How Downer Enhance Construction Quality Assurance with CONQA

Addressing the Challenges of Construction Quality Assurance

In the intricate world of Downer, maintaining high-quality standards is a perpetual challenge. The nature of construction projects—often bespoke, multifaceted, and involving numerous subcontractors and supply partners—complicates the task of ensuring consistent quality assurance. One of the primary hurdles is managing quality control across diverse teams and locations, ensuring that everything from materials to workmanship meets specified standards. This complexity is compounded during project handovers, where documentation and assurance need to be meticulously aligned with client expectations.

The construction industry has long relied on traditional, paper-based methods for quality assurance, which often result in scattered documentation and difficulties in maintaining an auditable trail. This outdated approach can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to mistakes or miscommunication. To mitigate these challenges, the industry is now looking towards innovative solutions that can streamline processes and enhance the precision of quality assurance.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Quality Assurance

'A unique challenge from my side as a Quality Manager has always been, how do I tie in all my duties with what's happening on the ground? And in the past, we've been great at developing systems and then pushing it down to our teams to use on the ground. What I found with CONQA was that it's designed from the ground up, which is why I chose it because I had to bridge this gap between quality compliance, quality control, and quality assurance in the middle’
- Whineray Arries, Quality Manager, Downer

Enter CONQA - a QA software solution specifically designed to address the unique needs of quality assurance in construction. CONQA offers a robust platform that transforms how quality control is managed on construction sites. The software seamlessly integrates the team's existing workflows, providing a centralised hub for all quality-related data and documentation.

CONQA allows the Downer team to maintain a real-time, comprehensive record of quality checks and compliance measures, ensuring that every aspect of a project is monitored and documented. This not only facilitates a more organised approach to quality control but also enables teams to promptly address any issues that arise, reducing the risk of costly rework. With features designed from the ground up, CONQA bridges the gap between quality compliance, control, and assurance, providing a holistic solution that aligns with industry standards.

Overcoming Resistance to Technological Change

Adapting to new technology can often face resistance, particularly in industries like construction where traditional methods have been deeply ingrained. When the team at Downer were initially introduced to CONQA it was met with hesitation, largely due to change fatigue and the aging workforce's reluctance to embrace digital tools. However, by adopting a strategic approach to change management, these challenges were effectively addressed.

“Initially there were a couple of challenges in that space, we had to come up with clever ideas by partnering our teams to get buy-in. We went ahead and paired those on the ground who were more tech savvy - experienced with tech with those who were a little less tech savvy. They formed support teams and exchanged lessons. For example, one would teach the other how to use CONQA and the other might teach something like -  how to drive one of the machines onsite. We tried unique ways of getting buy-in.” -  
Whineray Arries, Quality Manager, Downer

The implementation of CONQA involved pairing tech-savvy team members with those less familiar with digital tools, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge could be shared and skills developed. This peer-support system not only facilitated a smoother transition but also empowered teams to embrace the software. As team members experienced the ease of use and tangible benefits of CONQA, resistance dwindled, leading to widespread adoption across projects.

Real-Time Solutions for On-Site Quality Management

One feature of CONQA is its ability to provide real-time solutions for on-site quality management. The software enables instant uploads of quality data, allowing project managers and engineers to access up-to-date information from anywhere on the site. This immediacy is crucial in large-scale projects where team members may be dispersed across different areas.

Moreover, CONQA's integration with communication tools allows for virtual walkthroughs and inspections, ensuring that quality checks can proceed without delay even in challenging circumstances. For instance, during adverse weather conditions, teams have been able to conduct virtual inspections via video calls, enabling clients to participate remotely and approve work without the need for physical presence. This adaptability not only saves time and resources but also enhances client satisfaction by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and efficiency.

“One of the biggest wins for me was when a client needed to do a walkover. He was out of town. We were getting a lot of rain, and we were going to lose a lot of progress on building a road. The client was happy for us to communicate via a Microsoft Team’s call in a virtual walkover in conjunction with using the  CONQA app. We showed him the road - he was happy. We saved thousands of dollars.”
Whineray Arries, Quality Manager, Downer

Streamlining Communication and Reporting

Effective communication and precise reporting are critical components of successful construction projects. CONQA offers a unified platform where all stakeholders can access and contribute to project data. The software's Lot Management Dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of project progress, allowing for quick identification of areas that require attention.

The integration of CONQA with data visualisation tools like Power BI further enhances reporting capabilities. Project managers can generate detailed reports that offer insights into every aspect of quality assurance, from individual task completion to overall project status. By providing stakeholders with clear, data-driven updates, CONQA fosters a culture of accountability and transparency, ensuring that everyone is aligned towards the common goal of delivering high-quality construction outcomes.

“I export project data and Lot of Register information from CONQA. Bang. I pull it into a Power BI dashboard. This goes into the client's weekly report and monthly report so they can see it. This is where the app has helped us do the heavy lifting on quality insurance.  Our main client sits in the meeting and says, okay. I'm not worried about your quality. That is a win.”  
Whineray Arries, Quality Manager, Downer

How Downer Achieve Faster Project Handover with CONQA

One of the most significant advantages of using CONQA is the ability to expedite project handovers. Traditionally, the handover process could take several months due to the need to collate and verify extensive documentation. However, with CONQA's streamlined processes, this timeframe is drastically reduced, with some projects achieving handover in as little as 30 days.

"Initially it would take around 3 months to complete a project handover, my goal is to have that reduced to 30-days. That's the target and the app is helping us achieve that. It makes it easy to close those Lots Reports and have separate ones. This is because the work is happening continuously throughout the project rather than leaving it to the end like a large back-log.”
Whineray Arries, Quality Manager, Downer

The software facilitates continuous quality management throughout the project lifecycle, allowing teams to address quality issues as they arise rather than accumulating a backlog. This proactive approach not only accelerates the handover process but also reduces the likelihood of post-completion issues, ensuring that projects meet client expectations and industry standards from the outset.

In conclusion, CONQA represents a transformative shift in construction quality assurance. By leveraging technology to streamline processes and improve communication, it empowers construction teams to deliver projects more efficiently and effectively. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing such innovations will be crucial to maintaining competitive advantage and achieving excellence in construction quality assurance.