Point-of-Care Advertising Audits

Third-party audits help reduce questions advertisers might have about data accuracy and reporting. By committing to an audit, point-of-care media companies are demonstrating that they are committed to transparency and are doing everything possible to provide advertisers with accurate data and a quality advertising platform. The more providers that are audited, the stronger and more transparent the industry becomes.

Audits help trusted networks stand out to advertisers by giving them proof that the provider has been vetted and reviewed by a third party. When purchasing audited media, buyers can expect their advertisements to be delivered to locations that match the media provider’s claims. Purchasing through unaudited channels increases the risk of ad spend being wasted on media that doesn’t deliver expected results.

Third-party audits help quality media providers stand out by providing advertisers with evidence that their system is producing accurate, reliable and consistent metrics. By providing advertisers with audited data, you are demonstrating your commitment to transparency, which helps build stronger relationships with your clients.

Yes. Both digital and print audits may include in-person observations. During a physical audit, an AAM representative will visit the location to verify that the marketing program is operating as represented. This may include confirmation that the printed materials are being displayed or that a digital device is fully operational. Geo-timestamped digital photos are made available to the POC media provider to support audit findings.

Every audit goes through an initial verification process to establish benchmarks and verify that the underlying internal controls are working properly. Once the initial audit is complete and benchmarks are established, the system will undergo monthly testing to ensure that the relevant controls are still functioning as intended and measurements are accurate. Any anomalies detected that impact reporting are corrected in a timely manner. Continuous verification provides a more robust and timely approach compared to an annual audit.

All AAM audits are performed with consideration to industry-established standards including:
• Point of Care Marketing Association (POCMA) Verification and Validation Guidance
• Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Ad Campaign Measurement & Audit Guidelines
• Mobile Web Advertising Measurement Guidelines
• Generally accepted industry best practices

AAM is an independent, not-for-profit organization governed by a board of directors representing agencies, marketers and publishers. We were founded in 1914 to bring order and transparency to media. As point-of-care media has evolved, so has the need for greater transparency and assurance. We are fulfilling this need by taking our extensive print and digital auditing experience and seamlessly applying it to point-of-care media.

Our team of professional auditors are experts in print and digital media measurement, systems and reporting. Our digital audit team is managed by Certified Information System Auditors (CISA)—a globally recognized certification for auditors of information technology and business systems. Ongoing training ensures our team stays current with the latest technology and industry developments, which enables us to take established audit processes and apply them to point-of-care media.