Which of the following is a benefit of conducting an audit?

Conducting an audit serves several purposes, one of which is to emphasize early problem detection. This proactive approach allows organizations to identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems. By investigating processes and practices consistently, audits highlight areas that may need improvement or correction, which contributes to enhanced efficiency and quality in operations.

Early detection is crucial in maintaining compliance with standards and regulations, as well as in reducing costs associated with errors and inefficiencies. It empowers organizations to take corrective actions in a timely manner, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This benefit is integral to maintaining high-quality processes and ensuring that organizational standards are met consistently.

On the other hand, the other options point to less favorable outcomes or are not aligned with the primary purposes of audits, which focus on improvement and prevention rather than merely detecting mistakes after the fact, limiting investigations, or eliminating requirements for compliance.