FIVE

CORE DIGITAL QAQC

FUNCTIONS FOR
ENERGY PROJECTS

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 02
Core Function #1: Deficiency Reports and Progress Reports 03
Core Function #2: Checklist Inspections 07
Core Function #3: Engineering and Commissioning Inspections 10
Core Function #4: Project Specific QAQC Plans 13
Core Function #5: Proactive Quality Assurance and Risk Management 15
Practical Considerations of a Project QAQC Software Platform 17

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 01

INTRODUCTION
When digitizing QAQC on oil, solar, wind, and
power delivery projects the five core QAQC
functions to consider are:
1. Deficiency reports and progress
reports to monitor WIP and control
deficiencies.
2. Checklist Inspections to assure
completed work meets specifications.
3. Engineering inspections and
commissioning are for including
technical inspections in the QAQC
process.
Project specific quality plans provide
4.
a consistent company-wide QAQC
process.
5. Proactive defect prevention and risk
management are for staying ahead of
problems.
The distinguishing features of QAQC for
energy projects are the exacting standards,
rigorous inspection SOPs, and the complex,
technical nature of the inspections and tests.
Also, the consequences of failures far exceed
other types of projects.
This eBook will explore these five core areas in
depth so you can decide which core functions
you need or want for your energy projects.
In the following pages we’ll provide you with
insights into the QAQC best practices enabled
by digital applications. You’ll understand
what it is about, illustrated by real use cases,
and some pointers you should consider when
implementing enhancements to your QAQC
program.
Taking a close look at the five core functions
for your company gives you options. First, you
will have insight into the best QAQC practices
for your team to consider. Then you can
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects
decide which functions are worth pursuing
and what benefits you can expect. You will
also be able to set priorities for what you’ll
want to put into place now and what doors
you want to leave open for the future.
For the core functions that interest you, you
will have clear ideas of how they would work
on your projects. And when it comes to digital
QAQC platforms, you can evaluate alternative
solutions to make sure that they are capable
of supporting your goals. You may only get
one chance at selecting a QAQC platform.
Getting it right the first time is critical.
In-depth discussions of each of the five core
QAQC functions are in the sections that follow.
02
 01CORE FUNCTION #1
DEFICIENCY REPORTS
AND PROGRESS REPORTS

Deficiency reports focus specifically on documenting issues found during project

delivery and making sure they are corrected. These issues may be found at any
time during, and certainly at the end of a project. These items may include simple
workmanship issues such as a paint chip, or serious defects such as missing
firestopping, or safety violations such as lack of fall protection. With manual
approaches, each field person has their own way of dealing with deficiencies and
following up. When this is the standard process, what are the chances of an issue
slipping through?

Meanwhile, progress reports, as the name implies, provide a daily snapshot of project activity.
The progress report is a fundamental part of QAQC, providing a detailed record of project
activities through photos, videos, and activity logs. They also document decisions made, delays,
and issues encountered. Progress reports also include the ability to create deficiency reports as
discussed above.

Deficiency reports and progress reports are so fundamental to any QAQC program that they are
the first of the five core functions that, without question, should be part of every quality program.

