The new GLOBALG.A.P. IFA digital submission requirements are here, and with everything 2020 has dealt us, we know these new requirements may have gotten pushed to the back of your mind. However, with the November 15 deadline approaching quickly, it’s time to get serious about deciding how you will deal with these new submission requirements. 

In our conversations with certifying bodies, we know you’re: 

• Stressed about what the new requirements will mean, 
• Struggling to figure out how to work through your audit backlog, and 
• Not hitting profitability targets because of COVID-19 complications. 

These worries make sense. It’s no secret that although Audit Online will make digital data records and multi-lingual capabilities better, the system introduces some new challenges. Audit Online requires a circuitous process involving multiple downloads, uploads, copying audits, duplicate data entry, reconciling control point answers, and verifications. Plus, auditors must have an internet connection, and you are never sure if they are using the current versions of checklists.  

Fortunately, GLOBALG.A.P. has partnered with software providers like RizePoint to interface with their system and simplify the process (and solve those problems you’re stressing about). I could talk all day about the ways RizePoint will make the new submission requirements easier, but I’ll give you just the highlights: 

• Enter data once and the API integration pushes it everywhere required 
• Offline auditing capabilities 
• Checklists and forms are always up to date  
• Intuitively guides auditors into accurate, consistent application of standards 
• Search feature and unanswered question toggles make it easy for question flow to match auditor workflow 
• Dashboards with role-based permissions to analyze audit results and auditor performance 
• Corrective action tools with change logs and clear next steps 
• Ability to generate revenue through reselling 

In my former work as the co-owner of a certifying body, this choice would be a no-brainer. Using a provider integrated with GLOBALG.A.P. could mean the difference in doing two or maybe even two and a half audits in the time it would otherwise take to do one. If you’re trying to catch up on the backlog without hiring pricy contractors, you need a provider that will help your auditors carry out efficient, accurate audits. 

As I like to tell people, implementation sucks. But you’re going to have to implement something new anyway, so why not go through the effort for something that really works and helps you out? 

You also have the ability to turn audits into a revenue-generating activity. Whether it’s a self-audit before Option 1 audits or practice assessments before Option 2 audits, you can sell GLOBALG.A.P. IFA audits to producers or roll the costs into your admin fee to more than offset the costs of a software provider. This not only helps producers better prepare for your auditors, but the reporting capabilities let auditors walk through the gaps in self assessments and the annual audit with your customers to help them improve. 

Don’t take my word for it, check out what GLOBAL.G.A.P. thinks about us. 

“For those who might not have started yet, I strongly recommend starting right now. Now’s the time, there are less than two months left, and it’s not a minor change. That’s also something we are transparent on. It will take some time and yeah, we want to make it a smooth as possible. And I think with partners like RizePoint, it’s possible.”

-Leonard Jansen, Assurance Data Services Project Manager at GLOBALG.A.P 

What Next? 

With the November deadline looming, the most important thing you need to do now is decide how you will maintain compliance with the new submission requirements. Whether you decide to work in the Audit Online platform, or choose someone like RizePoint to make your life easier with an integration, you still need time to familiarize yourself with the system, train auditors, and give them practice time to work out any hitches. 

In this webinar, you will: 

• Get a good overview of the differences between Audit Online and RizePoint’s Mobile Auditor tool 
• Learn more about what the digital submission requirements will mean for your team 
• Walk through a step-by-step timeline of what you need to do between now and November 13 to be ready 

Watch now, and email me at matt.regusci@rizepoint.com if you have any questions or more Audit Online worries. I’d love to help you transition to the GLOBALG.A.P. digital submission requirements without disruption.