Shift Handover Production Log Template
Most repeat problems on a plant floor start at shift change, when a known issue stays in someone's head. This template gives supervisors a single page to hand over output, downtime, holds and priorities.
Fill in
Shift Handover Production Log Template
Shift Handover Log
Acme Precision Ltd, Plant 2 Date: 2026-10-20 Handing over: Day shift (R. Mehta) Taking over: Afternoon shift (S. Alvarez)
Output versus plan
CNC-02: 420 of 480 planned. CNC-04: 300 of 300 planned. Assembly cell A: 85 of 100 planned.
Downtime and causes
CNC-02 down 55 min for spindle chiller alarm. Maintenance ticket raised, temporary fix in place.
Quality holds and scrap
WO-100415 lot on hold pending CMM result. Scrap 6 pcs on WO-100412, tool wear.
Material shortages
Waiting on bar stock for WO-100431, expected on tomorrow morning delivery.
Safety and housekeeping
No incidents. Coolant leak at CNC-03 mopped, guard check due.
Priorities for next shift
1. Finish WO-100415 for Thursday ship. 2. Run first piece on WO-100420 after setup. 3. Chase bar stock.
Equipment status
| Machine | Status | Issue | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
Acknowledgement
Keep entries short and specific: job number, machine, time and action needed. File completed logs per shift so trends in downtime can be reviewed weekly.
Digitise shift handover
Optional: a short review of capturing handover data against your ERP work orders.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to fill it in
Complete the form in the last 20 minutes of the shift, not from memory the next morning. Give each item a job number, machine and time so the incoming supervisor can act without asking. Download as PDF, print one copy for the board and email one to the planner. Use the equipment table for anything running at reduced rate or on a temporary fix.
- Write what is needed, not just what happened.
- Name an owner for each open item.
- Include quantities, not adjectives.
Why a written handover works
Verbal handovers lose detail, especially on night to day changes where supervisors may never overlap. A written log creates a record that can be reviewed for repeat downtime causes, recurring shortages and quality escapes. It also helps audits under ISO 9001 or AS9100, where evidence of controlled communication between shifts is useful, although the standards do not prescribe a specific form.
Reviewing the logs
Once a week, read the last seven logs together. Count how often the same machine or part appears under downtime or holds. Those repeats are your improvement list. If the same shortage appears in three logs, escalate it to purchasing with the job numbers rather than letting each shift rediscover it.
Common mistakes
Handover notes often become a copy of the production report. Keep them about exceptions and decisions. Another mistake is skipping the signature line; the acknowledgement is what makes the outgoing supervisor confident the issue was actually passed on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a legal or compliance form?
No, it is a practical communication tool. It can support quality system evidence, but your own procedures and customer requirements decide what records you must keep and for how long.
How long should the log take to complete?
About 10 to 15 minutes if the supervisor keeps notes through the shift. If it takes longer, shorten the fields to the exceptions that matter to the next shift.
Can I add my own sections?
Yes. Export to Word and add sections such as tooling status or customer visits. Keep the form to one page so it is actually read.
Should operators fill it in too?
Operators can supply notes, but one accountable supervisor per shift should own the form so handover responsibility is clear.
If you want this captured on a tablet and linked to your ERP work orders, we can scope a simple capture form that writes to a database you control.
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