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 03

When To Implement Digital Deficiency Reports
Project QAQC teams digitize deficiency
reports for several reasons, including:
• When emails and spreadsheets are no
longer sufficient for communicating
deficiencies and tracking corrections.
Field engineers need to quickly
communicate issues and make sure
they are corrected. Project QAQC teams
need easy access to outstanding
issues that may impact the budget and
schedule. This is where spreadsheets
fall short, as they cannot provide the
real-time information and visibility that
project teams need.
• When projects lack a documented
process for tracking and assigning
accountability for correcting
deficiencies: deficiency reports clearly
document and communicate any
issues or challenges that arise, enabling
the project personnel to work with
responsible parties to address these issues.
When tracking deficiencies is out of
control it may be time to consider a
digital assistant, especially if too much
time is wasted following up and yet
some issues still slip through. Digital
solutions automate routine deficiency
reporting and follow-up alerts. This
allows more time to focus on ensuring
that projects are completed on time and
within budget.
About Deficiency Reports
Digital deficiency reports provide a consistent approach for documenting issues
and communicating them to vendors. Then they are automatically tracked as
open items until they are corrected.
In this example, an engineer uses a deficiency report when overseeing a
high-voltage transformer installation.
The engineer sees that there is a cable termination that is not secure, pulls
out a cell phone, in seconds, takes several photos, uses speech-to-text to
write up the issue, and while standing there assigns the electrical contractor
as the responsible party. From there, the deficiency reports application
automatically emails a notification to the vendor. The vendor follows the
email link to open the punch item in the app. The vendor posts a photo of the
repaired and properly secured cable. The application notifies the engineer,
who then reviews the photo, accepts the item as fixed, categorizes the
issue as a workmanship defect, and assigns a QC cost of $200 and one
day of schedule delay. The application maintains lists of all open items and
automatically alerts you to overdue items. After the fact, dashboards track
responsible party performance by the number of issues and track average
days to fix, QC costs, and schedule delays.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 04
When To Implement
Progress Reports
Progress Reports are an equally important
foundation for Project QAQC. Teams digitize
progress reports for several reasons,
including:
• When managers want daily project
updates delivered to their inboxes. For
them, the progress report is like a virtual
site visit.
• When you need progress reporting
in a structured way that serves all
stakeholders. One well-conceived report
to the project team, executives, and clients
streamlines the communication process.
• When your progress reports need an
upgrade. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook,
and other social media applications set
the standard for visual communication.
The new generation of digital progress
reports allows field engineers to provide
the visibility readers of the reports expect.
About Progress Reports
Progress reports provide a visual log and detailed notes of project activity. Progress reports
often incorporate deficiency reports into the progress reporting process.
In this example, a field engineer walks a job site and uses a daily progress report to
document observations.
A field engineer observes structural steel connections being made and takes out a tablet,
videos a walk-around of the structure, and then switches to the camera and zooms in
to document critical connection details properly done with a series of photos that are
time and GPS stamped. Automated weather reports document sunny and 70F, good
conditions for this task. Sections of the progress report record on-site subcontractors,
personnel, and equipment. Photos of a structural steel delivery clearly document
condition and quantity match a photo of the bill of lading. Safety checkpoints document
observations that PPE and safety procedures are in place. Damage to an installed beam
is discovered, and a punch item is created on the progress report and assigned to the
steel erector as a high priority and immediately emailed from the progress report screen.
When the site walk is done there is nothing left to do in the field office. Deficiencies are
automatically emailed to the responsible parties and the Progress report is automatically
emailed to project stakeholders. The next day, selected information is carried forward to
the new progress report, eliminating copying of common items from one day to the next.
By having an operational vision of how digital progress reports might work on your projects
you can communicate how the quality of the information on the progress reports improves
dramatically while preparing the report is far easier than any manual alternative.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 05
Key Digital Deficiency Reports Features
Key capabilities to consider for digital
deficiency reports:
• Is it easy to use and does it save time?
When a digital deficiency report is the
easiest way to handle deficiencies then
field engineers will gravitate to the app.
Not so much if it adds a burden. This
is a feature that is in daily use, so it is
worth proving that it actually works as
well as you imagine.
• Can engineers complete the
documentation of the deficiency in the
field and communicate them to people
who need to know? This is critical not
only for eliminating administrative work
in the office, but also allows corrections
to be made in a timelier fashion.
• How do you clearly document issues
that explain the issue, the location, and
expectations for corrections?
• What is the workflow for taking photos
and videos related to a deficiency? Is it
and videos related to a deficiency? Is it
in-line or a multi-step process?
Are requests for information (RFIs) and
problem-solving messaging handled
within the app?
• In what ways does it streamline
workflows for communicating issues
to vendors, how do they document
corrections, and what is the process for
accepting the corrections as fixed?
• Are there Vendor performance analytics
for tracking vendors with the most
issues, highest cost, and most schedule
delays?
• How are critical deficiencies elevated to
formal nonconformance reports or for
disposition and approval by authorities?
Having a detailed vision of how deficiency
reports should work for you gives you the
ability to share your ideas for a far more
efficient way of handling and tracking
issues than phone calls, texts, and emails.
Key Digital Progress Report Features
Key capabilities to consider for digital By digitizing deficiency reports and
progress reports: progress reports, you are taking the first
step towards accountability for quality and
improving project quality outcomes. If you
• Can highly customized progress reports
aren’t already using deficiency reports and
be configured without programming?
progress reports, you should begin using
• Can progress reports include optional these digital tools today.
sections for manpower reporting,
safety checks, photo surveys, videos,
equipment condition reports, and
weather reports?
• How do field engineers dynamically
Bonus Video: Communicating Deficiencies
adapt the progress report as needs
https://youtu.be/mT8T9xy9XgQ
occur, such as material receiving, safety
Bonus Video: Daily progress report
violations, or deficiencies are found?
example. https://youtu.be/X5c4vX79jdE
• Is it easy to use by field engineers?
Completing the report while walking
the job site (no office work) is a strong
positive indicator.
• How are automated emails of progress
reports and/or deficiencies configured
to distribute relevant information to
project personnel and vendors?
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 06
 02CORE FUNCTION #2 CHECKLIST INSPECTIONS

