Why Remote ISO Audits Are Increasing

Why Are Remote Audits Increasing During ISO Assessments?

Many organisations have recently noticed an increase in remote ISO audits during their annual surveillance or certification assessments.

This shift is largely influenced by the publication of ISO 17012, released in July 2024, which provides guidance on the use of remote methods when auditing management systems.

The standard supports auditors, certification bodies and organisations in using remote technologies effectively while ensuring audit objectives can still be achieved.

What Is ISO 17012?

ISO 17012 provides guidance on how remote auditing methods can be used alongside traditional on-site audit techniques.

It is intended for use by:

• first-party auditors (internal audits)

• second-party auditors (supplier audits)

• third-party auditors (certification bodies)

The standard supplements existing auditing guidance found in:

• ISO 19011 (guidelines for auditing management systems)

• ISO 17021-1 (requirements for certification bodies)

Why Certification Bodies Are Using More Remote Audits

Certification bodies are increasingly adopting remote ISO audits because they can offer several operational benefits.

These include:

• reduced travel time for auditors

• lower audit costs

• improved scheduling flexibility

• reduced environmental impact

Remote audits can also allow certification bodies to involve technical experts who may not be able to attend audits in person.

The Benefits of Remote Auditing

ISO 17012 highlights several advantages of remote auditing techniques.

These include:

Reduced travel time and costs

Auditors can review documentation, conduct interviews and assess certain processes without needing to travel to site.

Lower environmental impact

Reducing travel contributes to improved sustainability by lowering the overall carbon footprint of audit activities.

Greater access to expertise

Remote auditing allows certification bodies to involve specialists or technical experts regardless of geographic location.

Improved flexibility

Audits can be scheduled more easily, helping organisations maintain business continuity during busy periods.

The Limitations of Remote Audits

Although remote ISO audits offer clear benefits, the guidance also highlights potential limitations.

Certain audit activities may still require on-site verification, particularly when auditors need to:

• observe physical processes

• inspect facilities

• verify operational controls in practice

For this reason, ISO 17012 encourages a risk-based approach when deciding which audit activities can be completed remotely.

Why Organisations Are Seeing More Remote Assessments

Although ISO 17012 was published in 2024, many organisations are only now seeing a noticeable increase in remote audit activities during 2025 surveillance assessments.

Certification bodies are gradually integrating the guidance into their auditing programmes, which explains why remote auditing methods are becoming more common.

Final Thoughts

Remote auditing is likely to remain a permanent part of the ISO certification process.

When used appropriately, it can improve audit efficiency while still maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the certification process.

Organisations should therefore expect a combination of remote and on-site auditing methods to become the normal approach in future certification cycles.

Many organisations implementing ISO management systems now experience a combination of on-site and remote audit techniques during certification assessments.

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