I recently had a client who went through a pre-assessment in anticipation of his company’s certification audit. It’s kind of like a dress rehearsal for the real thing. Over the years, I’ve discovered that organizations tend to garner more value from pre-assessments than I had originally thought possible.

I’m often asked about the pros and cons of pre-assessments. My inclination was always to perceive them as superfluous. They cost money, consume precious time, and confirm what you should have already been able to learn from your own internal audits. However, the value that others attach to pre-assessments has required me to rethink my position.

The cost associated with a pre-assessment is an irrefutable fact, as is the time commitment. But, like all other expenditures, it’s worth examining the return on investment. Why would anyone want a dress rehearsal for an audit?

Organizations place a great deal of importance on their ISO 9001 certification. That’s not unreasonable, considering the burgeoning numbers of customers who are using certification as minimum criteria for companies to become qualified suppliers and do business with them. If a giant new contract hangs on the results of the audit, having a glowing audit report isn’t just a feel-good event. It can be a business buster. Management doesn’t want any ugly surprises that could imperil their achievement of the Holy Grail.

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