Preparing for an ISO 9001 audit with an external audit specialist
Internal audit carried out across RH Marine's software development teams. Findings, improvement recommendations, and a simulation session delivered in preparation for the external certification audit.
Deadline
Oct. 2025
Scale
Multiple Teams
Collaboration
Hybrid
RH Marine is a specialist maritime technology provider developing and integrating systems for professional shipping. With multiple software development teams and a broad set of quality procedures in place, the organisation continuously works to uphold its quality standards.
With an external ISO 9001 audit approaching, the need arose to critically review internal processes before an external party would do so. The question was not whether procedures existed on paper, but whether day-to-day practice actually aligned with them.
The challenge
Existing process documentation needed to be tested against the reality within the software development teams. Any gaps or blind spots had to be surfaced in time to allow for improvements before the official audit in November.
Blackbear's role
The assignment called for someone with hands-on ISO 9001 knowledge and the ability to quickly orientate within a technical organisation. Blackbear defined the scope and deliverables precisely upfront and matched RH Marine with a specialist experienced in audit and assurance within IT environments. The clarity established before the engagement started meant the specialist could get to work without unnecessary delay.
Result
RH Marine received a validated report outlining findings, practical improvement recommendations, and quick wins that could be implemented ahead of the external audit. A closing simulation session gave the relevant team members the confidence and preparation needed to enter the external audit well-equipped.
Marcel @ RH Marine
Portfolio Manager
