Quality management is the process of doing things that control the quality of the works Hutchies performs. We have a reputation of quality product and service, and it is imperative we maintain this.
It’s about:
- knowing the standard we need to achieve for compliance and performance
- understanding how the standards apply to each project
- identifying risks that may affect the intended quality
- identifying, developing and implementing resources and tools that ensure works are progressively checked to meet the intended quality outcomes
- making sure the documents used for construction are accurate and can be followed by everyone involved
- creating the time and environment necessary to undertake and check the works properly
- maintaining records of the process and the works as they are progressively completed and in a way that allows certainty of compliance and evidence of same as required in the future
- identifying works that are non-conforming or non-complying for replacement / rectification
- reviewing the effectiveness of quality management and ensuring improvements are made where required
Quality management requires you to consider:
- work to be performed (what we are doing)
- program (when things are to be done, who will do them and the time it will take)
- methodology (how things will be done)
- environment (where the things will be done)
- These activities have an impact on everything we do and the end result. Remember if you have any queries
— Scott Hutchinson, Chairman of Hutchies
There are many types of documents and tools that are used in quality management. It’s important to understand what they are and how / when they are used. Tools are only effective when used at the right time by the right people in the right way:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Program | Document the schedule of works to control an element (not drawings) |
| Schedules | Time-based lists of planned tasks |
| Contracts | Agreement detailing the responsibilities for each party |
| Project documentation | Principal project requirements (PPR), drawings, specifications, schedules |
| Plans | Document the plan to control an element (not drawings) |
| Meetings | Meetings are only effective with a chairperson and an agenda with clear objectives to facilitate discussions and record outcomes |
| Correspondence | RFIs, document transmittals, letters |
| Registers | Collate a list of items and critical information about them |
| QMS (Quality Management System) | Accredited system that documents the way Hutchies operates |
| Policy | Hutchies’ company policies (quality, safety, environment etc) which describe our expectations and commitments |
| Alerts | Used to communicate specific information on a topic, including Hutchies’ requirements where they exceed other written standards / codes etc |
| Handbooks | Reference document with topical information (also known as a bible at Hutchies) |
| Guides | Provides guidance on implementing controls on a topic |
| Quick Guides | Provide quick overview of the important things for a topic |
| ITPs | Inspection Test Plans are a list of items to check against what we are doing |
| Process | Guide to the sequence of tasks to achieve objectives |
| Procedures | Step by step instructions on what is required to be done for specific tasks |
| Manuals | A document giving detailed operational and maintenance procedures/information (eg Owners corp and owner’s manual) |
These documents help you manage many aspects for planning, controlling and recording quality, and are effective with your total ownership and pride in achieving a quality outcome. This is Hutchies’ expectation of you as a Hutchies’ company member.