While deficiency reports focus on correcting failures, Checklist Inspections focus

When to Implement Checklist Inspections
on the achievement of properly completed work. Unlike punchlists that start from
a blank sheet, checklists have prescribed lists of items to check to make sure the
work is completed properly. This is an important distinction in that the emphasis If you’re not already using Checklist are improved with checklists.process
Inspections, they should be seriously for tracking and assigning
changes from work-in-process problems to mission success in accordance with
considered:
project requirements. By providing a list of specific items to check, Checklist • When field engineers have varying
levels of competencies in knowledge,
Inspections are an important QAQC tool for improving first time quality outcomes. • When issues are missed that should
expertise, and training. Checkpoints
have been caught. It is not enough
provide an agenda for performing
Without Checklist Inspections, what to check is simply made up by field engineers as they walk to inspect by walking around looking
an accurate inspection based on
around. They don’t document what they checked, or even if they completed the inspection, or for problems. Checklists have lists of
lessons learned by subject matter
ultimately that the work was ever completed properly. What could possibly go wrong? checks for specific potential quality
experts. Useful as a training tool, they
issues. For example, when the accuracy
also ensure that all field engineers
Checklist Inspections systematically ensure a consistent, accurate, and complete inspection of an equipment anchor location
consistently check the right things
process focused on the proper completion of work. This is an important core QAQC function for accuracy is critical for equipment
accurately.
every project. positioning, there will be a checkpoint
directing the engineer to inspect it. • When there is a quality problem with
The checkpoint can be reviewed with vendors. This is one of the most
Pairing checklists and deficiency reports is the winning combination. The deficiency reports are a
the vendor before they work, and compelling reasons to use a quality
great tool for guiding work-in-process to fix known issues before final checks are made. Checklists
then inspected after the anchors are control checklist, as it allows you to
come into play when work tasks are thought to be complete for a final check and approval.
installed. Chances of a good outcome make sure they have completed their
(continued...)

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 07

 (continued...)
work in accordance with the project
specifications. And if there are
deficiencies, they are quickly corrected.
Quality problems with subcontractors can
be very costly when they are discovered at
closeout, and especially costly when they
linger and cause a warranty issue.
• When there is a need to document
compliance with the project
requirements to ensure customer
confidence and protect the company.
Checklist inspections are often used to
demonstrate compliance with specific
project requirements. For instance, if the
customer has specified certain standards
and quality checks, your project team can
use a quality control checklist as a tool to
make sure the completed work is properly
documented.
Digitizing the Checklist Inspection process
is an important core function that extends
QAQC into compliance documentation and
prevents deficiencies. Checklist Inspections
provide project engineers with a consistent
and efficient way to document compliance,
collect quality data, and communicate issues
found during the inspection.
About Checklist Inspections
Each checklist typically consists of a list of items to check (checkpoints)
based on known possible issues and key requirements that should be verified.
Checklists systematize the inspection process with a focus on preventing risks
and achieving first time quality. Individual Checklist Inspections are created for
each project work task.
In this example, a field engineer uses a checklist for inspecting a process
piping fit-up.
The Engineer opens the Checklist Inspection on a tablet. The first checkpoint
is for the verification of the tubing manufacturer and specifications. The
Engineer checks FTQ (for First Time Quality) then snaps a photo of the tubing
label. The Engineer follows a similar process for other checkpoints including
the location of piping, and that supports are in place. Should a deficiency be
uncovered, the checkpoint is marked OPEN, and the issue is automatically
handled by the deficiency reports process described above. At the end of the
Checklist Inspection, the Engineer takes video footage of the inspected work
and then signs off that the inspection is complete. The completed inspection
report is automatically emailed to project stakeholders and saved in the project
repository.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 08
Key Digital Checklist Inspection Features

