8 Ways Checklists Can Help Engineers

Aaron Moncur, host of the Being An Engineer Podcast, relies on procedure and discipline in his daily work as well as in running Pipeline Design, a design firm that specializes in medical testing equipment — not pipelines. One book that has helped him keep to the schedule and be efficient is "The Checklist Manifesto, How to Get Things Right" by Atul Gawande, a surgeon by training but also a best-selling author. Aaron has found eight ways the book can help engineers.

1. Streamline Processes

Checklists help ensure all critical steps are followed, reducing inefficiencies in complex engineering tasks.

2. Reduce Errors

They minimize the likelihood of mistakes by serving as a consistent reminder for essential procedures, even for experienced engineers.

3. Improve Communication

Using checklists in collaborative engineering projects ensures all team members are aligned and no details are overlooked.

4. Handle Complexity

In large, multi-faceted projects, checklists break down tasks into manageable components, making complex processes more manageable.

5. Consistency and Standardization

Checklists enforce standardized methods, improving quality control and consistency across different projects.

6. Accelerate Onboarding

For new engineers, checklists provide a clear framework, helping them adapt more quickly to company processes and expectations.

7. Facilitate Innovation

By offloading routine tasks to checklists, engineers can focus their mental energy on creative problem-solving and innovation.

8. Enhance Safety and Compliance

In fields where safety and regulatory compliance are critical, checklists ensure adherence to necessary protocols and standards.

These insights, inspired by Gawande’s work, demonstrate how a structured approach using checklists can address common engineering challenges and improve overall efficiency.