What distinguishes a mandatory audit from a random audit?

The distinguishing feature of a mandatory audit is that they are conducted on a regular schedule and are often part of a standard operating procedure. This means that these audits are planned and executed based on predetermined criteria, which might include performance metrics such as shortages or discrepancies that occurred previously. In contrast, random audits are typically unplanned and can occur at any time without a specific focus on previous performance.

The idea behind a mandatory audit is to ensure consistent compliance with company policies and operational integrity, which may include assessing the performance of all employees on a scheduled basis to ensure that procedures are being followed correctly. Random audits can sometimes target specific employees or departments but do not necessarily have a predetermined schedule or criteria guiding them, allowing for greater flexibility in checking for compliance and identifying potential issues.