Checklists, if developed for a specific audit and used correctly, can:

• act as a sampling plan and time manager;

• be provided to the auditee ahead of the on-site audit;

• be used as an information base for planning future audits;

• ensure a consistent audit approach;

• ensure that adequate evidence is obtained;

• ensure that the audit scope is being followed;

• help an auditor to perform better during the audit process;

• help to ensure that an audit is conducted in a systematic and comprehensive manner;

• provide a means of communication and a place to record data for use for future reference;

• provide a repository for notes collected during the audit process (i.e. audit field notes);

• provide a record that the QMS was examined;

• provide objective evidence that the audit was performed;

• provide structure and continuity to an audit;

• serve as a memory aid.