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Software audit checklist: 7 things your software auditor will investigate
Are you questioning whether your current software is getting the results you need? Or do you just need the assurance that everything is AOK with your applications? If the answer is yes, then you probably need someone to perform a software audit to take a closer look at what’s working and what isn’t.
If you’re considering getting a professional in to audit your software, then the following software audit checklist can help you to understand what to expect. The scope will vary from one project to another, but the main principles apply to all in the software audit process:
1. The technical design
Checking that the software design performs well and fits with the business requirements.
2. The database design
Confirming that the database is reliable, accurate and efficient.
3. Code quality
Ensuring the software follows basic coding standards and has appropriate error handling in place.
4. Data access, quality and controls
Checking that data is handled and stored correctly and securely.
5. Build and delivery procedures
Looking at how the software was built and the methodologies used for delivery.
6. Industry standards and best practices
Verifying that these have been met and complied with.
7. Documentation review
Making sure all documentation and licensing is in order.
This is the software audit process that we follow. It helps us ensure that we’ve covered all areas, to help you to get the most out of your software. By following a software audit checklist, we can verify that your software is of high quality and check if there are any bugs or major issues. During the software audit, it’s important to check that the software is secure, has the relevant documentation and is compliant. And of course, it needs to be running smoothly and performing well.
WHY CONDUCT A SOFTWARE AUDIT?
If you think about how often things change within your business and the wider industry, is your software brought up-to-date each time? Probably not. So it’s important to include software auditing in your business processes, to make sure everything matches up and is in line with your business model.
A software audit can also verify licensing compliance, as well as compliance with industry standards. It is important to maintain these and to be aware that requirements and regulations may change with contract renewals.
Security checks and general health checks are fundamental when conducting a software audit. This gives you quality assurance and allows your auditor to fully investigate any possible issues with your applications.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
When everything on the software audit checklist has been ticked off and the technical audit is complete, you will be provided with an extensive report. This software audit report will tell you about the state of your software, licences and any concerns.
In many cases, it will confirm that the software is of high quality, helping you to build your confidence with it and learn how to make the most of it. Sometimes it will highlight some bugs or niggles, which your software auditor can help with. If it turns out that there are major issues, or the software simply isn’t aligning with your business needs, then it may be time to discuss creating new bespoke software.
HOW WE CAN HELP
At Codeminers, we are professionals in all things software. We build bespoke software for a variety of clients, so naturally we’re experts at auditing software too! A software audit can help to build your confidence in your existing software and highlight any bugs or issues (if any). We follow the above software audit checklist and produce a software audit report, which we will go through with you in detail. If you’d like to hear more, please contact us for a chat.