Key capabilities to consider for your digital
Checklist Inspections:
• Is there a ready-to-use library of
checklist templates? Can your existing
checklist forms be imported? Can
checklists be easily modified?
• How simple are the inspection screens
to use? How much training do field
engineers need to use the digital
platform?
• What is the workflow for taking photos
and videos to document observations
on a checkpoint? Is it in-line or a multi-
step process?
• How do inspectors access project
reference documents, and inspection
SOPs standards while inspecting?
• How precise are user access permissions
for controlling access to checklists,
projects, and vendors? Can you isolate
vendors or inspectors working on the
same project from each other?
Data from Checklist Inspections provides
valuable information about recurring issues,
how often specific checkpoints are missed,
and by whom. Dashboards and reports help
project teams identify the costliest recurring
issues so they can take steps to prevent them.

• How are if-then logic formulas and

branching logic used to dynamically
adapt checklist inspections to the work
being inspected?

• How do you handle multiple deficiencies
related to a single checkpoint?
• How are deficiencies reported at any
point during the inspection? What
options are there for locating the issue
on the site?
Bonus video: Checklist inspection workflow
example https://youtu.be/3X9Vuza7Nuk.
Bonus video: Consistent inspection examples
https://youtu.be/_VrnrQB5am8.

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 09

 03CORE FUNCTION #3
ENGINEERING AND
COMMISSIONING INSPECTIONS
Digital engineering and commissioning inspections use a combination of mobile reports, reporting deficiencies, using project specific inspection plans, and project closeout. As a
and database technologies to provide a universal platform for collecting all types bonus, there is the added benefit of real-time global visibility and rich data for analytics into the
quality performance of vendors.
of field data and measurements. This allows you to calculate pass/fail statuses
and produce inspection reports that prove compliance. And unlike form fillers,
a digital platform stores the information in databases that provide the added When to Implement Digital Engineering and
benefits of real-time global visibility and rich data for analytics. Commissioning Inspections

Without digital engineering inspections, engineers typically resort to writing down their
information on paper, manually transcribing the data onto Excel spreadsheets, and emailing Companies should seriously consider engineering and commissioning
them out one by one. upgrading to a digital inspection platform in inspection platforms have built-in
these circumstances: spreadsheet capabilities.
The result is a parade of engineers, each deciding what data to record and how to report it. How When your project specifications have
do you communicate deficiencies ASAP to stakeholders? How do you plan each inspection, and • When your technical inspection technical requirements that cannot be
make sure they are carried out properly? How do you penetrate the data embedded in hundreds platform is based on transcribing documented by your current checklist
of bespoke PDF and Excel reports to measure vendor performance or track the inspection handwritten notes into Excel inspection process. Digital engineering
history of an asset? How do you accurately round up all the documents and prepare a closeout spreadsheets and then sending by inspections are game changers
package? How much time is lost trying to keep it all under control? What could possibly go email. It is nigh impossible to streamline because they have the ability to
wrong with such chaos? and systematize a process that has dynamically expand to collect repetitive
inefficient workflows baked into the measurements, calculate pass/fail, and
When engineering and commissioning inspections are included as a core function of the QAQC underlying technology. There wasn’t a have branching logic among a host of
program, they can take advantage of other QAQC platform features such as creating inspection choice before, but now digital other enabling features.

