Machine Shop Process Audit Checklist

An audit checklist for machine shops is a set of protocols and steps used by manufacturing operations to ensure quality standards are being met. The length and scope of such processes depend on the nature and size of their respective operations.

Layered process audits on an app like DATAMYTE can enhance inspections to include questions that probe for various potential issues.

Tooling and Equipment
Machine shop process audit checklists must contain an audit for tooling and equipment. This category encompasses any machinery and functional devices used for specific purposes – this could range from molds, dies and tools to jigs and jibs – plus any items which require prepping prior to usage; for instance pointing a grinding wheel, loading fasteners into power tools or heating components before use.

As part of your inspection plan or WI, it’s also vital that the materials being used conform to those specified. Are they properly stored to prevent contamination, damage or other issues from arising? Have their containers been clearly labeled with their material type?

Material
Verify the materials being used for any given process are consistent with what was specified in your Control Plan/ WI. Set-up verification should also be performed and approved whenever a process changes; additionally, there should be a designated area set aside specifically for rework/rectification work.

This checklist can also provide an opportunity to ensure forms are filled out accurately and that data is accurate, for example ensuring all paint area inspections take place properly (paint viscosity, filters are cleaned out, gage checks pass successfully and thickness is correct)

Use this checklist for a weekly quality control audit or safety and maintenance inspection, easily integrated with Manufacturing Execution Systems or Quality Management Systems to gain a more holistic perspective of manufacturing operations and pinpoint bottlenecks while adhering to all regulatory requirements. Features like real-time data capture, automatic reminders, online reporting and system integration make this checklist stand out.

Supplies and Accessories
Machine shops must comply with a wide variety of industry regulations. Furthermore, their production processes often involve complex products with lengthy quality control measures and lengthy quality audit procedures. Producing audits that cover such an expansive spectrum is no simple feat – which is why machine shop process audit checklists offer such an efficient method to examine each aspect of production in an organized and systematic fashion.

An audit question focused on safety might ask whether employees are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protection, hard hats and steel-toed boots during operations. Another could verify whether operators heated specific product elements within their desired temperature ranges. Furthermore, any breach in standard work instructions or movements that increase ergonomic risks must be noted as nonconformances within an audit report.

Low-code platforms could be an ideal choice if you need to quickly design and deploy audit PDF questions, forms and workflows in-house. They offer an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for building apps without needing to write code yourself.

Critical Dimensions
Critical dimensions are an integral component of machine shop process audits. They define specifications and limits for size, weight and other features of parts to be produced that help ensure they meet all customer specifications; during an audit these questions will also cover verifying drawings as well as making sure the process runs efficiently with the last slot dedicated to opportunities for improvement (OFI).

Conducting regular manufacturing audits is an integral part of doing business, regardless of industry or size. Unfortunately, however, reviewing thousands of line items can be daunting, even for experienced inspectors. Digital tools such as DATAMYTE’s inspection checklist templates and smart forms can streamline this auditing process and minimize risks of noncompliance and quality issues through high frequency evaluation of steps most likely to fail with reports on real time data analysis.