What is the difference between system audit, process audit, and product audit?

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Many people can’t tell the difference between system audits, process audits, and product audits. I’m posting this to share with everyone so we can understand how to distinguish them and what exactly the differences are The IATF 16949 standard specifies three types of internal audits: system audits, process audits, and product audits. The differences among these three types of audits are mainly reflected in the following aspects: the object of audit, the purpose, the frequency, and the auditors. 1. System audit: Object – Quality management system. Purpose: To assess the completeness and effectiveness of the quality management system, and to ensure that it can support the company’s quality objectives. Audit frequency: Usually at least once a year. Auditor: Internal auditor. Research aspect: System elements. Indicators: Non-compliance reports. System audits focus on the framework and implementation of the entire quality management system. It examines whether the company has sound processes and systems, and whether these processes and systems are being followed; it also assesses whether they support the company’s objectives and policies regarding quality management. 2. Process audit: Subject – the product development process or mass production process. Purpose: To assess the quality capabilities of processes related to the product (such as the production process, development process, etc.), ensuring that process control can achieve the desired quality level. Audit frequency: It is recommended to cover all processes annually, with at least one audit per year. Auditors: Personnel familiar with the development or production processes. Characteristics to be examined: Process parameters. Metrics: Compliance rate. Process audits focus on those process aspects that have a direct impact on product quality, such as the operational skills of staff, the suitability of equipment and tools, and the quality of raw materials. The focus of the audit is on the control capability of the process, to ensure that all control measures in the process can steadily and effectively achieve the quality objectives. 3. Product audit: Applies to tangible products that are actually manufactured. Purpose: To evaluate the quality characteristics of the products and ensure that they meet customer requirements or relevant regulatory standards. Audit frequency: It is usually an ongoing activity; it is recommended to audit typical products annually. Auditors: Persons familiar with the product’s manufacturing processes and characteristics. Characteristics to be studied: Product characteristics. Indicators: Indexes of product characteristics. The purpose of product audits is to identify quality defects in the products and analyze the causes of those defects. By evaluating the quality characteristics and compliance of products, improvement measures are sought to enhance their suitability and quality.