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 10

• When your inspection platform does
not allow vendors to self-inspect
and document compliance to your
specifications. A coordinated approach
to extend your QAQC process all the
way to the teams doing the work is not
possible when you can’t use the same
inspection platform. With digital, it can.
• When your QAQC process stops as
the project startup phase begins, then
it’s time to rethink the possibility of
including startup and commissioning in
your QAQC program. Historically, there
were technical limitations, but now
QAQC can complete the digitization of
the entire project lifecycle.
About Digital Engineering and Commissioning
Inspections
Nearly every project has detailed technical specifications that designers and engineers
use to clearly communicate their exact expectations. Project teams use engineering
and commissioning inspections to verify and document compliance with the project’s
technical specifications. They assure technical compliance for project delivery and
start-up as well as project performance requirements during commissioning.
Engineering and commissioning checklists are different from standard checklists
because they are an order of magnitude more complex.
In this example, an engineer performs a pre-pour inspection of concrete
foundations for a wind farm project.
On the inspection app there are 30 checkpoints for verifying formwork, reinforcing,
and embeds against the specifications and drawings. One of the checkpoints is
used to document steel thickness with photos and assign a pass/fail status. On the
same screen, there is a table for recording the form depth at 16 locations. A formula
evaluates if the form depth is within specifications and assigns a pass or fail status.
There is also another table that dynamically expands as each embed is recorded
with its location and description. Also included in the checklist there is a question
asking if a vapor barrier is required. Answer “yes”, and a block of five barrier-specific
checkpoints is dynamically inserted into the inspection report. Next, a photo survey
and videos allow the capture of the important details. Finally, the engineer gives
sign-off that the inspection is complete, all deficiencies have been reported, and
after any necessary corrections, the slab is approved as ready for the pour.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 11
Key Digital Engineering and Commissioning Inspections Features

Key capabilities to consider for your digital
Checklist Inspections:
• Can you perform all technical
inspections and tests on the QAQC
platform? This includes the full range
• Is there an asset list with serial numbers,
of paper, PDF, and spreadsheet test
reports typically submitted by field
engineers, engineers, and third-party
inspectors.
• How are tables for collecting data
incorporated into the inspection
report, do the tables have formula and
• How do inspection and test plans
summary calculation capabilities, are
there limitations to how large tables can
grow?
• How do you continuously inspect
• What is the workflow for technical
repetitive, ongoing work and ensure
that the inspection screen can expand
to add a group of checkpoints for each
new inspected item?
• How is “if-then” and inspection
branching logic configured, can it
be based on inspector entry as well • How do you prepare a project closeout
as formulas and calculations? Can package that includes ITP completion
calculations and pass/fail formulas refer reports, inspection reports, images, videos,
to checkpoints and data throughout the and test report files?
inspection report?
Digital engineering and commissioning
how are inspections linked to specific inspections provide a universal platform for
assets, can multiple assets be included in reporting all types of technical inspections
including field data and measurements in
one inspection report, how are inspections
an organized way, calculating pass/fail, and
of serialized assets tracked for the lifecycle
of the assets, and can the app read QR/Bar producing inspection reports. It provides a
Codes? consistent process for configuring unique
engineering report templates.
accommodate the hierarchy of
commissioning of equipment, into groups
of equipment into subsystems, and so on?
Bonus video: Engineering inspection
inspection reports that include a
examples. https://youtu.be/Ix3TeLGC87c
combination of field measurements, test
data, observations, equipment calibrations,
verification checks, and deficiencies? How
are photos, videos, and data files from test
equipment included in the inspection report?

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 12

 04CORE FUNCTION #4
PROJECT SPECIFIC
QAQC PLANS

A QAQC Plan makes it absolutely clear to all project stakeholders exactly what
inspections and tests are required, and who is responsible for inspecting the work. When to Implement Digital Project Specific QAQC Plans
It also shows clients what QAQC activities they can expect during each phase of
work, so they have confidence that you are managing your own quality. Project QAQC teams prepare project the field team didn’t know, forgot,
specific QAQC plans for several reasons, or chose not to inspect. Missed
including: inspections result in potential risks. A
QAQC plans also helps hold people accountable for carrying out the necessary inspections. As
digital plan provides advance notice of
the project moves forward, automated progress tracking shows you which tests and inspections
• When quality levels vary between upcoming planned inspections as well
have been completed and which ones are still to come. Project QAQC plans help ensure that your projects. All project teams do the best as automatic tracking of the overall
quality assurance plan stays on track they can, but not all project teams are inspection plan. With it, you will have
as good as the best. While every project verification that all tasks have been
Without a quality plan, project teams decide on QAQC processes that are needed as they go is different, similar QAQC methods can completed as expected.
along. Or maybe they think that just looking for problems is good enough. Missing inspections is be used on similar projects. Project
• When spreadsheets are no longer
not a problem that can be fixed later, a sure recipe for chaos, increased project risks, and sooner specific plans incorporate lessons
useful for large projects. The sheer
or later - disaster. learned to standardize QAQC checks
number of inspections and testing
based on best practices that get quality
that needs to be carried out during the
An important part of a project specific QAQC plan is itemizing the inspections that will be results. Project plan templates can
project’s duration makes spreadsheets
performed to make sure the project complies with specifications and requirements at every provide project teams with a consistent
a clunky and cumbersome method.
stage of project delivery. QAQC framework that can be adjusted
Then attempting to track progress
to project specifics.
compounds the complexity culminating
When required inspections and tests in a chaotic project closeout. Digital
are ignored or missed. It doesn’t matter if QAQC plans automate the entire process.

