The Top 9 (free) Layered Process Audit Checklists / templates – ranked

Last updated January 24, 2024

Layered Process Audits, or more commonly know as LPAs are frequent audits. They get their name from the layers of employee, everything from senior management (including the C Suite) to entry level shopfloor-employees. 

The basic audit is 15 minutes ⏱️ long, no more. 

But… you probably already know that and just want to check out the templates…. so here they are!

Finally – we could only find 9 templates online… that’s why it’s not a bigger list like our ‘Top 20 free 5s checklists” article. 

Remember – if you want to create your own custom LPA checklist – check out Audit Shine

✉️ = you must enter your email address to download

1. The ‘QSF 17.5’ template – via Elsmar Cove

Ease to download the template: A (immediate download) ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Branding of the creator: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Checklist content: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑

We found this wonderful template on Elsmar Cove along with number 2 and 3 below. Elsmar Cave describes itself as offering “Quality and Business Standards Discussions”.

This template is probably the simplest, least complex template we looked at. Maybe that’s exactly what your company and it’s quality program need. There are 5 Key Areas: Housekeeping, Labelling, Operations, Safety and Quality. 

All questions are in a simple Yes/No format and there is space for “Findings/Action Taken”. 

As we’ve seen in other checklists – guidance for audit frequency is “Supervisor daily, management daily, plant manager monthly”. 

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template:  Elsmar Cove LPA downloads page

2. The ‘Layered audit F-822101-1DCX’ template – via Elsmar Cove

Ease to download the template: A (immediate download) ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Branding of the creator: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Checklist content: B ⭑⭑⭑⭑✩

This flexible audit template is in .doc format. It is organized into several section with space for

“Daily by Operator” and “Weekly by Supervisor”

Example questions:

• Is measuring equipment in Calibration? (relevant for laboratories) 
• Are all parts contained and labeled correctly?  (a question that fits everything from offices to maintenance departments)
• Is scrap placed in RED marked bins/containers?

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template:  Elsmar Cove LPA downloads page

3. Layered audit checklist – via Elsmar Cove

Ease to download the template: A (immediate download) ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Branding of the creator: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Checklist content: C ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

This mysterious checklist, which has no author, is simply titled “Layered audit checkilst_cove”. It has 3 sheets – one for a Chart, one for a Daily Audit and one for Weekly.

There’s a section for EDS (which we guess means “”Electrostatic Discharge Management” and 5s. Findings and Corrective Actions also have their own column.

Possibly you can take this pretty-raw checklist and make it work for LPAs at your manufacturing site. 

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template:  Elsmar Cove LPA downloads page

4. ISO 9001 Help – checklist

Ease to download the template: B (immediate download) ⭑⭑⭑⭑

Branding of the creator: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Checklist content: C ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

This checklist is divided into sections, with 60 questions spread across the 5 sections:

• Process Definition
• Process Resources
• Process Execution
• Process Monitoring
• Process Improvement

60 seems like too many to us, so cut it down to what fits your factory.

This is then followed by a table to summarize: Non-conformances, corrective actions and Preventive Actions & OFI (opportunities for improvement).

This is a quality LPA form that could be used during your LPA audit training.

We would slightly prefer an Excel .xls checklist form, but a Word .doc is good too.

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: ISO Help template

5. Ease.io LPA template ✉️

Ease to download the template: D (You have to put in your email) ⭑⭑✩✩✩

Branding of the creator: C ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

Checklist content: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Audit Shine’s big ‘Goliath’  competitor Ease offers a Layered Process Audit Checklist which promises to “Improve plant floor quality and safety”.

We like this software company’s emphasis that LPA checklists should only be 10 questions and take 10 minutes to answer. 

But… as mentioned above you got to input your email address to get hold of the template. Boo!

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: LPA audit template download

6. iAuditor by Safety Cutlure LPA form ✉️

Ease to download the template: D (You have to put in your email) ⭑⭑✩✩✩

Branding of the creator: A ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

Checklist content: B ⭑⭑⭑⭑✩

Software company Safety Culture / iAuditor (I never know which name to call them!) describe this offering as “This 10-question layered process audit checklist is used to assess the conformance of staff to standard processes in production”

The layered process audit checklist is a bit on the light side, having only 10 questions.

…and of course it’s hidden behind the dreaded walls of requiring an email address! So… this photo is the best we can do!

