Does anyone of you use checklists how to handle specific tasks your job requires? Do you have them on your computer and/or keep a paper copy? How do you get them - and keep them(!) - up to date?

I write guidelines for my team at work. I have a lot of checklists. I keep a master on the computer. I track changes on the master. If we decide we do not have to report xyz on new test plans, I make a note of the date, remove it from the list and print out a new one for the team binder. I work on keeping them updated because like housework or laundry, once you get behind it takes time to get caught up.

I used checklists a lot in my previous job (this one simply doesn't require them). We had 15-20 people working on the same project in a research lab. I kept the files on the computer, but the employees actually recorded the info on print-outs of the lists and put them in a binder when done. That way it was easy for the next person to see where the previous person had left off. I, as the supervisor/project manager, created them initially. We had weekly meetings and if we decided to amend the checklist in any way at a meeting, someone was assigned the task of updating the computer file right away and making new printouts for the binder.

I don't use checklists, but I did develop a procedures manual for my job. I have a section for each job function, indexed.

I use checklists at certain times-month end & year end. I also have procedure manuals that I continue to work on, as they are incomplete & constantly changing. My goal is to have them completed when I retire at the end of 2010.

The thought of a procedures manual is definetely interesting. I still work alone, but I have so much work to do that in some time, I'm going to have to hire someone to help me with the routine stuff if the business doesn't cease.

Thanks for the idea!

I ran out ink for printer.How can make check list? without printer and I dont like to keep things in computer unless something is happened to it.

For a previous job, with a boss who traveled often, I developed a short checklist of all the steps in getting her from our city to wherever she was going, and back. I also used a form for all of her travel, with dates, airlines, flight numbers, train tracks, buses to take, subway stops, or whatever might be needed on her itinerary. For each trip, I had a separate folder, into which I put everything from currency-exchange rates to maps to hotel amenities, such as did they have Internet access. I added information on sightseeing if there was time for that. The folders were in chronological order, but in different colors so I could find them easily, and not put materials into the wrong folder by accident. When the trip was over, the expense report done, and everything wrapped up, I created a hanging folder into which I put the other folder, with a tap for date, destination, and purpose of the trip, filed chronologically. It worked well.

Because I juggle several areas in the store, I have a checklist of the things I do monthly, weekly, and daily. I also make a list of things that must be done on a annual basis, re: recharge fire extinqushers, etc.

Simplicity, I use a variant of your method for my own trip planning. It is nifty!