Kuala Lampur, June 19 -- The word audit comes from the Latin word "audire" which means to hear.

According to the American Society for Quality, an audit is an on-site verification activity, such as an inspection or examination, of a process or quality system to ensure compliance to requirements.

An audit can apply to an entire company or may be specific to a function, process or production step.

Some audits have special administrative purposes, such as auditing documents, risk or performance, or following up on completed corrective actions.

Some audits are to comply with statutory requirements and therefore must be conducted in accordance with relevant legislation. Failure to comply with audit requirements and failure to take correctiv...