Pre Production Checklist
A production checklist turns a shift into a clear sequence of steps that operators and supervisors can follow the same way every time. Instead of relying on memory, it lays out start-up safety checks (PPE, guards, e-stops), utilities and machine readiness , materials verification, and line setup. Everyone knows what to do first, what “ready” means, and what must be signed off before the line runs.
Housekeeping and safety are built in rather than bolted on. The list prompts 5S (tools away, bins labeled, floors clear), chemical/SDS confirmation if applicable, and machine care items like filter or blade checks. End-of-shift tasks cover cleaning, count reconciliation, packaging/label verification, traceability entries, and a short handover note so the next team isn’t starting blind.
Use the checklist in whichever format fits your floor: print a PDF for clipboards, or run a digital version to time-stamp checks, attach photos, and auto-total counts. Either way, keep it a living document — review monthly with operators, add new gauges or spec limits when products change, and remove steps that no longer add value. The result is a line that starts faster, runs steadier, and hands off cleanly at the end of every shift.
All operators wearing required PPE (gloves, glasses, hearing)
Emergency exits, spill kits, and fire extinguishers accessible
Machine guards, light curtains, and interlocks installed & secured
Emergency stop verified at one station (functional test)
Upload a photo of the main guard/interlock area
Note any safety hazards or near-misses observed during setup
Main power, air, and vacuum available, pressures within spec
Record line air pressure (psi)
Lubrication levels OK on critical assets
Upload photo of HMI status/start-up screen
Abnormal noises/vibrations detected during dry run? Describe
Latest work order and drawings at the line (rev verified)
Correct BOM and materials staged (IDs match WO)
Lot/batch numbers recorded for all incoming materials
SDS (safety data sheets) available for all chemicals used
Scales/dispensers zeroed and verified
Gauges calibrated (date within validity)
Vision sensors/scanners focused, check part passes
Deviations from standard setup? Note details
Trial piece produced (first-off)
Critical dimensions measured against spec (first-article)
Surface finish/appearance confirmed (no scratches/flash)
Functional test passed (fit/leak/continuity/etc.)
Upload photo of first-off with measurement notes
Initial SPC/Control plan available at station
Upload last approved SPC/control chart (baseline)
Aisles and work area free of clutter/spills (pre-start)
Bins labeled, tools shadow-boarded and returned
Waste streams set up (general/recycling/hazardous)
5S improvements needed before start? Note
Open NCRs affecting this order reviewed & dispositions clear
Defective/hold parts from prior run isolated in red-tag area
Upload photo of tagged nonconforming material (if present)
Brief description of known risks/root causes to monitor
Next order/materials pre-staged for changeover plan
Changeover parts/tooling accounted for and stored
Cleaning done: machines wiped, floor around line mopped
Production start authorized by supervisor/QC














