Which type of audit is typically customer-oriented and performed on-site?

The type of audit that is typically customer-oriented and performed on-site is a product audit. This audit focuses specifically on the examination of products to ensure they meet specified requirements and standards. During a product audit, auditors assess the quality, safety, functionality, and compliance of a product directly on-site where it is being manufactured or assembled.

This approach allows auditors to have direct interactions with the processes and personnel involved in production, providing a clear understanding of how the product aligns with customer expectations and regulatory demands. It also enables the identification of any nonconformities in real-time, facilitating immediate corrective actions if necessary.

While other types of audits, such as internal audits and third-party audits, can provide valuable insights into processes and systems within an organization, they are not typically as focused on the direct assessment of the final product from a customer's viewpoint. The internal audit often evaluates compliance and effectiveness of internal controls, while third-party audits usually involve an external entity reviewing an organization's compliance with standards or regulations, but may not necessarily focus on customer requirements in the same direct manner as a product audit. Process audits examine the efficiency and effectiveness of specific processes rather than concentrating on the final product itself.