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: Layered Process Audits form 

7. Data Scope ✉️

Ease to download the template: C  ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

Branding of the creator: B ⭑⭑⭑⭑✩

Checklist content: C ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

Data Scope is a “DataScope – leading provider of access control management solutions & integrated construction site management systems across the UK & Europe.” Therefore they are not specialist in the area of Layered Process Audits and thus you should take their template with pinch of salt.

The template is not downloadable. Your options are to just use it there on the page, or to ‘import it’.

We are not sure what importing means and if only paying customers of Data Scope can use it – the instructions are vague “This template can be modified after importing it.” If you click ‘use template’ you then have to Create An Account.

It’s tricky to meet your LPA audit requirements if you have not got a way to record the audit! 

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: Download

8. Beacon Quality / Scribd ✉️

Ease to download the template: D  ⭑⭑✩✩✩

Branding of the creator: B ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

Checklist content: C ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

This template (which you have to sign up to Scribd to access) was created by Beacon Quality. We did a quick google search for Beacon Quality and couldnt find them.

Perhaps they have gone to business heaven but their template lives on.

It’s a decent looking template with a useful definitions and guidance up at the top.

We like the ‘Reaction Plan’ section as things like Corrective Actions are key here. A check list to check out!

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: access check-list template

9. Lumiform  ✉️

Ease to download the template: D  ⭑✩✩✩✩

Branding of the creator: B ⭑⭑⭑⭑✩

Checklist content: C ⭑⭑⭑✩✩

This template nearly had us fooled! It looks like it’s a live, useful template that you can start using straight away BUT as soon as you click ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘N/A’. you are taken to a registration page.

It’s a well designed tool, with a clean template and the example questions such as “Is traceability in place where required” and “Are Visual Aids (required by the Control Plan) available?” show they at least know what Process Audits are all about.

🔗🔗🔗 Link to template: LPA program checklist download

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Notes for those new to LPAs: What do you typically find in a layered process audit?

A Layered Process Audit (LPA) is a systematic approach used by organizations to verify process conformance and effectiveness through multiple layers of the organization. Each layer involves a different level of management, and the audits are typically conducted at regular intervals. The primary aim is to drive continuous improvement, identify areas for corrective action, and ensure consistency and compliance with established processes. Here’s what you might typically find in a Layered Process Audit:

1. Process Identification and Scope:
   – Clearly defined process or processes being audited.
   – Scope of the audit, specifying the areas, departments, or operations included. Brainstorm LPA audit questions. 
2. Audit Schedule and Frequency:
   – Planned dates and frequency of the audits (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly). Make sure to develop an LPA Audit Plan. 
   – Assignment of responsibilities for conducting the audits.
3. Audit Team and Roles:
   – List of team members involved in the audit, including their roles and responsibilities. Think about the schedule. 
   – Typically, this includes auditors, process owners, and coordinators.
4. Checklists and Criteria:
   – Detailed checklists that outline the specific criteria and standards for evaluating process adherence and performance.
   – Criteria are often derived from standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality requirements.
5. Audit Questions and Topics:
   – Structured questions related to the process being audited, designed to elicit comprehensive information about compliance, efficiency, and effectiveness.
   – Topics covering critical aspects such as safety, quality, productivity, and adherence to standards.
6. Audit Scoring and Rating System:
   – A scoring or rating system used to evaluate each audit question or topic.
   – Criteria for assigning scores and determining the overall audit rating.
7. Findings and Non-Conformances:
   – Identification and documentation of any non-conformances or deviations from established processes.
   – Details on the nature of the non-conformance, its location, and potential impacts.
8. Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions:
   – Methods for identifying root causes of non-conformances.
   – Procedures for implementing corrective actions to address identified issues and prevent recurrence.
9. Follow-Up and Verification:
   – Procedures for verifying the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.
   – Documentation of verification activities and their outcomes.
10. Reporting and Documentation:
    – Templates or formats for audit reports summarizing the audit findings, scores, non-conformances, and corrective actions.
    – Documented evidence of completed audits, including signatures and dates.
11. Trend Analysis and Continuous Improvement:
    – Mechanisms for analyzing audit trends over time to identify recurring issues and areas for improvement.
    – Processes for incorporating feedback from LPAs to enhance organizational processes and standards.

LPAs help organizations maintain process integrity, align operations with objectives, and continuously enhance performance. They provide valuable insights for decision-making and contribute to the overall quality management system.