Oft times one knows the problem, but has no idea how to solve it.  Or sometimes the reverse is true - we think we know exactly what we need, but have no idea of the problem.

It is often best to let a third party take a look and assist you to built your requirements documentation.  Because of our diverse experience, there is often "cross-over knowledge"we can bring to the table, that may take you in an entirely different direction than you initially expected.  We treat each assignment as its own unique task; we have no predetermined script.  But we do implement a rigorous process.

Often the first step in solving a problem, even before identifying it in detail, is to get some generic education on available generic tools available.  

Perhaps the most effective approach is to implement a paper/manual system.  After all, if you can't do it manually, automating it will just allow screwing it up faster.

Whether is is SPC, OEE, OPC, QMS, Scheduling or any number of generic areas, QIC can train your staff on the basics.  Then you will be in a better position to evaluate decisions that will help your organization achieve more.

In this world of intuitive apps, where a three year old can instinctively navigate an iPad, there is a tendency to believe that even complex solutions like QMS or OEE should also be instinctive.  The truth is that quality training in the configuration and use of a solution is a very large component of the implementation's success.  In some case, like ERP implementation, for every dollar spent on application, $10 should be spent on training.  This is not so much because the operation of the application is difficult, but because some subtle decisions can have wide reaching ramifications.  That is why QIC offers extensive on-site and off-site training programs to accompany our system implementations.

While we have general protocols and procedures to assist in client implementations, we incorporate those into the way your organization typically does things.  We are with you every step of the way, including post installation support and planning.

We have had clients where we did the majority of the work remotely (thanks Covid), and clients where each plant implementation required 3 people on-site 24/7 for a number of weeks just to be there if needed.  Somewhere in between is the more typical scenario.

If you are in an FDA regulated industry, and depending upon how dangerous a process or system could be, you need to validate your processes and systems.

For life sciences or medical devices where an error could be potentially fatal, the validation of a system can be more expensive than the cost of the system itself.

Having installed a number of systems in these industries, our consultants can be very helpful in either assisting your validation team, or in performing the validation itself. 

Unfortunately, the industry that has grown up around validation largely applies the same rules and processes to each client, resulting in huge validation expenses.  The key here is to determine the actual level of validation required based upon risk.  

Every system (at least the ones we implement) has dozens of ways it can be configured, used, interpreted.  Often the vendor has what amounts to a template as to how their system is implemented and will use that template for every client.  While this may e efficient, it often results in missed opportunities for the client.  Oftentimes the client is simply not aware that there is an alternate approach within the system that more closely resembles the way they do things.

Having someone else who has worked with the system in a number of diverse clientele, but has no vested interest in what you do, take a look at what you have done (or are planning to do) can help to ensure your implementation is everything it can be.  Often a couple of days with our consultant can result in a better fit (or worst case independent confirmation of your plan).