In which audit type is testing often done prior to product shipment?

The focus of a product audit is on verifying the quality of a finished product before it is shipped out to customers. During this type of audit, specific aspects of the product are examined to ensure they meet the established specifications, standards, and customer requirements. The intent is to identify any defects or non-conformities in the product, which helps prevent substandard products from reaching the customer and maintains the organization’s reputation for quality.

This audit type typically involves testing and inspection, which is crucial just before shipment. It allows any issues to be addressed before the product enters the market, thereby ensuring customer satisfaction and compliance with relevant regulations or quality standards.

In contrast, external audits typically focus on the overall compliance of an organization’s processes with external standards and regulations, while internal audits assess the adherence to the organization's own policies and procedures. Process audits evaluate the effectiveness of the processes used to produce the product, but they do not specifically focus on the final product itself just before shipment.