Applying 6 sigma to internal audit

Hello,
I have found that there are some very simple tools that can be applied to internal audit such as process maps, ishikawa diagrams & Failure Mode & Effect Analysis (FMEA). ISO 9000 forces you to document your processes where as QS 9000 drives you to become more proactive and visually document your procedures. I find when auditing a process that translating the "written procedures" into a process map enables me to identify holes in the process and it is easier to follow. When reviewing each stage the ishikawa, or "fish bone" diagram is a good way of identifying the required inputs and outputs of the process - these can be documented as "show me evidence of" in the audit. The FMEA tool is very simple and when used in conjunction with the Process Map & FMEA will allow you to challenge the process and to ask the questions at each process step - "what if XYZ fails to happen" what do you do.
Hope this brief paragraph helps answer your question.

Best regards,

Adam L Bowden

[quote:de115ddb06="Anonymous"]Has anyone done any work on application of 6
sigma techinechs to internal audits.[/quote:de115ddb06]