Factory Audit Checklist | Download Editable FREE PDF

Factory audit checklist template

About the Factory audit checklist template

The factory audit checklist is structured to provide a thorough evaluation of your operations. It includes sections for compliance, safety, quality control, and process improvement. By using this checklist, you ensure that every critical aspect of your factory is assessed.

You benefit from the organized approach it offers, making audits more efficient and less time-consuming. The checklist helps you identify gaps and areas for improvement, ensuring compliance with industry standards. This proactive approach not only enhances productivity but also boosts overall operational excellence. With this checklist, you can streamline your audits and maintain high quality standards consistently.

Key elements of a factory audit checklist

A factory audit checklist is designed to ensure thorough evaluation and compliance. Here are the essential elements:

Compliance verification: This section ensures that your operations meet industry regulations and standards. It helps you identify any legal or safety gaps that need addressing.
Safety assessment: Evaluate safety protocols and equipment. This component ensures a safe working environment, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing employee well-being.
Quality control: Focus on product quality and consistency. This element helps you maintain high standards, ensuring that products meet customer expectations and reducing defects.
Process improvement: Identify inefficiencies and areas for enhancement. This section allows you to optimize workflows, increasing productivity and reducing waste.

When to use a factory audit checklist

A factory audit checklist is most beneficial during scheduled audits, ensuring all operations comply with industry standards. Use it when you need to evaluate safety protocols, identify inefficiencies, or prepare for regulatory inspections. This checklist is essential when introducing new processes or equipment, helping you assess their impact on existing workflows.

You can use this factory audit checklist to maintain consistent quality by regularly reviewing production processes. It’s also valuable when onboarding new team members, providing a structured overview of compliance and safety requirements. By implementing this checklist, you streamline audits, enhance productivity, and ensure your factory operates smoothly and efficiently.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Audit

General Information

Date established

Total annual sales

No. of Employees

No. of Quality Control Employees

No. of Operators

No. of Machines

Quality Control

Does the supplier has a quality system?

Opinion about the factory'a ability to deliver quality products consistently

Does the factory communicate requirements to its suppliers on its POs (or other documents)? Are these requirements clearly listed?

Are incoming QC results recorded in a formal report?

Are conform samples available to workers in production and QC areas?

Are clear procedures given to each operator and to the QC staff, for each job?

Does final QC occur before or after packing is completed?

Are there QC staff solely dedicated to final QC? How many? Do they only do QC, or also a finishing operation at the same time?

Are final QC results recorded in a formal report?

Is the first-pass yield displayed on a wall, and tracked day-by-day and line-by-line?

Are numbers and details of customer complaints displayed on a wall?

Cost Control

Are top managers (general manager, production manager, finance manager, sales manager, QC manager) part of the owner’s family? Or are they professional managers?

Are there several empty floors?

Can you see recent investments in expensive machinery?

Are there idle machines?

Maintenance

Is equipment failure down time calculated?

Are there checklists for maintenance? Do they seem to be followed?

Visual Control

Is the number of pieces per labor hour displayed on a wall, and tracked day-by-day?

Is the amount of scrapped material displayed on a wall, and tracked day-by-day?

Is the total unit cost displayed on a wall, and tracked day-by-day?

Degree of "Lean-ness"

Can you see a lot of inventory kept before production and kept between each production step?

Production

Before a new product is launched, are some jigs/tools prepared by the engineering department?

Is pre-production inventory well organized?

Is work-in-process inventory stored in a predictable way, or do people need to look around to find what they need?

Where do the components used in production come from? How long does transportation take?

Is production organized as a continuous flow, without any work-in-process inventory visible in the workshop? (best)

Is there a kanban system? (very good)

Is there a production planning, with details for each workshop, and updated every day? (good)

Is there no production planning at all? (worst)

Is there a list of approved subcontractors, who can take over part of the job? For which process steps?

Is there a power generator?

Is equipment failure downtime calculated?

Are there checklists for maintenance? Do they seem to be followed?

Is the proportion of on-time shipments displayed on a wall, and updated at least weekly?

Is the time to make one piece, from start to finish, displayed on a wall, and updated daily?

Can you see a lot of inventory between each production step?

Compliance

Are there enough fire extinguishers (in workshops, dormitories)? Are they accessible, and up to date?

Are there enough emergency exits? Is it possible to lock them? Are they used as storage areas?

Do workers have appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, glasses, safety boots)?

Are there enough first-aid kits? Are they available and full?

Does production generate a lot of waste? Is this waste treated?

Has the factory invested in energy-efficient equipment?

Summary of Findings

General organization in the factory

Working environment (light, noise..)

Motivation of top management

Ease of mutual understanding

Can they make our product?

Do they have enough capacity?

Do they already sell to our country?

Do they understand our standards?

Completion

Full Name and Signature of Inspector/QC Manager

This template was downloaded 172 times

Frequently asked questions

How can a factory audit improve operational efficiency?

A factory audit identifies inefficiencies and compliance gaps, allowing you to streamline processes and enhance productivity. By addressing these issues, you can optimize workflows, reduce waste, and ensure a safe working environment, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency.

What steps should I take to prepare for a factory audit?

To prepare for a factory audit, ensure all documentation is up-to-date and accessible. Review safety protocols and quality standards. Conduct a pre-audit check to identify potential issues, and train your team on compliance requirements. This preparation minimizes disruptions and enhances audit effectiveness.

Why is regular auditing important for my factory?

Regular auditing ensures that your factory maintains compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. It helps identify areas for improvement, reduces the risk of accidents, and ensures consistent product quality. Regular audits promote continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What common issues are found during factory audits?

Common issues include non-compliance with safety regulations, outdated processes, and quality control lapses. Identifying these problems allows you to implement corrective actions, improving safety, efficiency, and product quality. Addressing these issues promptly ensures your factory operates smoothly and meets industry standards.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.