Digital Audits in BRCGS: Can remote technologies replace parts of on-site audits?

When thinking about digital audits as part of your BRCGS certification audit process. We think it is useful to think from the perspective of assurance. Technology may be helpful, and there are new ways for audit processes to be delivered using remote options. But any BRCGS certification is going to require some form of on-site audit verification process. BRCGS has also established some digital models with an element of ICT. That may also be considered, specifically a Blended Audit. Which is the approved GFSI-recognized hybrid option? It is also important to note that a Full Remote Audit would only be undertaken in approved exceptional circumstances to uphold the audit integrity.

 

BRCGS Digital Audits: A Modern Compliance Approach

BRCGS has officially added digital audit methodologies to all standards. (Food Safety Issue 9, Packaging Issue 6, Storage & Distribution Issue 4, etc.) using ICT tools as outlined in IAF MD4. 

What are Digital Audits? 

Digital audits involve the use of technology such as remote document platforms, live video, and secure screen sharing. To perform some elements of a certification audit without the auditor physically attending.

 

Types of Digital Audits Approved by BRCGS

Blended Audit (Permanent Option) 

• Recognition:  GFSI Recognition.
• Structure: Consists of two parts:

1. Remote Component: Up to 50% of audit time can be conducted using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). To review documentation, systems, and records. 
2. On-site Requirement: Must include an on-site visit (minimum of 50%) to assess Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), review verification of systems, and complete traceability tests. 

• Certificate Validity: Validity for the Standard is for 12 months. 
• Availability: Available for an announced recertification audit. Providing the risk assessment identifies an acceptable level of risk. 

Full Remote Audit (Exceptional Only) 

• Recognition: Non-GFSI Recognition. 
• Structure: 100% remote assessment if some Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are employed. 

1. On-site Requirement: No requirement to perform an on-site visit. 

• Certificate Validity: Time-limited or conditional requiring BRCGS concession. 
• Availability: Only available for one time only and only for an extraordinary situation or restriction (e.g., travel ban). An on-site or blended audit must be booked at the earliest opportunity.

 

What Parts of a BRCGS Audit Can Be Done Remotely?

The remote part of a BRCGS audit will focus on a system verification process. With significant use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to review all documented aspects. This will include:

 

• Documentation and Systems: A full review of the Food Safety/Quality Manual, HACCP Plan, and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) documentation. Training Records, specifications, policies, and Internal Audit documentation, often uploaded and shared through a secure portal and/or issued as a screen share.

 

• GMP/Facility Inspection: A full Facility Condition inspection will be an on-site component. However, some GMP compliance could be partially reviewed through a live video (e.g., mobile device or bodycam) walking around the facility. Enabling the auditor to see the area of concern. While reserves complete physical verification for the onsite audit.

 

• Traceability Challenge: In a blended audit environment. The full end-to-end Traceability Challenge is typically conducted as part of the in-scope onsite component to physically verify controls at each point. Full Remote Audits will work to conduct a real-time remote test, depending on. The auditee’s capabilities and willingness to participate in a live video (e.g., camera in a food production facility).

 

Key Advantages of Remote and Blended BRCGS Audits

In comparing blended or remote audits to traditional audits. There are marked efficiencies and operational advantages: 

1. Time and cost: In a blended audit format, up to (50% of a blended audit) of documentation can be done remotely. Saving travel costs and maximizing auditor time on the customer’s site. 
2. Least disruption to production: Auditors can accomplish a more thorough review of the systems at times. When employees are least disrupted. 
3. Better logistics & scheduling: Remote variation allows flexibility for auditors and companies for scheduling audits. It decouples the record review portion of the audit from the audit visit. Allows the companies to get expert auditors from literally anywhere in the world. 
4. Records are digitally submitted: Records can be analyzed and submitted digitally (HACCP, CAPA, training records, etc.). This enables the auditor to analyze compliance evidence faster by doing it all digitally. 
5. Safety & continuity of business: Because code-mandated travel bans or restrictions by the government for audits from being done remotely. This is keeping a vendor certified and the business running.

 

Limitations You Should Know About BRCGS Digital Audits

Digital audits are a great tool for auditing efficiencies. But they present challenges that need to be addressed to ensure accuracy:

• Limited Visibility Risks: – 

The auditor depends on real-time video feeds from the factory floor. Which has limited visibility by its nature. The camera operator can choose different viewing angles, which can lead to “remote bias.” The auditor’s view is restricted to unplanned random checks or a complete picture of activities.

• Technology Failures: – 

The audit process is dependent on a stable environment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), including reliable and fast internet.  Slow internet, unreliable Wi-Fi in production facilities. Combined with the incompatibility of audit software for use in remote viewing, could slow down the audit or even stop the remote portion of the audit.

• Confidentiality & Data Security: – 

Transfer of sensitive documents, HACCP plans, or internal audit reports through shared portals or cloud sites could create a security risk. Sites have to have systems and processes in place to limit breaches of confidential data submitted for transfer.

• Customer Acceptance & GFSI Support: – 

Blended Audits are generally accepted and approved by GFSI. However, many customers still have not fully accepted complete remote audits for the final certification assurance. 

 

Also read: How To Prepare For A BRCGS Audit?

 

The Future of Digital and Blended BRCGS Audits

BRCGS auditing is evolving to see deeper integration of technology and people than ever before. Compliance is moving from a snapshot view to compliance for a method that is continually predictive. Some of the main advances will include:

• AI-Enabled Monitoring – for real-time analysis of GMP & CCP from in-process sensors to highlight unprecedented anomalies.
• Digital Twins – these are a virtual model of the factory to allow an auditor to review inspection systems and processes. While being further from the site, but with clarity.
• Predictive Analytics – AI forecasting the likelihood of risk non-conformities will allow the auditor. To focus their attention on the high-risk areas to provide actionable information. 
• Blockchain – Incriminating evidence recorded under instruction, un-amendable.

 

This seismic shift would transition the auditor from being a verifier of compliance to a definitional strategic verifier of compliance.  A fundamental opportunity for organizations to build a food safety culture. The need for an on-site visit cannot be deniable or replaced.

 

Conclusion

At Legal4sure, we are providing businesses with clarity and certainty through BRCGS digital audits. Through in-depth expertise, technology, and compliance plans. We provided a quality, safe audit that maintained the integrity of the certification. While keeping companies audit-ready, compliant, and enabled to respond to the growing regulatory landscape.

 

FAQ

1. What does a Blended Audit mean, in BRCGS terminology? 

A blended audit is an audit that will have a document review off-site. Before a brief on-site visit to verify GMPs and other food safety management systems.

2. Can I do a BRCGS audit 100% remotely? 

Yes, but only under exceptional circumstances and with additional BRCGS approval. However, it will not be GFSI-recognized. 

3. What kind of technology is being used in a digital audit? 

The common types of technology used include video conferencing, live video tours, secure file sharing, and screen sharing.