# Choosing the Right Evaluation Type

> Compare Store Walks, Department Evals, Self-Assessments, and Quick Assessments to pick the right tool for every situation.

**Category:** Evaluations
**Source:** https://www.storeauditiq.com/help/choosing-evaluation-type

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## Evaluation Type Comparison

StoreAudit offers four evaluation types, each designed for a different use case. Use this guide to choose the right one.TypeScopeTimeInputAIBest For**Store Walk**Full store30–60 minManual scoringSummaryComprehensive scheduled audits**Department Eval**Single dept10–15 minPhotosPhoto analysisTargeted dept checks**Self-Assessment**Manager-led5–10 minPhotosPhoto analysisBetween-walk self-checks**Quick Assessment**Spot check2–5 minPhotosPhoto analysisAd-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