In the data processing world mistakes happen.  It’s just a fact of doing business.  Knowing that, implementing a quality control (QC) procedure is a must. Volumes can be written about QC.  Here are a few highlights from our perspective.  Putting processes in place to catch errors during the order fulfillment process keeps Altair from those embarrassing moments when the client gets something other than what they asked for.  This leads us to the first and most important step in our quality control process, reviewing the order with the client to ensure we are giving them what they want.  All of us in the data processing world have delivered jobs that are exactly what the client asked us to do but not what they wanted.  Clarification up front keeps this most detrimental of error types from happening.

Second, it is not enough to put “one size fits all” error detectors in place when custom orders are involved.  This is a twofold QC step. Any time you add, change, delete, or create there is opportunity for error.  If this is coming from the client it needs to be in writing for clarification.  This creates the documentation for the processing as well as the QC.  If the manipulation is happening to produce a specific output it must be verified.  At Altair we incorporate custom QC at the key processing steps to identify errors and to prove to ourselves that the processing is running smoothly.

Last, take the time to actually do the QC.  It does take time and when meeting deadlines that are tight, time is of the essence.  Our philosophy is we’d rather be a little behind than deliver an error. Our clients appreciate the diligence and when involved in the development of the process with us become even more aware of the importance.

Processing time is money. The sooner we identify an issue, the sooner it can be resolved.  Rerunning a completed order because of even the smallest of issues is still rerunning the entire order.  What’s the old saying, “If you didn’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over.”… Experience has taught us to sweat the details upfront.

Tools we use:

• Word Forms: check lists for gathering important information
• Work Orders: gathers details from clients and documents the process for both sides
• Visio: creates a flow of the process for, allows for efficient processing and QC design
• Access: Brings all work orders together for effective communication and multiple project handling
• Six Sigma process control
• QC Focus groups.
• ENTERPRISE LEVEL INVOLVEMENT! Not just operations.