether your system:
- Fully addresses the requirements of the relevant standard
- Includes complete documentation and records
- Is consistently followed in practice—not just on paper
- Involves regular management oversight and review
Customization Within a Standard Framework
Every manufacturer is different—and so is every certification. “The scope and complexity of certifications can vary widely. There isn’t a cookie-cutter checklist that works for everyone,” says Greg. “It’s very nuanced to the manufacturer and their specific needs.” While one-size-fits-all doesn’t apply, manufacturers should ensure a disciplined framework is in place: clearly understand requirements, assign process owners, establish documentation and review systems, and put audit and nonconformity processes in place. The burden doesn’t have to fall entirely on your internal team—external expertise can provide objective insight, guidance, and help strengthen your internal capabilities for long-term success.
A Smart, Long-Term Investment
Certifications do more than meet customer demands—they can open doors to new markets and growth opportunities. Maintaining certifications also ensures ongoing access to critical markets that drive revenue. Manufacturers should treat certification readiness as a priority—not just a project. “You either have the requirements met or you don’t. There’s no partial credit in certification audits,” Greg says. A strong approach means building systems and processes that ensure readiness every day, not just in the weeks leading up to an audit. By embedding certification practices into daily operations, audits become a validation of good business practices rather than a high-stakes scramble.
WMEP is a nonprofit consulting organization with a simple mission: help Wisconsin manufacturers succeed. Our advisors bring real-world industry experience and deliver practical solutions across three key focus areas: Growth, Operations, and People. Contact us to learn how our Assessment, Audit, and Implementation services can help you achieve and maintain certifications for ISO, GFSI, IATF, AS9100 and more.