Prechecks

Prechecks are preparatory checks conducted before a process, operation, or system is activated to verify readiness and reduce risk. They are used across industries such as software development, aviation, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT operations.

Typical aims include confirming prerequisites, ensuring correct configurations, validating data integrity, verifying safety and compliance, checking external dependencies, and confirming environmental readiness. A precheck also often documents a rollback or contingency plan if issues arise.

Examples by domain: In software deployment, prechecks may include code quality checks, automated tests, dependency resolution, configuration verification, and backup creation. In aviation, preflight checks confirm airworthiness, fuel levels, weight and balance, and instrument function. In manufacturing, prechecks inspect material availability, machine setup, tooling, calibration, and tool wear. In healthcare, prechecks can cover patient consent, equipment sterilization, and medication reconciliation.

Process and governance: Prechecks are usually guided by checklists or automated scripts, performed by designated personnel, and followed by documentation of results. If issues are found, remediation steps are taken before proceeding. Ongoing improvement, auditing, and change management help keep prechecks effective against evolving requirements.

Benefits include reduced failures, improved safety, better traceability, and smoother transitions between stages. Challenges involve keeping checklists up to date, avoiding scope creep, balancing automation with human judgment, and addressing false positives or negatives.