Technical Audit – Industrial Asset Management
Asset management is already a reality in many international companies, where the implementation of an asset management system is a determining factor in achieving success.
From an operational perspective, the optimization of resources, combined with the needs of the market and a lack of knowledge of the life cycle of assets, means that bad decisions are multiplied, from acquisition, operation and maintenance to decommissioning. The difference will certainly be felt in informed decision-making, based on cost reduction, financial return, efficiency and performance, without safety being compromised.
Technical auditing in asset management refers to a systematic and independent assessment of the practices and processes used for the efficient management of assets. This analysis follows the ISO 55000 standard, which requires ensuring compliance with recognized standards.
During the technical audit, the organization’s processes and practices are assessed in relation to these requirements, with a focus on sustainability and operational efficiency. This procedure is based on solutions that promote conscious changes to meet the needs of asset management, preserving the environment and natural resources, guaranteeing safety and not compromising current and future generations.
The technical audit can address sustainability by analyzing how the organization deals with the life cycle of assets, including sustainable acquisition, efficient maintenance, extension of the useful life of assets and appropriate methods of disposal. Sustainable asset management seeks to extend the life of assets wherever possible. Based on solutions that promote conscious changes to meet the needs of asset management, preserving the environment and natural resources, ensuring safety and not compromising current and future generations, and based on the pillars of sustainability.
- Energy Efficiency
- Sustainable life cycle
- Environmental Risks
- Environmental Compliance
- Sustainable Innovation
- Sustainability Report
- Continuous improvement
The link between asset management, technical auditing and sustainability is crucial, as effective asset management seeks not only to optimize operations, but also to incorporate sustainable principles to ensure that assets are managed responsibly and eco-efficiently.
The following are the aspects considered in sustainability audits and analyzed according to the reality of each market: Environmental Management, Value Chain Management, Social Responsibility with a strong focus on employability and Governance.
Environmental Management
Environmental Management includes both Energy and Climate Management and Waste Management.
Energy and Climate Management includes an assessment of the applied management system as a way of identifying, quantifying and reducing energy demand and climate-related emissions.
Waste Management includes an assessment of the system in order to monitor and reduce critical waste flows. In this context, a factory visit is carried out during the audit.
Value Chain Management
In order for Value Chain Management to be analyzed effectively, it is necessary to make an assessment of the company’s relationship with the supplier. This ensures that ESG-related topics are mitigated throughout the supply chain.
At the same time, the social and environmental risks along the chain are identified and assessed, with the upstream traceability of high-risk raw materials or processes guaranteed.
Social responsibility very much centered on employability responsibility
Technical audits also focus on social responsibility, centered on employability. In this sense, employment contracts, processes, structure and working conditions are assessed. This analysis serves to guarantee not only employee conditions, but also equal opportunities for employees and avoid discrimination.
Governance
Here, the technical audits focus on corporate principles, stakeholders and ESG planning and objectives.
The corporate principles are assessed through an examination of their definition and application. At the same time, an assessment is made of the process, structure and measures derived from the analysis of stakeholders and dual materials.
Within this framework, an assessment of plans and objectives related to the mitigation of ESG risks and impacts at a corporate level is also carried out.
These audits include:
- Self-evaluation;
- Documentation review;
- On-site audit, including interviews with management and employees, as well as an evaluation.
The following are some relevant standards, frameworks and related directives that form the basis of the criteria considered in the audit:
- Kiwa SEE Benchmarks
- Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Act (draft version)
- German Supply Chain Act (LkSG)
- ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 14044/40/25, SA8000, SMETA
In short, by integrating sustainable practices into asset management and carrying out technical audits, organizations can not only improve operational efficiency, but also respond to growing expectations regarding sustainability. This holistic approach contributes to building more resilient businesses aligned with global sustainability goals, promoting compliance, efficiency and continuous improvement in industrial asset management.
EQS is now part of the Kiwa Group, with global operations in Inspection, Certification and Testing in several international markets. The Kiwa Group employs more than 10,000 people in over 35 countries in Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America and Latin America.
Cláudia Rocha
Head of Business Development Department
EQS | a Kiwa company