- Free Version: Available for teams of up to 10
- Pricing: Premium plan $24/seat/month (with free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SafetyCulture?
SafetyCulture is a highly-configurable layered process audit software that has an intuitive interface available for desktop and mobile devices. It allows inspectors to perform audits even when offline, make use of in-app audit scheduling for proactive quality management, and assign and track corrective actions, among other features. The layered process audit app’s high-grade functionalities aim to help make a company’s layered process audit procedure efficient and hassle-free.
Features:
- Conduct layered process audits and inspections using smart, customizable checklists and templates.
- Create and automate logical workflows in assigning Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), such as scheduling inspections to properly designate each layer of the production process auditing.
- Keep everyone informed and guided on LPA protocols and changes using Heads Up and regular training sessions.
- Integrate other Business Intelligence (BI) tools such as Tableau and PowerBI to access all safety data, worker information, and your overall LPA and quality management insights in one place.
- Leverage automated asset monitoring systems and sensors to assist your auditors in performing thorough production process checks.
Why use EASE?
With the platform’s support for layered process audits to safety inspections, EASE empowers organizations to realize the value of quality operations driven by worker safety and effective quality management solutions.
Features:
- Automated audit scheduling
- Question library and document management
- Email notifications
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use Anvl?
As a holistic platform helping organizations capture critical quality data, Anvl aims to reimagine layered process audits toward continuous improvement. This mobile solution lets you pinpoint actual process issues, evaluate trends in your audit data, and calibrate your systems.
Features:
- Voice-to-text capabilities
- Live workflow updates
- Dashboard and photo library
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use WorkClout?
The WorkClout layered process audit software allows manufacturers to be proactive in maintaining quality through continuous validation of a full-proof production process. This is crucial in ensuring that defects are avoided and quality isn’t compromised.
Features:
- Conditional logic, trigger notifications, and corrective actions
- Failure metrics tracking
- Task prioritization
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Starts at $35/user/month, billed annually
- Platforms supported: Available as a mobile app (iOS and Android) or a web-based software
Why use SmartLPA?
SmartLPA is a powerful tool used by organizations in managing their LPA strategies. Considered an industry-standard solution, this layered process audit software allows companies to improve their audit completion rate and overall quality management.
Features:
- Automatic audit scheduling with different frequencies per layer
- Multiple level escalation tools
- Cloud calendar integration
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing (with a free 30-day trial period)
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use ComplianceQuest?
ComplianceQuest is a cloud-based layered process audit software that empowers companies in the manufacturing industry to streamline their safety, quality, and compliance protocols toward risk mitigation, streamlined workplace communication, and LPA collaboration.
Features:
- Quality management system (QMS) workflows
- Supplier interaction portal
- Multiple calendar views
- Free Version: None
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
Why use AuditBoard?
AuditBoard is a modern platform for audit, risk, and compliance management. It connects stakeholders through a centralized system that helps them gather evidence and remediate issues effectively. AuditBoard also provides real-time visibility into LPA strategies and actions, so businesses are able to drive action immediately.
Features:
- OpsAudit to streamline fieldwork, testing, review, and documentation
- Archiving and retention
- AI-powered analytics and recommendations based on collected data
- Free Version: No
- Pricing: Contact vendor for pricing
- Platforms supported: Available as a web-based software
What is a Layered Process Audit Software?
A Layered Process Audit (LPA) software is a digital tool used by workers, supervisors, managers, and other stakeholders involved in a company’s production process, to assist them in performing a quality management technique called a layered process audit. An LPA is a type of inspection wherein different tiers or “layers” of production personnel, from low-level stakeholders to upper management, all perform the same audit in order to ensure that protocols are being followed in all stages of the production process and no important details are overlooked.
How a Layered Process Audit Software Helps
A solid quality management system is the foundation for any successful operation, regardless of industry. Outside of standard process auditing initiatives, layered process auditing is especially effective since it includes input from different people in charge of different aspects of the process. A well-executed LPA can help ensure that your business is operating at peak capacity.
The downside of working with a larger group, however, is that coordination and execution become increasingly difficult. For high quality to become a sustainable standard, using a LPA software helps solve numerous problems that you may otherwise encounter with traditional paper checklists. Below are some of the ways SafetyCulture improves your audit practices:
- Perform digital inspections on the go: A great LPA software must have offline usability, letting you perform inspections and audits anytime, anywhere. Your inspection data shall automatically sync to the cloud once you connect to the internet.
- See the big picture through powerful data analytics: Using a LPA software helps streamline your standard protocols by taking your inspection data and turning them into actionable insights. Gain visibility into high-performing departments and sites anytime, anywhere, so you can share their best practices across the organization.
- Synchronicity made easy: An LPA software’s automatic sync feature constantly keeps your organization updated with changes reflected in real-time. Template updates are automatically rolled out to all approved users to ensure that everyone is using the latest version, while in-app audit scheduling cuts down on the lag time between planning and execution.
- Improved auditing accountability: With a software everyone can access on any mobile device and personal computer, your organization can maintain accountability even with a larger group by using the built-in inspection timestamp and timer, allowing schedulers to see if inspections are being completed on time. It also makes it easy to track which audits and corrective actions have been assigned, are in progress, or have been completed.
Features
Top LPA software programs must have these features:
- Smart Forms – Create unlimited smart forms and convert your existing paper checklists to digital forms.
- Inspections and Workflow Automation – Complete inspections from anywhere, at any time with a layered process audit software mobile app.
- Fast Reporting – Detailed inspection reports and insights help problems get solved quicker.
- Insights and Analytics – Gather and record data easily and turn your findings into actionable insights.
- Training Capabilities – Manage organizational and employee growth, and improve processes with digital courses that can be accomplished at the ease of your employees.
- Integrations – Connect your layered process audit software to other business software systems such as Tableau, Sharepoint, and more.
How to Pick the Best Layered Process Audit Software
For a quick overview of which LPA software is best suited for your needs, here’s a roundup of our best 7:
| Layered Process Audit Software | Free Version | Paid Plan | Mobile App |
| SafetyCulture | Yes | $24/seat/month* | Yes |
| EASE | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| Anvl | No | Contact vendor for pricing | Yes |
| WorkClout | No | $35/user/month* | Yes |
| SmartLPA | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| ComplianceQuest | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
| AuditBoard | No | Contact vendor for pricing | No |
* billed annually
Patricia Guevara