What is the primary purpose of a quality audit?

The primary purpose of a quality audit is to determine whether quality activities comply with planned arrangements. Quality audits are systematic examinations of an organization’s quality management system and processes to ensure they are functioning as intended and in accordance with both internal standards and external regulations. This includes verifying that the processes contribute to the organization's objectives regarding quality, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Through quality audits, organizations can assess whether their planned quality arrangements—such as procedures, policies, and processes—are being properly implemented and maintained. This ensures that the organization's quality management system meets both customer requirements and regulatory standards, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and process effectiveness.

In contrast, assessing employee performance generally focuses on individual contributions rather than the systemic processes in place for quality management. Identifying areas for cost reduction may be a secondary benefit of the audit but is not its primary objective. Evaluating market trends is unrelated to the quality audit's focus on internal processes and compliance with quality standards. Therefore, the intended function of the quality audit directly aligns with ensuring compliance with planned arrangements.