Factory Audit Checklist

Factory Audit Checklist is a systematic evaluation of a manufacturing facility’s quality management systems, compliance with regulations, and operational efficiency. It ensures that the factory meets specific standards and aligns with the requirements of clients or governing bodies.

Key Components of a Factory Audit

1. Pre-Audit Preparation

• Objective Definition: Clarify the audit purpose (e.g., quality assurance, compliance, or social accountability).
• Documentation Review: Gather documents like certifications, previous audit reports, and factory layouts.
• Audit Scope: Identify areas of focus, such as production, quality control, or labor practices.

2. Core Areas of Evaluation

1. Facility Overview
   • Factory location, size, and layout.
   • Production capacity and operational workflow.
2. Quality Management
   • Quality control procedures for raw materials, in-process production, and finished goods.
   • Certifications like ISO 9001.
   • Maintenance of testing and inspection equipment.
3. Workforce
   • Availability of trained personnel.
   • Compliance with labor laws (e.g., no forced or child labor).
   • Employee health and safety measures, including PPE and training.
4. Operational Efficiency
   • Workflow optimization and productivity levels.
   • Proper functioning of machinery and equipment.
5. Health, Safety, and Environment
   • Emergency preparedness (e.g., fire drills, evacuation plans).
   • Waste management and environmental compliance.
   • Hygiene and cleanliness in the facility.
6. Supply Chain Management
   • Traceability of raw materials and components.
   • Supplier selection and approval process.
   • Ethical sourcing and sustainability practices.
7. Compliance
   • Adherence to local laws and international standards.
   • Ethical business practices and anti-bribery measures.

3. Tools for Factory Audits

• Digital Tools: Apps like eAuditor for creating, managing, and sharing audit checklists.
• Photos & Documentation: Real-time documentation of observations with photo evidence.
• Scoring Systems: Quantitative scoring to assess factory performance and compliance.

4. Post-Audit Actions

• Report Generation: Prepare a detailed report highlighting findings, including areas of excellence and areas for improvement.
• Corrective Action Plan: Recommend specific actions to address identified issues.
• Follow-Up Audits: Schedule subsequent audits to ensure continuous improvement.

A factory audit is essential for ensuring product quality, ethical compliance, and sustainable operations, benefiting both manufacturers and their clients.

Using eAuditor for a Factory Audit Checklist can streamline inspections and improve consistency. Below is an example checklist you can adapt based on your requirements:

Factory Audit Checklist

1. General Information

• Audit Date:
• Auditor Name:
• Factory Name:
• Factory Address:
• Contact Person:
• Audit Purpose: (e.g., quality assurance, pre-production, ethical compliance)

2. Factory Profile

• Total Employees:
• Facility Area:
• Operational Hours:
• Production Lines:
• Main Products Manufactured:

3. Pre-Audit Documents

• Business License Verified
• ISO Certification (e.g., 9001, 14001)
• Factory Layout Plan Available
• Employee Training Records Accessible
• Previous Audit Reports Reviewed

4. Facility Inspection

1. Safety & Environment
   • Fire exits are accessible and marked
   • Emergency evacuation plans are displayed
   • Fire extinguishers are functional and inspected
   • Adequate lighting and ventilation in work areas
   • Hazardous materials are labeled and stored properly
2. Cleanliness
   • Production area is clean and organized
   • Waste disposal processes are in place
   • Pest control measures are evident

5. Equipment

• Machines are functional and regularly maintained
• Safety guards are in place on machinery
• Maintenance logs are up to date

6. Quality Control

• Raw material inspection process is documented
• In-process inspections are regularly conducted
• Finished goods meet quality standards
• Rejected items are properly segregated and documented

7. Workforce

• Proper protective equipment (PPE) is provided and used
• Evidence of fair wages and working hours
• No signs of forced or child labor
• Employee grievances mechanism exists

8. Supply Chain

• Approved supplier list is maintained
• Traceability system for materials is functional
• Ethical sourcing policy is implemented

9. Compliance

• Factory complies with local labor laws
• Environmental regulations are adhered to
• No violations of health and safety laws

10. Recommendations and Actions

• Areas for Improvement:
• Immediate Corrective Actions:
• Next Audit Date:

This checklist can be customized in eAuditor with features like photo attachments, scoring, and automated report generation.