> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.dsalta.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Audits

> Create, manage, and track compliance audits from start to completion.

The Audits page is where you create, manage, and track formal compliance audits. Each audit corresponds to a framework and tracks evidence readiness through the entire audit lifecycle.

## Creating an audit

Click **New Audit** to start. The dialog asks for two things, both required:

* **Compliance Framework** — the framework being audited, picked from your active frameworks
* **Invite your auditor** — the auditor's email address

Then click **Create Audit**.

<Info>
  When you invite an auditor, they receive an email with access to a dedicated audit view. Auditors have limited permissions — they can view and comment on evidence but cannot modify your compliance data.
</Info>

## Audit dashboard

Each audit displays three key sections:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Timeline" icon="clock">
    Key milestones — when the audit started, when the auditor was assigned, and current status.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Evidence Status" icon="chart-pie">
    Donut chart of evidence items. Its legend reads **Not Ready**, **Flagged**, **Ready**, **Accept**, and **No Applicable** — the last two are worded differently here than in the status dropdown.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compliance Process" icon="chart-bar">
    Progress bars for Controls, Automated Tests, Policies, and Documents.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Audit statuses

| Status          | Description                                                      |
| --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Not Started** | The audit has been created but no evidence has been reviewed yet |
| **In Progress** | The audit is active and evidence is being reviewed               |
| **Completed**   | All evidence has been reviewed and the audit is finalized        |

## Working with your auditor

Each evidence row carries a single status dropdown, not a set of action buttons. Opening it offers five values:

* **Ready** — the evidence is ready for the auditor to look at
* **Not Applicable** — the requirement does not apply
* **Flagged** — the auditor needs more information or has concerns
* **Not Ready** — the evidence is not yet in a reviewable state
* **Accepted** — the evidence satisfies the requirement

Both you and the auditor can leave **comments** on any evidence item. A comment icon appears next to items with active discussions.

<Tip>
  The audit detail page has an **Export** dropdown with **Export evidence list**, **Export policy packet**, **Download criteria list**, and **Download control list** — useful for auditors who prefer working outside the platform.
</Tip>

## Related pages

* [Audit Evidence](/guides/compliance/audit-evidence)
* [Audit Controls](/guides/compliance/audit-controls)