A PEM electrolyzer factory audit should test specific claims against observable work and traceable records. Define the product, configuration and purchase risks before the visit. Factory size, a showroom and a running demonstration answer only part of the procurement question.
Complete the document due-diligence checklist first. This guide focuses on what a buyer should verify on site rather than repeating the document request list.
1. Agree the audit purpose and access
Identify whether the visit concerns stack manufacture, system assembly, integration or a particular order’s acceptance. Agree the agenda, relevant locations, records, personnel and any confidentiality restrictions. Ask which activities are performed by the supplier and which use approved outside providers.
Purchased components and external processes are not automatically evidence of poor capability. Evaluate how the supplier specifies, verifies, integrates and controls them for your product.
2. Use a claim-to-evidence checklist
| Audit area | What to observe or request | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing scope | Relevant operations, equipment and responsible staff | Which activities relate to the proposed product? |
| Product identity | Model, configuration, serial references and controlled drawings | Does the observed unit match the intended supply? |
| Incoming verification | Selected component records and acceptance status | How are nonconforming items controlled? |
| Traceability | Link a sample part or assembly to its records | Can the delivered configuration be reconstructed? |
| Inspection and testing | Approved procedures, instruments and example results | What exactly do the records demonstrate? |
| Change control | Example approved revision or substitution | How are interfaces and documents kept consistent? |
| Order release | Outstanding-item control and release authority | Who confirms readiness for shipment? |
3. Sample records across a real product path
Where access is agreed, choose an identifiable assembly and follow its documentation through the relevant stages. Check that recorded revisions, component identity and inspection status remain consistent. Ask the responsible person to explain gaps rather than assuming a visible activity applies to every product.
Keep observations separate from conclusions. Record the evidence reference, sample examined, limitation and follow-up action. A sample audit does not prove the condition of every future unit.
4. Witness only the agreed test
For a witnessed FAT, agree the equipment identity, configuration, utilities, operating conditions, measurements and acceptance criteria in advance. Identify which results are measured during the visit and which rely on existing records.
Have competent supplier personnel perform the approved procedure under the site’s safety arrangements. Do not change safeguards or operating conditions to obtain a demonstration. Factory witnessing does not replace the buyer’s later site acceptance.
5. Close findings before procurement release
Classify findings by their relevance to the purchase requirement, assign owners and agree closure evidence. Resolve essential capability, interface or acceptance gaps before treating the supplier as approved for the project.
Review the inspection and traceability record checklist and HELE company information when planning a relevant capability discussion. The actual visit scope and document access require agreement.
Discuss a project-focused capability review
Send your company, proposed equipment, application, destination, audit objectives, required records and preferred project schedule. Identify whether you need a general capability discussion, order inspection or witnessed acceptance test.
Published by Hele Titanium Hydrogen. Updated 17 October 2026. Audit access, available records and test scope are agreed for the project; this checklist is not a factory certification.
