Lean Auditing: Driving Added Value and Efficiency in Internal Audit

21 Further Thoughts about Where and How to Start the Journey Towards Lean Progressive Auditing

As this book draws to a conclusion, I realize that it has not been possible to discuss the specific details of all of the various lean tools and techniques introduced at the outset of the book, nor to share the details of specific best practice methodologies and templates. This has partly been due to the limitations of space and partly because specific methodologies and templates that work for one audit function may not be applicable for another. However, if there is interest in sharing more lean auditing tools, templates and specific assignment methodologies, that is something I would be glad to contribute to in the future.Nonetheless, I sincerely hope that readers will have found something of value in this book. Perhaps some readers will have received validation that a number of practices they have in place are in line with, or perhaps even ahead of, the good practices suggested herein. Other readers may have identified some areas where there are opportunities to enhance value or improve productivity and may be considering taking action. In recognition of this, it seems appropriate to offer some reflections about where and how to approach the journey to becoming a progressive, lean audit function.

I can recall when I was CAE at AstraZeneca, that a review of our practices against lean principles suggested a number of areas for improvement and I was keen to implement many of them. ...