Lost and Found Audit
If you are reading this article, it is very likely that you have already come across the term “audit”. Especially in times of new digital challenges arising daily, ever changing legal situations, as well as a consistently increasing sensitivity of customers regarding the handling of their personal data, it is more important than ever to always keep an eye on your own infrastructure and processes.
When considering the relevancy of an audit for your Lost Property Office, you must take into account one simple fact:
The industry is irrelevant and the necessity spans across all industries.
The size of your specific organization may have relevance on the extent of your Lost and Found audit requirements, but the basis remains the same throughout.
Some points of improvements are known to either staff or management well even before any official audit is announced. But no matter the size or industry, the fear of audits is spread just as evenly. The reason is simple, because once fulfilled, the results show in cold print which processes have been ignored, perhaps out of concern for the extent of possible changes.
However, that is not how audit results should be viewed.
If done proactively and internally, they are a chance to take multiple steps ahead in terms of security, customer satisfaction, and legal coherence before any improvable aspects become an actual issue.
Among other advantages, internal audits offer your company the chance to regularly review the compliance with both internal quality requirements as well as external requirements. As a result, organizations are able to increase the quality of their products and services as well as the satisfaction and trust of both staff and customers.
Let’s take a look at how an audit in fact works.
If done properly, it is usually divided into multiple phases. First, it is important to prepare the audit by drafting an audit plan. After the theory has been established, it is now time to continue by conducting the audit based on that planning. Then once the final documentation is in the form of a protocolled audit report, catalog of measures, etc., is when it’s time to follow-up based on the documentation. That also includes the implementation of the imposed measures.
What is actually audited?
In product and performance audits, the focus lies on product quality and performance quality of a company. The auditor determines whether the services or goods produced comply with customer requirements and internal specifications. Similarly, process and procedure audits focus on compliance with established processes. System audits, on the other hand, take a holistic look at a management system, e.g. on the basis of DIN EN ISO 19011. In a nutshell, the inspected aspects include consecutive numbers (complete documentation), traceability of changes, how data and issues are recorded and delivered, GDPR conformity in regards to data deletion, as well as a list of all valuables and their physical existence.
Taking a look at how many of the aforementioned aspects are often covered today, it is quickly revealed that most documentation is recorded in various forms of spreadsheets. What does this mean? For one, any attempt to audit costs substantial time and resources. Furthermore, the tools used leave a lot of room for possible manipulation.
Now that we’ve examined the general reasons and practicality of audits, how does this translate to Lost and Found?
Easy! The Software (www.lostandfoundsoftware.com) was built in cooperation with the world’s leading airports, airlines, mass transport, and hospitality organizations. It has therefore always been our focus to provide maximum results with minimal hassle.
The Lost and Found Software has an integrated History module for items and entries made, including complete traceability of changes and the details of the user performing the changes. Powerful list, statistic, and report creation modules enable not only a quick creation, but also a swift investigation and analysis of targeted data. Digital signatures additionally ensure that important instances (such as handing over an item to the owner, police, etc.) are documented.
The overall conclusion? With Lost and Found Software, no data or changes are lost and you can rest assured that your lost property management is up-to-date, future-proof, and ready for your internal and external audit requirements.
About Lost and Found Software
LostandFoundSoftware.com is the leading Lost and Found Software provider for all modes of travel, delivering Lost and Found solutions for airlines, airports. public transport, municipalities, and more. We co-innovate with our customers, who are industry leaders worldwide, to provide an easy, seamless, safe, and sustainable Lost and Found experience.
Today, our solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,500 organizations while delivering the promise of the best Lost and Found experience globally. Lostandfoundsoftware.com provides the most innovative technology solutions that help to reunite customers with their belongings.
