SmartHubs Documentation

ARMS (Audit Follow-up)

Comprehensive guide to SmartHubs' audit follow-up and remediation management solution.

Last updated: February 2026

ℹ️
ARMS (Audit Remediation Management System) is designed to track, monitor, and manage the remediation of audit findings from inception through closure.

What is ARMS?

ARMS is a specialized solution for managing the audit follow-up process. It helps organizations:

  • Track internal audit findings and observations
  • Assign ownership and remediation responsibility
  • Monitor remediation progress and timelines
  • Document remediation actions and evidence
  • Manage overdue items and escalations
  • Close findings after verification
  • Generate follow-up reports and dashboards

Key Features

Finding Intake & Registration

Automatically import findings from MicroAudit or manually register audit findings.

  • Direct integration with MicroAudit findings
  • Manual finding import and data entry
  • Finding classification and categorization
  • Severity and risk rating
  • Audit source tracking

Ownership & Assignment

Assign findings to responsible parties for remediation action.

  • Clear responsibility assignment
  • Multi-level ownership structure
  • Department and function mapping
  • Escalation paths for accountable executives
  • Delegation and role management

Remediation Action Planning

Document and track planned remediation actions with clear timelines.

  • Action plan development
  • Root cause documentation
  • Planned remediation steps
  • Target implementation dates
  • Resource and budget allocation
  • Interdependency tracking

Progress Monitoring & Tracking

Real-time visibility into remediation progress and status.

  • Status tracking (On Track, At Risk, Overdue, Completed)
  • Progress percentage and milestone tracking
  • Overdue item alerts and escalation
  • Executive dashboards and KPIs
  • Trend analysis and reporting
  • Historical timeline view

Evidence & Documentation

Attach and manage evidence of remediation actions.

  • Evidence attachment and organization
  • Document version control
  • Audit trail of all submissions
  • Evidence quality assessment
  • Compliance verification checkpoints

Follow-up & Verification

Close findings through verification and testing.

  • Follow-up audit procedures
  • Remediation effectiveness testing
  • Closure approval workflows
  • Re-opening mechanisms for failed remediation
  • Closure reason documentation

Remediation Workflow Phases

Phase 1: Finding Registration

Activities:

  • Import findings from MicroAudit or enter manually
  • Classify and categorize findings
  • Assess severity and risk rating
  • Document finding details and context
  • Assign initial ownership

Typical Duration: 1-2 weeks

Phase 2: Remediation Planning

Activities:

  • Assign to business process owner
  • Develop remediation action plan
  • Define target implementation date
  • Identify required resources and budget
  • Document root cause and solution
  • Establish approval and accountability

Typical Duration: 2-4 weeks

Phase 3: Remediation Execution

Activities:

  • Execute planned remediation actions
  • Monitor progress and milestones
  • Submit evidence of completion
  • Update status and next steps
  • Manage overdue items
  • Communicate progress to stakeholders

Typical Duration: Varies by finding (weeks to months)

Phase 4: Verification & Closure

Activities:

  • Review submitted evidence
  • Conduct follow-up testing
  • Verify remediation effectiveness
  • Approve closure or request additional action
  • Close finding or re-open if necessary
  • Document lessons learned

Typical Duration: 2-4 weeks

Best Practices for ARMS

Clear Ownership

Assign findings to specific individuals with clear accountability and executive sponsorship.

Realistic Timelines

Set achievable remediation dates based on complexity and resource availability.

Regular Status Updates

Request and review remediation progress regularly—at least monthly.

Evidence-Based Closure

Require sufficient evidence and verification before accepting closure.

Escalation Management

Establish clear escalation procedures for overdue or high-risk remediation items.

Integration with MicroAudit

ARMS works seamlessly with MicroAudit to create a complete audit lifecycle process:

  • Finding Linkage: Findings automatically flow from MicroAudit to ARMS
  • Context Preservation: Maintain reference to original audit and evidence
  • Remediation Tracking: Track findings through closure in ARMS
  • Follow-up Audits: Use ARMS closure records as evidence in future audits
  • Compliance Reporting: Generate comprehensive audit and remediation reports

Need help? Contact our support team