Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Remote Auditing

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Remote Auditing

What is ICT or Remote Auditing?

In these turbulent and uncertain times brought about by COVID-19, many questions have arisen concerning the availability and viability of conducting remote audits, also known as “ICT”.­­­ To help separate the facts from the fiction, Smithers has developed an ICT information sheet to help you understand what it is, the basics around how it works, and the questions that interested parties must answer before moving forward with this option.

What is ICT auditing, exactly? It is defined as: “The use of technology for gathering, storing, retrieving, processing, analyzing, and transmitting information to optimize an audit’s effectiveness and efficiency, and to support and maintain the integrity of the audit process.”
Some acceptable technologies for conducting these remote audits are, but not limited to:
Smartphones, Tablets, and other Handheld Devices 
Laptop and Desktop Computers 
Video Cameras 
Wearable Technology 
Drones 
Artificial Intelligence 
What You Need to Know  
The ICT information sheet also offers examples of how these technologies can be used during an ICT audit, as well as the goals and objectives associated with remote audits to ensure their success. Also detailed is Smithers’ process when executing ICT audits and what safeguards we set in place to make sure that your data is secure throughout the duration of the audit.

It is important to understand when ICT or remote auditing may be appropriate for your company. Here are some example questions to consider before proceeding, but once again not limited to only these:
Is there a specific reason the audit can’t be conducted onsite? 
Are process owners and key personnel available for the audit? 
Are there any restrictions to your production processes? 
Are there situations that would limit or prohibit the use of ICT for a full and accurate review of the processes needed for the audit? 

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