Audits & certification preparation
When an audit is imminent or risks become visible, more is needed than documentation. We structure systems, prioritize deviations and guide management and QM through complex audit phases.
When an audit is imminent or risks become apparent.
Typical audit situations:
- IFS or BRCGS audit pending
- Major variance
- Third country supplier
- Vacancy in QM
- Lack of internal resources
Our audit & certification services
IFS audit consulting
An IFS audit requires more than documentation; it requires active processes, reliable evidence and a stable understanding of the system.
We can help you with:
- IFS audit preparation (gap analysis & system check)
- internal IFS audits
- Support on audit day
- Evaluation and prioritization of deviations
- Action plans and CAPA effectiveness review
Our senior auditors know the requirements from a certifier and company perspective.
We don't just check formally, we make practical assessments.
Whether IFS Food, IFS Broker or IFS Logistics, etc.:
We make your system auditable. Structured, efficient and with a four-eye approach for complex projects.
BRCGS audit preparation
In addition to documentation, the focus is on risk assessment, food safety culture and management responsibility.
We assist you with:
- BRCGS audit preparation
- internal BRCGS audits
- Location assessments (including international)
- Root cause analyses for major deviations
- Optimizing existing QM systems
We pay particular attention to:
- Root Cause Analysis
- sustainable implementation of measures
- realistic timelines
We do not work with standard checklists, but with structured, industry-specific solutions.
FSSC 22000 Audit
The FSSC 22000 audit is based on ISO systematics — with additional sectoral specification.
Here, system depth is decisive for certification security.
We can help you with:
- FSSC 22000 audit preparation
- ISO 22000 system integration
- internal audits
- Management review & KPI analysis
- Preparing for Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits
Our strength lies in the combination of:
- systems thinking
- operational experience
- microbiological know-how
- Risk assessment along the supply chain
We ensure that your system is not only certifiable, but effective.
ISO 22000 & ISO 9001 Audits
We assist companies with:
- ISO 22000 audit preparation
- ISO 9001 system audits
- Integration of multiple management systems
- Process optimization and risk analyses
- internal system audits
Our Approach:
- clear gap analysis
- realistic prioritization
- practical implementation
- Preparing for certification audits
With our senior expertise, you can avoid typical pitfalls such as:
- unclear process responsibility
- lack of evidence of effectiveness
- incomplete risk assessment
Internal audits
System testing with substance — not just checklist work.
- Document & process review
- Risk analysis
- Evaluation of effectiveness
- Preparing for certification audit
Vendor audits
Transparency in the supply chain — especially at international locations.
- Third country audits
- Risk & Fraud Assessment
- Document review & on-site audit
- Assessment of measures
Crisis audits & root cause analyses
When classic audit procedures cannot clearly explain the cause of a problem, we carry out specialized crisis audits and root cause analyses.
In doing so, we analyse processes, risks and decision-making structures independently and systematically.
Typical applications:
- Root cause analysis for recalls/discrepancies
- Near-miss analyses
- Process deviations & weak points
- independent risk assessment
- Critically evaluate test procedures and controls
Create clarity
Every audit starts with transparency.
In a confidential initial consultation, we analyse your current situation:
- Upcoming IFS, BRCGS, FSSC, or ISO audit
- Deviations from the last certification audit
- Resource or competence gaps in QM
- Uncertainties in supplier evaluations
You get an honest assessment, no dramatization, no whitewashing.
We clearly show where action is needed and where not.
Outcome: A realistic picture of your audit situation
Make weak points visible
Based on the analysis, we carry out a structured system audit:
- Document and process review
- Risk and hazard analysis
- Assessment of food safety culture
- Simulation of critical audit issues
- Prioritize variances
We identify not only formal gaps, but systemic weaknesses.
In doing so, we focus in particular on:
- Root Cause analysis
- CAPA structure
- Evidence of effectiveness
Outcome: A clearly prioritized action plan with realistic timelines.
Safely pass the audit
During the implementation phase, we provide you with operational support:
- Action planning and tracking
- Preparation for Stage 1 and Stage 2
- Audit Day Support
- Evaluation of discrepancies
- CAPA effectiveness review
For complex projects, we work on a four-eye basis and with a backup structure in the background.
Our goal is not only to pass the audit, but also to create a robust, practice-effective system.
Outcome: Auditability with substance — not just on paper.
Questions about audits, certification preparation & audit support
We start with a structured gap analysis and evaluate existing processes, documentation and responsibilities with regard to the respective standard.
On this basis, we prioritize variance risks, define specific measures and support implementation until certification is ready.
On request, we can carry out a mock audit under realistic conditions — including simulation of critical audit situations and a management interview.
Yes
We support companies on audit day as a professional sparring partner for management and quality management.
We help answer queries in a structured way, assist with arguments and classify findings professionally — without taking on the role of auditor.
A major or KO deviation requires a well-founded root cause analysis and a robust CAPA strategy.
We support you in the professional assessment of the deviation, develop systemic measures and ensure audit-proof documentation.
The aim is not only a formal correction, but also the sustainable stabilization of the management system.
Yes
We carry out internal system and process audits to prepare for certifications and supplier audits at home and abroad.
Our focus is not only on formal compliance, but also on structural stability in processes and supply chains.
Thanks to our team structure with over 50 senior experts, we are able to react quickly in many cases.
We provide experienced auditors, particularly for upcoming certification audits, QM vacancies or critical deviations.
Thanks to the four-eyes principle and the deputy system, we ensure professional quality and representativeness even for short-term assignments.
If an audit is not passed, quick and structured action is crucial.
We analyse the causes of non-conformities, prioritize risks and develop a clear action plan together with you.
Our goal is not only to make the management system auditable, but also to make it permanently resilient.
Senior expertise instead of junior consulting
