FAQ Catagories:
1) General Quality Assurance Questions
2) Quality Data Collection Questions
3) Data Uploading Questions
4) Quality Reporting Questions
5) Additional Questions
1) General Quality Assurance Questions
Why do I need a quality assurance program?
There are three reasons you should consider a quality assurance program: 1- you will improve your quality; 2- you will become more competitive; 3- you will improve your relationships with your customers.
What type of quality assurance program should I be considering?
Consider implementing a program that: fits your corporate culture; does not require a major resource commitment; saves time and saves money. Your managers have many demands on their time and they’ll appreciate a program that makes their job easier.
What if I already have a paper-clipboard system?
Paper systems are initially inexpensive and may (or may not) be subsequently rolled-up into spreadsheets or databases. Inspection data collected on paper is almost always handled more than once before it is available to management and the information is often outdated before it is rolled-up. Paper systems are also labor-intensive, expensive to administer and are rarely used effectively on a large scale.
Electronic programs, by contrast, collect data by “clicking,” require less data handling and save time during all phases of the process. They can be computer-based (program is installed on your computers) or web-based (program resides on the web).
What is unique about the Smart Inspect™ quality auditing system?
It’s ease of use. Most quality inspection systems are confusing and complicated and require extensive configuration and training. Our technology is world-class but we are well aware that busy people won’t use our product if it isn’t easy to use!
How does the software get installed on my company’s computers?
It doesn’t have to be installed at all. Your quality program will reside on the web. You (and your viewers) will have access to your secure website to view and analyze reports. Your IT department can spend their time on other issues.
What kind of equipment is needed?
The only piece of equipment you’ll need is a handheld computer (PDA) with a data card to conduct your quality inspections. They are inexpensive and you’ll probably want to get one for each of your inspectors.
What if I do need help?
Try our helpline or send us an email. Our customer service representatives, Nate and Al are both program experts and can help you with anything Smart Inspect-related. Both are well-known for their customer service and quick response.
How long does it take to get set up?
Just give us a call. We can have your program configured in an hour, we can train you from our office in about an hour and you can start walking your buildings as soon as you receive your PDA.
2) Quality Data Collection Questions
How do I conduct a quality inspection?
With your PDA in hand, you’ll head over to the areas you intend to inspect. You’ll sign on by selecting your name from a dropdown list and you’ll identify where you are from other dropdown lists that include building names, floors, etc. The whole “who” and “where” takes about a minute.
Once you are signed on, you’ll be looking at: “items” and “attributes.” Items include carpets, floors, desks, trash cans, restroom fixtures, etc. – the “things” that get cleaned. Attributes include: dust, soil, buildup, etc. – these attributes represent the outcomes of the cleaning performed on the items. It’s that simple – items and attributes. Items that are clean will be marked as “acceptable.” Items that have not been properly cleaned will be assigned one of the “unacceptable” attributes. Example: a dusty desk will be identified as having the unacceptable attribute “dust.”
What is the scoring system?
Smart Inspect features a “Quality Success Percentage” or “QSP” as its primary measure of success.
The Quality Success Percentage is derived by dividing “acceptable” items into the total number (n) of items inspected. Example: If you inspect one thousand items and you found nine hundred to be acceptable, your Quality Success Percentage or QSP is 90% (90 acceptable /100 inspected). It follows then, that 10% of the items were identified as unacceptable with attributes such as dust, buildup, etc. Smart inspect tracks these unacceptable attributes for analysis and for continuous improvement purposes.
3) Data Uploading Questions
How do I upload my data when I complete my inspection?
Smart Inspect has two data uploading options: manual (best choice for organizations with varying levels of computer expertise) and wireless (a great choice for savvy users).
Manual up loaders remove the smart card from their PDAs and insert it into a card reader. Next, they login to the Smart Inspect website, then they upload their date with two clicks.
Wireless up loaders use the Smart-synch option and upload directly from their PDA. In either case, your data is immediately available for analysis.
How long does it take to upload inspection data?
The entire data upload process takes only a minute or two.
Can I upload from anywhere?
If you are uploading manually, you can upload from any computer with a USB port and internet access. If you are uploading wirelessly, you’ll need to be in a place with wireless access.
4) Quality Reporting Questions
How do I view my inspection results?
Once you’ve uploaded, you can view your data immediately by signing on to your secure quality website. The system will store your current and all previous uploads. Simply select the correct date and you can begin viewing your QSP results.
What do the reports look like?
Smart Inspect features several great reports designed from customer feedback. You’ll be able to view individual inspections and you’ll be able to trend results over time. Smart Inspect uses pie charts, bar charts and line graphs if you desire. You can even “drill down” on each and view every click (time stamped) that was made during the inspections.
Who else can view my data?
You decide. The website includes an easy-to-use checklist where you grant varying levels of access and locations for your employees and customers. You decide who can upload data and who sees what.
How do I know when an inspection has been uploaded by one of my other inspectors?
Smart Inspect features an “Upload Notification” feature. You decide who is notified via email when an inspection is uploaded for a location. You can include yourself on all locations or just a few for notification purposes.
How do I communicate with others about the inspection results?
Smart Inspect includes a message board for communication with your employees and customers.
How do I know if others are using/viewing the inspection data?
Smart Inspect features a Log-in Report that will indicate who is visiting the site and how many times they have logged on.
5) Additional Questions
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Department at (877) 583-9292x312