Podcast 1 – Running the audit function in difficult times

The auditors who thrive in the future will not necessarily be those with the deepest technical expertise alone, but those who can combine strong professional judgment with the intelligent use of digital technologies. In this sense, AI should be viewed not as a substitute for human expertise, but as a tool that enriches it.

The Vienna discussions offered a powerful reminder: “If hygienic design is not built into the management system, into the way we specify, procure, and manage equipment and infrastructure, we are simply auditing problems we have already created.” Audits must therefore look beyond compliance and examine whether organizational decisions, processes, and evidence consistently prevent design failures and protect food safety outcomes.

The future of audit is not about conducting more audits, but about conducting smarter audits. Technology will enhance efficiency, but the real differentiator will be the auditor’s ability to interpret insights, anticipate risks, and drive meaningful change.