Formkitheader.jpg (17180 bytes)

Job Master Checklist for Screen Printing

Purpose: Quality Control tool.

Master List File Name: SPECFRMP

Format: Two to a Page, 1 Part

According to Scott Ritter, the most frequent question he is asked in seminars or by clients is "How do I reduce errors in the shop?" Obviously, the answer is to have a well run, established, and integral quality control system. That does not have to be a tough task to implement. This form was created to serve as the main quality control tool for most shops. This system works great for any size shop from a one-man (or woman) operation to enormous multi-location companies. Even though the form was created with multi-employee handling in mind, one-person shops find that completing each phase of the checklist helps insure accuracy.

Use: The concept is simple. Initially, the work order for each job issued into production is placed on a clipboard along with one of these checklist forms. At issuance, the header box is filled out, denoting the customer name or account number, the job number and the order date. These items should correspond with the same information on the work order or order form (if a similar field exists)

The first stop is the art department. If new screens are being made, the artist or art director fills this part of the form, indicating the file number assigned to the new screen(s), the D.P.I. of any halftones, and what mesh will accommodate those halftones when the screen making department creates the screens. Any additional notes can be added as well. This order does not go into production until the customer has approved the art, and the artist or art director has signed that all is complete and correct.

Next, the people responsible for picking the order initial each phase of the process as they pick the goods. They initial that they have checked that they have picked the right goods, colors, quantities and sizes. A second person checks the picker's work, and "co-signs" the checklist. At the press, the pressman initials fields showing that he has set the job up with the right colors, and that he understands the locations and printing specifications. Before the first garment is printed, a second person checks his work and co-signs the form for these areas. At that point, the pressman prints the first garment, and a second worker inspects the printed (and dried) product, verifying that all aspects match the work order. This person signs the checklist as the inspector, and the pressman signs as the producer.

After the order is printed, the packager recounts the order to make certain the correct quantities are being shipped, and checks the garments for defective work. When satisfied, the packager / inspector signs the checklist. He or she also denotes whether any items found defective were replaced with new, so that the shipment is complete per the order, or if the shipment is short (or over) so that the bookkeeping department will be alerted to check the order for billing quantities. When the order is packed into boxes, the packager initials the area denoting this action. Then, the people who enclose the packing list initial their space, and the shippers initial and date the shipment.

When the order is completed, the checklist is stapled to the work order, and filed away for future reference. This way, if a concern should arise about the quality of an order, the individual responsible for each phase becomes accountable.

Back to Index Page