Direct Drains uses digital QA to transform the business and maximise cost-efficiencies

Direct Drains is a market leading  drainage and civil contractor specialising in drainage solutions, based in Auckland, New Zealand. Known for their high-quality work and commitment to customer satisfaction, Direct Drains is constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance their operations.

Jade Rayner, Owner at Direct Drains recently sat down with Daniel O'Donoghue, CONQA, CEO and Co-Founder to learn more about the impact of using the software to capture QA had had on the business so far.

The challenge with QA manual processes and paperwork

Prior to implementing CONQA, Direct Drains faced significant challenges with documenting their quality assurance (QA). The reliance on paper-based systems led to inefficiencies and difficulties in tracking project progress, and providing evidence for completed work. This could result in disputes with clients over the quality and completion of work, impacting both project timelines and client relationships.

Finding the right solution, built to make QA simple

Moving to using a digital tool has allowed the team to document site inspections, and capture records easily. By integrating CONQA, Direct Drains has successfully transitioned from a cumbersome paper trail to an efficient digital system that captures real-time data and evidence.

“ When I sat through the demo of CONQA, it was an instant yes - the timing was just right. And now, CONQA has been everything I hoped for and more.” 
- Jade Rayner, Owner @ Direct Drains

Implementing CONQA with ease

During the implementation phase of CONQA the team at Direct Drains upskilled this move was driven by a clear vision from management to enhance operational efficiency and ensure accountability at all levels. As a result onsite teams now use CONQA to capture digital signatures, photographs, and QA evidence directly from the field.

“My team had lots to juggle, and I felt bad about adding another software to their suite. The reality is, once they got onboard, they haven’t looked back as CONQA took the pressure/thinking process out for them!”
-  Jade Rayner, Owner @ Direct Drains

Proven results

Improved Efficiency, CONQA streamlined the QA process, significantly reducing the manual effort required for documentation and allowing the team to focus more on project delivery.

Enhanced Client Relationships, With CONQA, Direct Drains can provide indisputable evidence of completed work, improving trust and transparency with clients. This was particularly evident in their projects with the Dempsey Wood alliance, where QA documentation facilitated smoother project handovers.

“One of my favourite moments was when I was busy on site working, and I noticed the site engineers (our main contractor’s party) walking around the site and doing inspections using an app. That same afternoon, I noticed a report in my inbox, and it was a CONQA one.”
- Jade Rayner, Owner @ Direct Drains

Cost Savings, The ability to quickly resolve disputes and avoid rework led to substantial cost savings. For instance, CONQA helped prevent a costly pipe replacement by providing evidence that the installation met specifications, saving Direct Drains approximately $28,000.

“We shared a copy of our QA report with Dempsey Wood (Ray Camons), and they had nothing but positive feedback; and  immediately accepted it - the tender was pushed forward and we got the job with Watercare”
- Jade Rayner, Owner @ Direct Drains

Cultural Shift, The adoption of CONQA fostered a culture of quality and accountability within Direct Drains. Management incentivised high-quality QA practices by rewarding employees who excelled in using the software, thus embedding it as a core component of their operational ethos.

“As management we recognise the value and cost-savings that robust QA brings, so it’s an easy decision for us to encourage and incentivise the guys onsite to ensure they’re completing their QA in real-time using CONQA correctly.
- Jade Rayner, Owner @ Direct Drains

Making the change to CONQA, Direct Drains transformed their approach to quality assurance, driving efficiency and enhancing client satisfaction.