Written by: Linn Björklund

A complicated quality control process puts valuable data at high risk – especially if it’s done manually. Therefore, you need to implement a digital quality control process where your data goes straight from the source. This increases its accuracy and minimises data normalisation. But how do you set up an effective process?
Here are 4 steps to developing a digital quality control process:
1. Set your standards
Ask yourself: Why are we doing quality controls? Is it to meet the quality standards of an official regulatory outside your company or to improve your own operations? The first step is to determine the correct quality attributes and streamline the process accordingly.
Do also keep in mind that the digital quality control system must be user-friendly. If it disregards the operator’s perspective, they might not use it. Therefore, make sure you know what checks need to be done and create routines adjusted to fit both Management and Frontline.
2. Determine the on-site requirements
Consider your digitals. What functionalities are critical to your quality control? When your operators do their checks on-site, make sure they have the right equipment. Tablets and phones have overtaken the PC as it allows end-users to document and send their findings immediately through an app. A PC user would have to retroactively log and import their data to the database.
In addition, make sure you determine if there’s a need for an offline mode. In industries such as mining and construction, access to the internet can be limited. For this reason, make sure your software supports an offline mode that syncs when there’s an internet connection.
3. Integrate and extract the right data
Determine what you are going to do with the data you receive from your quality controls. Do you want to track the basic status and usage, or does your business need specific analysis and external APIs? Most software allows your check data to be transferred into a digital structure with automatic updates in real-time. Combine these with reported deviations to get full coverage on issues.
4. Focus on the benefits
Last but not least: Keep in mind the long-term benefits of doing digital quality checks. A digital process will minimise downtime, keep your data clean and optimise your operational time. Cost is a relevant factor but remember to focus on the dollar – not the cent.
Do you want more examples of how digitising your workflow can optimise your routines and minimise downtime? Download your free copy of the guide 9 keys to maximise the availability of your assets through frontline digitisation.
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