A virtual audit is an opportunity to evaluate a company’s work without leaving your home or coworking space. Each company decides for itself how often it needs to audit. Some do it every week, a few times a quarter, and some a few times a year.
At the same time, it is pretty convenient to use virtual data rooms, where you can easily share files and communicate.
Tasks and benefits of virtual audit
Conducting a virtual audit, the company pursues several goals. Firstly, it is to work with personnel in all remote and complex locations; secondly, search for solutions in problem outlets; thirdly, on-site training of new employees.
The work of a manager or supervisor with new employees at remote locations is work control, assistance in working with categories and mentoring.
A virtual audit allows, together with a partner, to see problem areas, for example, where the main KPIs are not met, and directly at the point to propose ways to solve the problem.
How does a virtual audit work?
Every week, the company generates an audit calendar and shares it with partners, highlighting the purpose of the audit. And then, according to the timing, everyone connects via a link through the application. For example, virtual data rooms can be used for these needs. It is easy to hold meetings, share documents and generate minutes of meetings.
Depending on the role of certain participants in the audit, it is possible to connect at different times. A weekly audit lasts no more than 30 minutes: this way, you can save time for employees and partners. On the other hand, a significant audit that ends a financial year can last several hours over several days.
The merchandiser turns on the front camera and, as the buyer moves, shows us all the points of sale that interest us. Then, together with employees, we discuss the difficulties in the store and how they can be solved. At the same time, we are involved in the discussion and the solution to these difficulties. If the decision-maker is ready to discuss the details with us in the format of a virtual audit, then we will do it.
In 90% of cases, all virtual audits end with positive negotiations and best practices.
Can a virtual audit replace a field one?
Everyone understands that virtual visits cannot replace live communication and collaboration in the company. But a virtual audit can replace a field audit precisely in those cases when you and your partners do not have time to get to the office and spend time on lengthy conversations. This additional feature helps top leaders be where it is critical to be right now.
And this is an additional opportunity to work with staff in any location, to teach, motivate and praise. In general, to know each employee and understand their needs, regardless of which branch of your company they work in.
For partners, a virtual audit is an opportunity to work with your team in the office without leaving home and give us recommendations on how to improve the situation.