Field Management

Checklists and Quality Assurance – Avoid Mistakes and Ensure Consistent Execution

Checklists are simple but powerful tools that ensure critical steps are not forgotten. In agriculture, where small mistakes can have major consequences, checklists provide safety and consistent quality. Agdir integrates checklists into tasks so that quality control becomes a natural part of the workflow – not an extra step that is often skipped under pressure.

Checklists in Agdir – Quality Built into the Workflow

Checklists are integrated into task definitions and must be completed before a task can be closed. This ensures that critical checks are performed without feeling like extra work. Checklists can be adapted to different skill levels and updated based on experience and regulatory changes.

Three Levels of Checklists

  • HSE and Safety (always first)
    Check of protective equipment, machine condition, weather conditions, and other safety-critical factors.
  • Technical Execution (quality assurance)
    Checks of dosage, speeds, coverage, calibration, and other technical parameters.
  • Documentation and Follow-Up (traceability)
    Checks of recordkeeping, inventory withdrawals, cleanup, and deviation reporting.

Typical Checklists per Activity

  • Spraying
    • Pre-checks: PPE ready, weather window confirmed, tank cleaned, nozzle plan prepared, water buffer zone verified.
    • Process-checks: Pressure/speed stable, even coverage, minimal drift.
    • Post-checks: Usage amount confirmed, tank and equipment cleaned, journal updated.

  • Fertilization
    • Pre-checks: Spreader pattern tested, weather window for uptake confirmed, dosages calculated correctly.
    • Process-checks: Even spreading, correct speed, minimal overlap.
    • Post-checks: Usage matches plan, equipment cleaned, adjustments noted.

  • Irrigation
    • Pre-checks: System pressure OK, weather window for minimal evaporation, water quality verified.
    • Process-checks: Volume per time unit, even distribution, no leaks in the system.
    • Post-checks: Total volume logged, system shut down correctly, pump and components checked.

  • Maintenance
    • Pre-checks: Correct parts and tools ready, safety ensured, machine shut off.
    • Process-checks: Procedures followed, work quality controlled, functionality tested.
    • Post-checks: Documentation updated, test results logged, next service scheduled.

Customized Checklists per User Type

  • Experienced Operators
    Shorter, focused checklists covering critical points without unnecessary detail.
  • New Employees
    Detailed checklists with explanations and procedure references.
  • Seasonal Workers
    Visually oriented checklists with images and simple instructions.
  • Specialist Tasks
    Technically detailed checklists for complex or rare procedures.

Automatic Population and Data Integration

  • Weather Data Auto-Included
    Relevant checklist items are automatically filled with weather information.

  • Calculated Dosages
    Dosages and amounts are calculated automatically based on field size and crop needs.

  • Inventory Status Integrated
    Available quantities and batch/lot information displayed in relevant checklist steps.

  • GPS Position Documented
    Geographic position is automatically recorded for traceability and quality assurance.

Deviation Handling and Learning

  • Deviation Logging
    Simple tools for registering when checklists cannot be completed as planned.

  • Cause Analysis
    Systematic review of why deviations occurred and how to prevent them.

  • Checklist Improvement
    Updating checklists based on identified issues and lessons learned.

  • Trend Analysis
    Identification of recurring issues indicating systemic improvements are needed.

Mobile Use and Practical Execution

  • Offline Functionality
    Checklists can be completed without internet and synchronized later.
  • Photo Documentation
    Critical checkpoints can be documented with photos for follow-up.
  • GPS Validation
    Automatic confirmation that the task is performed at the correct location.
  • Timestamping
    Automatic logging of when each checklist item was completed.

Reporting and Quality Follow-Up

  • Checklist Completion Statistics
    Overview of how consistently checklists are used and completed.
  • Deviation Trends
    Identification of where problems most often occur and their causes.
  • Quality Benchmarking
    Comparison of quality indicators before and after implementing checklists.
  • Continuous Improvement
    Regular review and updating of checklists based on operational experiences.

Integration with Regulations and Certifications

  • In Accordance with KSL
    Checklists ensure all regulatory requirements are met and documented.
  • Certification Maintenance
    Procedures required to maintain professional certifications.
  • Audit Readiness
    Complete, traceable checklists that meet external audit requirements.

Practical Examples of Checklist Value

  • Spray Damage Prevented
    Checklist item on wind control prevented spraying in unfavorable conditions that would have caused drift damage.
  • Machine Failure Prevented
    Maintenance checklist detected wear that could have led to costly breakdown during the season.
  • Documentation Errors Corrected
    Recordkeeping checklists ensured complete documentation that was critical during KSL inspection.

Summary

Checklists are not about bureaucracy, but about ensuring quality and safety where it matters. When critical checks are embedded in the workflow, they become natural to follow – and the effect on quality and safety is significant.

Implement checklists for your most critical activities and experience how structured controls provide confidence and consistent results.