Logic: Left to Right, Top to Bottom
You're going to walk around the machine anyway. So why not do it in an order that makes sense?
The Problem
Why wouldn't you do it this way?
You're going to walk around the machine anyway. You're going to check the tyres, the lights, the panels, the fluids. The work has to be done. So why not do it in an order that makes sense? Start at the driver's door. Move left to right around the machine. When you're looking at each section, scan from top to bottom. One complete loop, everything covered, nothing missed. That's not micromanaging. That's just logic.
The Disconnect
Top down changes everything.
I learned this in architecture doing measure-ups. People would jump around — measure a door, then a window across the room, then back to the floor height. It drove me mad. When I worked at a charity doing building assessments, I changed the approach: check from the top down. Suddenly you get confident in what you're looking for. It becomes muscle memory.
The Solution
Efficient, consistent, protected.
It's efficient: you're not walking around four times. It creates consistency: everyone checks in the same logical order. New operators learn the process. Experienced operators don't miss things. It protects what matters: your company wants you safe and their machines in good condition. Not because they're controlling — because that's what keeps the business running.
The Insight
Logic isn't about control.
Some people say 'you're taking the creativity away from my job.' Here's the thing: checking a machine isn't where creativity belongs. Your expertise shows in how you operate it, how you solve problems on site. The pre-start check? That's just something that needs to be done properly. Logic isn't about control. It's about making the work easier, more consistent, and more effective.