Looking for a Template: It Makes Sense
You want an Annex V checklist in Word or a Word template for CE Marking. You want to save time and not reinvent the wheel. Machinery paperwork is already heavy: the Machinery Directive, Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, the technical file, the declaration of conformity, the instructions manual. We understand the frustration.
The problem isn't "looking for a template." It's blindly trusting what you download. Because that free file can cost you far more than a subscription to serious software.
Why Word and Excel Are Dangerous for Certification
The documents you find online (Annex V Excel checklists, Word EC Declaration templates, technical file models) have four structural problems. None of them is "just a detail."
- Regulations that change. The move from Directive 2006/42/EC to EU Regulation 2023/1230 introduced new obligations (the machine's digital identity, electronic formats, etc.). A template from two years ago doesn't reflect them. During an inspection, outdated documentation = risk of penalties.
- Copy-paste errors. Templates downloaded from generic sites often contain wrong references (standards, annexes, dates). You copy them, adapt them poorly, and sign. In the event of a dispute, that error can be used against you.
- Hundreds of unmanageable pages and photos. The technical file and Annex V reports mean datasheets, photos of guards, components, non-conformities. In Word/Excel it becomes chaos: scattered files, different versions, "the latest one is on Mario's PC." Zero traceability.
- Document versions never aligned. A change to the manual isn't reflected in the declaration. The Annex V checklist isn't linked to the file. Result: inconsistencies the inspector notices right away.
In short: a free template gives you the illusion of saving time. In exchange it loads you up with regulatory risk and documentary chaos. It's not a good deal.
The Solution: Not a "Document," a System That Thinks for You
Reesly isn't "another template." It's machinery compliance software that automatically generates manuals, technical files, declarations and CE nameplates, and guides you through completing the Annex V checklist without leaving everything on scattered sheets.
What Changes with Reesly
- Automatic generation: instructions for use, technical file, EC declaration and nameplate from the same underlying data. No copy-pasting between files.
- Safety components database: certificates and datasheets linked to the machine. Everything in one place, ready for inspections.
- Digital Annex V checklist: fill it in on-site from your smartphone or tablet, upload photos, and generate the PDF report compliant with Italian Legislative Decree 81/08.
- Cloud-based: a single environment. Accessible in one click for you, your client, or the supervisory body. No more "the latest version is in the other office."
You're not "swapping Word for another file." You're moving from static and dangerous documents to a system that keeps everything aligned and up to date. It's the natural evolution for anyone who no longer wants to risk it with outdated templates.
Word/Excel Template vs Reesly Software
| Criterion | Word Template / Excel Annex V Checklist | Reesly Software |
|---|---|---|
| Time saved | Little (lots of manual work, copy-pasting) | High (automatic generation, guided checklist) |
| Risk of penalties / outdated documentation | High (outdated rules, frequent errors) | Reduced (compliant structure, regulatory updates) |
| Photo and attachment management | Chaotic (scattered files, multiple versions) | Built-in (everything linked to the machine, one place) |
| Manual / file / declaration alignment | Difficult (separate documents, inconsistencies) | Automatic (same underlying data, zero duplication) |
| Ready for inspections | Risky (wrong versions, outdated references) | Accessible in the cloud, consistent and traceable |
Reesly ProTip
If you've already used an Annex V checklist in Excel or a Word template, don't throw them away: use them as a reference for the first machines you load into Reesly. Then leave the local files behind and work only in the platform. Within a few months, you won't look back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Annex V checklist in Word found online?
You can use it as a reference, but free templates are often outdated, contain copy-paste errors and won't protect you during an inspection. For compliance with Italian Legislative Decree 81/08, it's safer to use a dedicated tool that guides you step by step and keeps requirements up to date.
What risks do I run with a Word or Excel template for CE Marking?
Main risks: outdated regulations (e.g. the move to Regulation 2023/1230), errors leading to penalties, document versions out of sync between head office and sites, and difficulty managing hundreds of pages and photos. Dedicated software reduces these risks and keeps everything in one place.
Does Reesly replace the engineer for the Annex V inspection?
No. Reesly is the tool the engineer uses to fill in the checklist in an organized way, track photos and non-conformities, and generate the report ready for the risk assessment document. The technical assessment remains the professional's responsibility; the software eliminates chaos and documentary risk.