CASE STUDY

STÄRKE gains control and confidence with CONQA

From bespoke façades to large-scale builds, Starke delivers precision at every step, keeping projects on track and protecting their commercial interests

Northcote College
Industry

Commercial Construction

Case study bio

STÄRKE


Ken Pridham
Commercial Director

New Zealand

starke logo

When photos and Word docs aren’t enough

STÄRKE specialises in manufacturing and installing façades for commercial projects, where precision and accountability are critical. Before CONQA, the team relied on a mix of Google Photos and Word documents to manage QA. On paper, this looked like a digital process. In reality, it was just as clunky as paper-based filing. Photos had to be manually uploaded, reports compiled in Word, and site teams wasted valuable time trying to keep it all organised.

“The main risk as a relatively major subcontractor like us is when it comes to the commercial claims side. If you’ve got no photographic evidence of what you’ve done, it becomes incredibly hard to actually prove what you’re charging for is bonafide and valid.”

Without centralised records, the team had no way to protect themselves if work was challenged, leaving both time and money on the line.

"When we first win the job, we create a CONQA project and then create an item in CONQA for every single window we’re making. That follows us through and is part of our QA in the factory as well as part of our QA on site.”

Ken Pridham, STÄRKE 

From factory to installation: one QA process that flows

STÄRKE rolled out CONQA in late 2023. Right from the start, the team built it into their delivery process. Unlike their old system, CONQA gave STÄRKE the control they needed. Key features stood out:

  • Offline capacity – critical when working several stories up without reliable connectivity
  • Centralised data – one source of truth for QA across the business
  • Simple, intuitive UI – fast training and easy adoption for new staff
  • Customisable workflows – allowing STÄRKE to build their own projects and adapt to how they operate

What has changed since using CONQA?

Control through the whole process

For STÄRKE, one of the biggest shifts has been gaining full oversight of QA from production through to installation. Every unit is photographed and tracked at key stages: when it leaves the factory, when it’s loaded for transport, and when it’s installed on site.

This creates not just accountability, but an insurance policy. If damage occurs, STÄRKE has indisputable proof of what was delivered and when.

“We’re photographing units as they complete production, as they go on a trailer, as they go through the full process when they get to site… this forces good process, and in case of any damage, acts as a massive protection or insurance policy for us.”

Time saved, trust gained

The old Google Photos and Word document system was time-consuming, inconsistent, and hard to control. With CONQA, QA is now fast, centralised, and part of everyday life.

The benefits go beyond efficiency - by building photographic evidence into every stage, STÄRKE has strengthened its commercial claims and built greater trust with clients.

“Huge amount of time saved… It’s a huge part of our everyday life now.”

“More than anything, it builds trust. You can’t argue with a photo. If it’s done, it’s done. If it’s damaged, it’s damaged.”

Ken Pridham, Commercial Director

A stronger commercial position

By moving away from fragmented, manual QA processes, STÄRKE has avoided the cost and risk of unsubstantiated claims. With CONQA, they’ve strengthened their commercial position, improved QA efficiency, and built a culture of accountability that protects every project, from factory floor to installation on site.

“CONQA has become part of our life, and now we’re looking to see how we can improve and enhance our use, so it gives us more control.”

 

Beach Road Townhouse

For STÄRKE, CONQA isn’t just about QA. It’s part of how they deliver quality, protect their commercial position, and build trust on every project.

See how CONQA works

Book a demo and our team will be in touch to set up at time to show you how CONQA checklists, approvals and reports help you manage progress on-site.

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