Evaluations
Choosing the Right Evaluation Type
Compare Store Walks, Department Evals, Self-Assessments, and Quick Assessments to pick the right tool for every situation.
By the StoreAudit Team View as markdown
Evaluation Type Comparison
StoreAudit offers four evaluation types, each designed for a different use case. Use this guide to choose the right one.
| Type | Scope | Time | Input | AI | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Store Walk | Full store | 30–60 min | Manual scoring | Summary | Comprehensive scheduled audits |
| Department Eval | Single dept | 10–15 min | Photos | Photo analysis | Targeted dept checks |
| Self-Assessment | Manager-led | 5–10 min | Photos | Photo analysis | Between-walk self-checks |
| Quick Assessment | Spot check | 2–5 min | Photos | Photo analysis | Ad-hoc observations |
Decision Framework
- Need a full scored audit? → Store Walk
- Checking one department? → Department Eval
- Store manager self-check? → Self-Assessment
- Quick spot check? → Quick Assessment
When to Use Store Walks
Store Walks are comprehensive, template-based audits that score every section of your store. They are the core evaluation type in StoreAudit.
Best For
- Scheduled periodic audits (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
- Full-store coverage using your scoring template
- Section-by-section scoring with weighted totals
- Generating action items from low-scoring criteria
- Manager sign-off and review workflows
Key Features
- GPS and QR verification for location accountability
- AI-generated summary of findings after completion
- Photo evidence attached to sections and criteria
- Evaluator and manager signatures
- PDF report export for stakeholders
When to Use Department Evals
Department Evaluations focus on a single department (e.g., produce, bakery, deli) using AI photo analysis for quick, targeted reviews.
Best For
- Targeted checks of specific departments between full walks
- Photo-driven evaluations with AI scoring
- Quick between-walk reviews to catch issues early
- Training new evaluators on department standards
How It Differs from Store Walks
- Scoped to one department instead of the entire store
- Uses AI photo analysis rather than manual scoring
- Faster to complete (10–15 minutes vs 30–60 minutes)
- Department-specific criteria and benchmarks
When to Use Self & Quick Assessments
Self-Assessments and Quick Assessments are lightweight, photo-based evaluations designed for fast ad-hoc checks.
Self-Assessments
- Manager-led self-evaluation using a template
- Photo capture with AI analysis per section
- Great for between-walk self-checks to maintain standards
- Uses assessment templates configured by admins
Quick Assessments
- Freeform spot checks — no template needed
- Capture photos, get instant AI scoring
- Ideal for ad-hoc observations and documenting issues
- Fastest evaluation type (2–5 minutes)
When to Choose Which
- Self-Assessment: Structured self-check with a template
- Quick Assessment: Unstructured, snap a photo and get a score
Ready to try it yourself?
Run a store walk in StoreAudit in under 5 minutes — free for 14 days, no credit card.
Was this article helpful? Thanks for the feedback.