Creating Custom Checklists
Overview: Create custom checklists tailored to your specific machines, workflows, and requirements. Build from scratch or modify existing templates to match your exact operational needs.
When to Create Custom Checklists
Ideal Use Cases
- Unique machine configurations
- Specialized workflows or processes
- Customer-specific requirements
- Modified maintenance schedules
- Industry-specific compliance needs
Best Starting Points
- Clone existing template - Fastest method
- Import from spreadsheet - Bulk creation
- Start from scratch - Complete control
- AI Assistant - Generate from description
Step-by-Step Creation Process
Method 1: Create From Scratch
Initialize New Checklist
- Navigate to Checklists → New Custom
- Enter checklist name and description
- Select category (Setup, Maintenance, Safety, etc.)
- Choose applicable machine types
- Set estimated completion time
[Screenshot: New Checklist Form]
Add Checklist Items
For each step in your checklist:
- Title: Short, action-oriented description
- Details: Specific instructions or specifications
- Critical Flag: Mark if step cannot be skipped
- Time Estimate: Expected duration in seconds/minutes
- Help Text: Tips or additional guidance
- Warning: Safety alerts or cautions
- Image: Reference photo or diagram (optional)
Configure Logic & Dependencies
Conditional Steps
- • Show/hide steps based on previous answers
- • Branch to different paths based on conditions
- • Skip sections for specific machine types
- • Add follow-up steps for identified issues
Example Conditional Logic:
THEN Show "Noise Troubleshooting Steps"
ELSE Continue to next section
Preview & Test
- Use Preview mode to walk through the checklist
- Verify all conditional logic works correctly
- Check time estimates are realistic
- Test on mobile devices if applicable
- Have operators review for clarity
Publish & Deploy
- ✓ Set checklist status to Active
- ✓ Assign to specific users or teams
- ✓ Configure notification settings
- ✓ Set recurrence schedule if needed
- ✓ Enable in production environment
Method 2: Clone and Modify Existing Template
Quick Steps:
- Find similar template in library
- Click "Clone Template" button
- Rename to identify your version
- Add/remove/modify steps as needed
- Adjust time estimates and warnings
- Update conditional logic if required
- Test thoroughly before deployment
Advantages:
- Saves 60-80% of creation time
- Maintains proven structure
- Includes best practices
- Already tested logic
Method 3: Import from Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet Format Requirements:
| Column | Field Name | Required | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Step Number | Yes | 1 |
| B | Title | Yes | Check emergency stop |
| C | Description | Optional | Press and verify immediate stop |
| D | Critical | Optional | TRUE |
| E | Time (seconds) | Optional | 30 |
| F | Help Text | Optional | Located on control panel |
| G | Warning | Optional | Machine must be powered on |
Download Template: Get the Excel template with examples
Advanced Features
Dynamic Input Fields
Collect data during checklist execution:
- Text Input: Serial numbers, batch codes
- Numbers: Measurements, readings, counts
- Dates: Expiration, inspection dates
- Dropdowns: Pre-defined options
- Photos: Visual documentation
- Signatures: Digital approvals
Automatic Calculations
Built-in calculation capabilities:
- Arithmetic: Sum, average, min/max
- Percentages: Completion rates
- Tolerances: In/out of spec checks
- Alerts: Trigger on thresholds
- Formulas: Custom calculations
- Lookups: Reference tables
Scheduling & Recurrence
Automate checklist scheduling:
Daily
Every day at specified time
Weekly
Specific days of the week
Monthly
First/last day or specific date
Usage-Based
After X hours of operation
System Integration
Connect with other systems:
- Machine Data: Pull live readings
- Notifications: Email/SMS alerts
- Reports: Auto-generate PDFs
- ERP/MES: Work order sync
- Cloud Backup: Automatic archival
- IoT Sensors: Auto-fill readings
Best Practices for Custom Checklists
Design Principles
- 1. Keep steps atomic and actionable
- 2. Use clear, unambiguous language
- 3. Group related items logically
- 4. Include visual aids where helpful
- 5. Set realistic time estimates
User Experience
- • Test with actual operators
- • Optimize for mobile devices
- • Provide contextual help
- • Allow for user feedback
- • Iterate based on usage data
Example: Custom 5-Axis Mill Setup Checklist
Scenario: Creating a specialized checklist for a 5-axis DMG MORI mill with custom fixtures and probing system.
Section 1: Machine Preparation
- ✓ Verify correct post-processor loaded
- ✓ Check rotary axis calibration date
- ✓ Confirm TCP (Tool Center Point) accuracy
Section 2: Custom Fixture Setup
- ✓ Install fixture plate using dowel pins
- ✓ Torque bolts to 45 ft-lbs (record actual)
- ✓ Run fixture probing cycle
- ✓ Verify flatness within 0.0002"
Section 3: Probing System
- ✓ Calibrate spindle probe
- ✓ Set work coordinate system (G54-G59)
- ✓ Probe part location and orientation
- ✓ Store probing results for QC
Pro Tips for Success
- Start simple and add complexity gradually
- Version control your checklist templates
- Include revision dates and approval signatures
- Review and update quarterly based on feedback
- Train all users on new or modified checklists
- Track metrics to measure effectiveness
Visual Guide
Screenshot: Custom Checklist Builder Interface
[Placeholder for builder interface showing drag-and-drop items, conditional logic setup, and preview panel]
Ready to Create Your Custom Checklist?
Start building checklists that perfectly match your workflow and requirements.