Refrigerated & Frozen Foods: In your opinion, why should a processor or third-party warehouse operator hire a warehouse auditor? Ed Frazelle: Objectivity and methodology. Chosen properly, the third party [auditor] should bring objectivity (it’s hard to be a prophet in your home town) and a well-organized methodology that probably won’t be available internally.
R&FF: How should operators select an outside auditor? Frazelle: One of the first things to look for is integrity in the firm and individuals conducting the audit. Everyone will bring a bias to the table. The bias of the chosen party should be the best interest of the client. Unfortunately, many firms conduct audits for free - or for a substantially reduced price - in hopes that their findings will lead to greater sales. As it has been said many times, there is no free lunch. We have worked very hard over the years to remain free from ties of any kind to hardware, software, or services vendors. I have always been concerned that those ties might bias the advice we give.