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 13

When customers require you to submit About Project Specific QAQC Plans
a project specific QAQC plan. The
reason that more and more customers
Every project benefits from proactively planning
require a project specific QAQC plan
out the specific inspections and quality controls
submittal is that they go a long way
that will be carried out on the project. QAQC
toward delivering a quality project.
plans lay out how project quality is assured
through planned inspections and tests that will
be performed, and the responsibilities of various
stakeholders in carrying out the plan.
In this example, a Quality Manager creates a project
specific quality plan for a large solar farm project.
The Quality Manager examined the project schedule
and identified 50 work tasks that should be
inspected. The QM also identified 20 tests and hold
points required by the specifications and product
manufacturer instructions. The inspection and test
plan (ITP) listed the items, some of them repeating for
each tracking motor, and some for each solar panel.
Included in the ITP list is that the QC technician will
use a detailed alignment checklist for each tracker,
a total of 125 times. As the required inspections are
being completed, Project QAQC teams can see that
the QAQC process is on track and an inspection for
rough-in electric is coming up next week.
Key Digital Project specific QAQC Plans Features
Key capabilities to consider for digital The beauty of a project quality control
QAQC Plans: plan template is that it is a reusable
framework that can be easily edited
and adapted to each project – like
• Check that project specific
a fill-in-the-blanks form. Of course,
QAQC plans include ALL of the
project teams must create a project
required inspections and tests.
specific quality control plan for each
Consider the full range of third-
project – the company QC plan
party inspections, laboratory test
template, however, provides the
reports, and hold points.
necessary guidance for what the plan
• Ensure that the master QAQC should include.
templates standardize ITPs
across similar projects.
• Inspectors should be able to
quickly ascertain what has been
inspected, what is currently being Bonus video: Project Specific Plan
inspected, and what to inspect feature examples https://youtu.be/
next. thy_J-U7r24.
• Project teams should be able to
track ITP completion progress
and be alerted to deviations from
the plan.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 14
 05CORE FUNCTION #5
PROACTIVE QUALITY ASSURANCE
AND RISK MANAGEMENT
It is far more efficient to build it right the first time than fix deficiencies later.
Proactive QA gets ahead of possible deficiencies by using data to assess recurring When To Implement Proactive QA and Risk Management
issues, risks, and use lessons learned on similar work. Project executives love
proactive QA because it removes significant business risks to budgets, schedules, Project teams know they need a digital
and warranty costs. approach to QA and risk management in
these scenarios:
Without a way to prevent deficiencies, project teams are constantly reacting to problems that
• When encountered issues and defects
demand immediate attention and burn through time and material. Projects spiral out of control are avoidable. A good indication that a
when multiple problems hit in succession. Crossing fingers and hoping the project runs smoothly problem is avoidable is when you look
is not a reliable project QAQC strategy. back and know what could have been
done to prevent it. If that is true for the
By proactively identifying quality risks, prioritizing them, and implementing risk control strategies, majority of your problems, then it’s time
project teams can minimize delays, reduce costs, and ensure first time quality. to shift to preventing problems in the
• When the company has a high-
first place.
• When quality is still not improving or is
getting worse. QAQC programs are not
sufficient if they merely maintain the
status quo. Proactive QA moves QAQC
programs towards first time quality.
• When specific failures are extremely
costly, and you can’t afford to pay to fix
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects
a problem. Installing hundreds of solar
panels incorrectly or a high-voltage
transformer that does not have fail-
safe mechanisms working properly
could immediately make the project
unprofitable or even lose large sums of
money. The chances of a successful
outcome are much higher when you
proactively control factors that remove
risks related to big potential problems.
performance program such as six-
sigma, lean, or zero-defect first time
quality program. All high-performance
initiatives have proactive approaches to
defect prevention built into their DNA.
Digital QA and risk management is the
engine that drives it forward.
15
About Proactive QA and Risk Management Key Digital Proactive QA and Risk Management Features

