Quick Cost-Quality Safeguard Checklist

Run this short checklist before approving or announcing cuts. If you answer "no" to any of the critical questions, pause and validate before acting.

Critical stop-questions

• Do we have current data? — At least one metric or concrete example that shows the cost problem exists and how large it is.
• Would this reduce rework or increase it? — Estimate the likely effect on rework, defects, or service repetitions.
• Is this reversible or pilottable? — Prefer changes you can pilot for 30–90 days and roll back if quality worsens.
• Who needs to sign off? — Confirm required stakeholders: safety, compliance, frontline leaders, and finance.
• Have we considered hidden downstream costs? — Longer lead times, warranty claims, emergency outsourcing, or lost customers.
• Do we have a measurement plan? — Define 1–3 indicators to monitor during the pilot and a pre-agreed threshold to stop.

Practical pre-approval actions

1. Design one small experiment with clear success/failure criteria.
2. Secure a sponsor and at least one frontline co-owner for the pilot.
3. Document anticipated risks and a rollback plan.
4. Set a short review cadence (weekly for 30 days) and an evaluation checklist.