co m p l i a n c e
Auditors’ advice to AWA members:
1. See an audit as an opportunity, not an imposition.
2. Take the opportunity for each work station to be a quality control stop.
3. Make the most of having a mentor. Use them as a resource.
4. Don’t forget to at least have test report summaries and reference drawings.
5. Remember that a window is complex with a lot of parts to get right.
What do you like about being
an auditor?
Ross:
Maintaining contact with people
and keeping up with trends in
the window industry. Every now
and then I get the opportunity to
highlight product or manufacturing
issues that improves the situation of
the business I am visiting.
Garry: I see this as a way to continue my
industry interests and relationships.
Ian:
The ability to mentor and impart
knowledge if I can – a sort of
education role.
What do you find most
frustrating about being an
auditor?
Ross:
It can be frustrating if the audit
is not taken seriously or if the
necessary information is not made
available on the day.
Garry: Despite the suppliers
acknowledging the need for
compliance and the quality
assurance systems set up, they
need to ensure that all fabricators
have easy access to documentation
and test reports at all times and it is
frustrating that still doesn’t happen.
David: Meeting people and watching
businesses grow. Being able to
provide another set of eyes.
Ian:
Noel: The opportunity to chat to staff
and share knowledge. People are
generally pleased to see you.
David: Lack of preparation and no access
to test reports.
Tony:
I get tremendous satisfaction if
someone gets benefit out of the
visit or I can help with product
knowledge.
John:
Meeting people across Australia
and seeing their different methods
and processes.
AWA Members weigh in:
“Worth every
cent I pay for
membership.”
Misunderstanding of the process
and not picking up on the
advantages.
Noel: Late cancellations after
arrangements have been made.
Poor paperwork and quality control
practices.
Tony:
Lack of information and manuals
available and cancelled audits.
John:
I’ll let you know.
“Gives us
credibility
with our
customers
worth $1000’s.”
“Value from a
compliance
point of
view is
immeasurable.”
“Ensures
control
where chaos
would reign.”
Windows Magazine Winter 2016
7