Digital solutions enable defect prevention and the implementation of effective risk controls
Key capabilities to consider for your digital • How can you track the success of
in ways that are not possible with traditional methods.
Proactive QA and Risk Management: defect prevention initiatives over time?
In this example, a proactive QA and risk management approach is used on a large wind
farm project. • How do you identify recurring issues
that repeat the most often, cost the Proactive QA, defect prevention, and risk
most, or cause the most delays? management can be well understood
Proactive QA begins with a pre-construction Design Review. Design review checklists
when it is laid out as a set of specific
based on years of experience provide a structured agenda for detecting potential errors • How do you tighten QAQC controls on business processes that work together
and omissions. Lessons learned through a deficiency analysis on similar projects are a project to prevent known risky issues toward achieving first time quality. It gives
incorporated into checklists that will be used on the project. A similar look at vendors from getting through? management the tools they need to improve
is made to uncover potential weaknesses that can be strengthened. In preparatory the productivity of the entire organization.
• How is vendor quality performance
meetings conducted in advance of each vendor’s work, there is a review of specifications
measured and tracked over time? How
and the QA plan to align expectations and heighten awareness of potential problems to
do you know which vendors have the
avoid. Initial inspections make sure work starts correctly and progress reports monitor
highest first time quality accuracy and
work continues correctly. On this project vendors self-inspect completed work before
create the fewest issues?
hand-off to the project team.
Bonus video: Proactive defect reduction
• How are lessons learned captured and
feature examples. https://youtu.be/b3jmT-
While proactive QA is operating on specific projects, there is also a company-wide put into practical use?
lm5UM
initiative to prevent common recurring defects. Managers use interactive performance
• How are design and specification Bonus Video: Quality performance
dashboards to examine the costliest deficiencies across all projects. Every quarter the
reviews and preparatory meetings dashboards and reports. https://youtu.be/
top 3 issues are targeted for problem-solving by multi-disciplined teams consisting of
integrated into the project QAQC VHc4ETMz8O4
designers, engineers, operations, and QA. Every quarter success is measured, and the
process?
process is repeated. Over the course of a year, eliminating the top 10-12 issues that
repeat most often is a game-changer for project productivity.

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 16

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF A
PROJECT QAQC SOFTWARE PLATFORM
At the outset, we stated that a digitized
application must address all five core
areas and integrate them into one
seamless QAQC platform. FTQ360 is
unique in that all five core areas are
included, designed for practical use
by QAQC experts, used on the most
demanding energy projects in the
world, and refined by over 10 years of
continuous improvement.
Key Overall Features of a digital QAQC platform
Key overall capabilities to consider for your
digital QAQC platform:
• Can the QAQC platform perform at
scale or does it bog down? Are screens
and reports purpose-built to handle
multiple large projects when you have
hundreds of projects, thousands of
inspections, and hundreds of thousands
of checkpoints? Verify if an inspection
that works well for ten checkpoints also
works as well for hundreds. Experiment
with long checklists, many projects,
users, and vendors and really test the limits.
• Is the platform reliable, online and
offline, without glitches? What happens
when you have a sketchy internet
connection or lose the connection
in the middle of inspecting? Can you
continue working and even start a new
inspection?
• How does the QAQC platform synchronize
projects, vendors, and users with other
applications? How can QAQC data be
extracted for use by other applications?
Bonus video: FTQ360 for Oil and Gas
• Is cybersecurity up to international features https://youtu.be/Bsgid8pZCM0.
standards? Consider the protection of
personal and confidential data as well as With a suite of powerful QAQC tools for field
backup and disaster recovery. reporting as well as project QA planning,
• Is the software a game changer for your powerful analytics, and much more, energy
QAQC program? Will project teams see project teams can stay on top of all aspects
the benefits and want to get the program of QAQC.
going as quickly as possible? How fast can
you roll out your QAQC program across the With mobile apps and a user-friendly
company? interface, project teams can easily keep their
projects on track and ensure continuous
improvement. If you want to improve project
FTQ360 is a digital QAQC platform with
quality, look no further than FTQ360.
functions and features designed specifically
for oil, renewable and power delivery energy
projects. FTQ360 provides all the tools and Sign up for a free demo today
features needed for energy project QAQC.
Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 17
www.FTQ360.com

+1 410.451.8006

1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401

Five Core Digital QAQC Functions for Energy Projects 18