Which practice helps organizations remain "audit-ready"?

Maintaining documentation and regular assessments is crucial for organizations seeking to remain "audit-ready." This practice ensures that all processes, controls, and compliance measures are clearly documented and consistently reviewed. Documentation provides a historical record of decisions, processes, and changes, which is essential during an audit for demonstrating compliance with policies and regulations. Regular assessments allow organizations to identify any gaps or areas needing improvement before an official audit occurs, thereby enhancing preparedness and reducing the risk of findings that could jeopardize compliance or operational integrity.

An organization that focuses on this practice can effectively demonstrate its adherence to various standards and operational requirements, which is critical during any audit process. This proactive approach not only helps in passing audits but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the organization.