DraftVerify Standards Library · F-37

Field Audit Handbook

F-37 provides a complete operational framework for conducting DraftVerify field audits across breweries, distributors, and venues.
The purpose of this handbook is to ensure uniform scoring, consistent inspection criteria, and high-fidelity traceability across all participating parties.

Field audits validate compliance, identify risk, and ensure that NA draft remains safe, separated, and correctly identified throughout the supply chain.

1. Purpose of Field Audits

Field audits ensure:

Correct physical identification (F-6, F-7, F-8, F-9)
NA separation across the supply chain
Verification workflows are being followed (F-18, F-23, F-29)
Activation, registry, and traceability integrity (F-12, F-13, F-28, F-31)
Safe operating conditions
Documentation accuracy
Continuous improvement

Audits provide the evidence backbone for DraftVerify certification.

2. Audit Types

2.1 Routine Audit

Scheduled annual or semi-annual inspection.

2.2 Spot Audit

Unannounced inspection triggered by:

Incident or contamination report (F-22, F-35)
Distributor or brewery escalation
Consumer complaint

2.3 Pre-Certification Audit

Performed before a brewery, distributor, or venue may use the DraftVerify Mark (F-32).

2.4 Corrective Action Audit

Focused review to validate remediation after a failure.

3. Audit Preparation

Auditor must gather:

Facility profile
Last audit score (if applicable)
Registry mapping (F-28)
Activation logs (F-13)
Verification event logs (F-30)
Previous discrepancy reports

Equipment required:

NFC-enabled device
PPE for cooler/tower areas
Digital audit form
Access to F-6 through F-40 standards

4. Audit Sections & Criteria

Audits are divided into six scoring sections, each with mandatory checkpoints.

4.1 Section A — Identity Integrity (Highest Weight)

Checks include:

Coupler Tags intact, readable, zip-tied correctly
Line Tags present and placed per F-8
Tower markers accurate (if used)
Faucet IDs match system map
Verification URLs resolve correctly

Failure: Any missing or mismatched NA identity element.

4.2 Section B — NA Separation & Storage

Verifies:

NA kegs segregated from alcoholic kegs
Cooler map present and accurate
No mixed stacking or mixed pallets
Sidewall ID (if used) intact

Failure: NA keg stored in mixed cooler cluster.

4.3 Section C — Verification Workflow Compliance

Inspects:

Staff scanning before tapping
Scan history matches keg rotation
Venue logbook updated (F-19)
Switching procedure followed (F-39)

Failure: Staff cannot demonstrate scanning workflow.

4.4 Section D — Mechanical & Draft System Condition

Includes:

Couplers functioning correctly
No leaks, foaming, pressure failure
Faucets maintained properly
Gas system meets F-26 requirements
Lines free of residue or odor

Failure: Any mechanical condition affecting product safety.

4.5 Section E — Cleaning & Maintenance Compliance

Checks against:

Cleaning Log SOP (F-21)
Proper chemical dilution
Required rinse cycles
Tower and faucet disassembly schedule

Failure: Missing cleaning logs or incomplete cycles.

4.6 Section F — Documentation & Traceability

Verifies:

All DTIs accounted for
Activation logs match Registry
Distributor delivery logs correct
Incident records (if any) present

Failure: Any DTI unaccounted for or inconsistent with registry.

5. Audit Scoring System

Each section scored 0–5:

Score	Meaning
5	Full compliance, zero deficiencies
4	Minor issues, no safety/identity risk
3	Moderate issues, corrective action required
2	Significant compliance gaps
1	Major failure; critical risk
0	Non-compliant; immediate shutdown for NA service

5.1 Overall Rating

Total score (out of 30):

27–30 → Certified
22–26 → Certified with minor corrective actions
16–21 → Conditional certification; re-audit required
0–15 → Not certified; NA draft service must cease

6. Corrective Action Workflow

If deficiencies are found:

Step 1 — Issue Report

Auditor completes the Corrective Action Notice.

Step 2 — Response Plan

Facility must submit remediation plan within 7 days.

Step 3 — Implementation

Changes must be completed within 30 days.

Step 4 — Verification

Auditor performs targeted re-inspection.

Step 5 — Resolution

Certification restored or withheld based on compliance.

7. Critical Failure Conditions (Immediate Shutdown)

The following mandate immediate suspension of NA draft service:

Wrong keg tapped or served
Any alcohol contamination risk
Missing or tampered Coupler Tag
NA line mapped incorrectly
Verification URL mismatch
Gas system safety hazard
Cleaning chemical contamination
Any DTI untraceable

If encountered, the auditor must initiate:

F-22 Incident Procedure
F-35 Contamination Report
Emergency Corrective Action Path

8. Documentation Requirements for Auditors

Auditors must keep:

Full audit form
Photo evidence
Verification scan logs
Notes on interviews with staff
Corrective action notices
Re-audit results

Records retained for 10 years.

9. Audit Tools & Digital Forms

Auditors use:

Standardized digital forms
NFC scan logs exported for registry integration
Automated scoring calculator
On-site signature capture

Future versions will integrate with the DraftVerify mobile auditor app.

10. Auditor Code of Conduct

Auditors must maintain:

Neutrality
Confidentiality
Consistency
Accuracy
Respect for operations

They may not accept gifts, compensation, or incentives from facilities.

11. Summary

The Field Audit Handbook ensures:

Reliable, repeatable audits
Strong NA identity protection
Safe, verified operations
High compliance with DraftVerify Standards
Traceability and accountability across the supply chain

Routine and responsive audits reinforce NA safety and trust across the industry.