Using Custom Audits for Different Programs
Custom Audits let you build your own inspection template from scratch inside InspectU. If none of the standard audit types quite fit what you need to check — because of a specific program requirement, a contractual obligation, or a workflow unique to your site — Custom Audits give you full control over the question set.
When to Use It
- You have a USDA, grant, or regulatory program with specific check requirements
- You need a vendor delivery inspection that doesn’t match the standard quality form
- You want a student experience or service satisfaction check-in
- Your contract requires documentation of specific site conditions or procedures
- You’re piloting a new process or initiative and want to track compliance with it
- You need opening, closing, or shift-transition checklists specific to your site
What You Can Build
- Any combination of Yes/No, pass/fail, text, numeric, photo, or dropdown questions
- Question sets targeted at specific roles (managers vs. line staff), locations, or programs
- Scheduled audits that run on a set cadence (daily, weekly, monthly) or on-demand audits for ad hoc situations
- Templates that can be reused across multiple sites, with site-specific answer fields
Example Use Cases
| Example Question | Response Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is this delivery accompanied by a complete invoice and product spec sheet? | Yes / No | Vendor delivery inspection: receiving compliance |
| Were all reimbursable meal components available for every student who requested them? | Yes / No / N/A | USDA program compliance check |
| Did the student rate their meal experience as satisfactory? | Rating / Scale | Student experience check-in |
| Is the prep area configured according to the new layout diagram posted at the station? | Yes / No | Process change compliance tracking |
| Has end-of-day equipment shutdown been completed for all cooking equipment? | Yes / No | Site-specific closing checklist |
What Good Looks Like
A well-built custom audit Questions are specific and based on direct observation — not opinion. Each question has a clear pass/fail threshold. The form takes under 15 minutes to complete. Results can be compared across sites or time periods to identify trends. |
What Happens After
- Custom audit results appear in InspectU alongside all other audit types — no separate system needed
- Corrective actions and tasks flow through the same process as any other audit
- Reports and trend data from custom audits can be exported for program reporting, leadership review, or compliance documentation
| Best frequency | Scheduled or on demand — you decide based on the program requirement |
| Who runs it | Anyone with the right role and access in InspectU |
| Time to complete | Depends on form length — aim for under 20 minutes per audit |
| Key output | Custom findings, corrective actions, exportable compliance records |