Seaport Quality Assurance
Our delivery of quality products and outstanding service performance is the result of the implementation of our Total Quality Management (TQM) program
which is designed to build repeatable quality into our products "the first time". Integral to the program is our routine Quality Review Board that
falls under the purview and advisory oversight of the Quality Manager. ASI builds control measures into our plans and procedures as a way of maintaining
accountability and responsibility for program support services. We use control measures to identify potential problems early so we can take immediate
corrective action and still meet the milestones and high standards for quality that we set for the activity or project. The following table lists
the types of control measures ASI uses monitor and maximize quality.
| Control Measure | Purpose | Data Collection Method |
|---|
| Reports | Current status of program, projects, systems | Staff input and automated systems available on-line |
| Milestones | Monitor schedule and project progress | Comparison of planned to actual milestones available on-line |
| Visits | On-site verification of support services | Personal observations, informal face-to-face communications |
| Periodic meetings | Obtain customer guidance and feedback | Written notes, minutes, action items, and milestones available on-line |
| User feedback | Gauge user satisfaction / dissatisfaction | Regular informal meetings with customer managers
QA Routing Review Form available on-line
|
| Financial reports | Identify financial status, issues, and problems, ensure accuracy | Corporate financial management system reports
PM verification of reports available on-line
|
The quality of the personnel we hire and manage is critical to our TQM approach in that our philosophy extends responsibility for the quality of work to each individual. Every employee is empowered to use the resources necessary to produce quality services and products, and is held responsible both for that quality as well as for the resources used in achieving them. We have found that empowerment and a sense of control are the best motivators to a true professional. Our program succeeds through management-employee teamwork and a quality assurance (QA) umbrella of activities covering all processes and procedures. ASI’s TQM program starts with the personal commitment of our president and is implemented through a comprehensive management system that empowers individual employees and promotes teamwork. ASI employees are focused on customer satisfaction. All managers and employees are involved in the improvement of our work processes and organization. This ensures the quality of our products and services while meeting our cost reduction goals.
To gain maximum benefit of “lessons learned” and to enhance product quality and operational productivity, ASI’s corporate level Quality Manager is responsible for collecting valuable data points throughout task performance and development of systemic improvements for organizational incorporation. The Quality Manager is responsible for quality assurance through the TQM process, ensuring product quality, and conducting quality training such as process mapping and documentation. The Quality Manager is also responsible for evaluating new technologies for applicability in reengineering and improving management and task processes. The Quality Manager reports directly to ASI’s president on all performance related issues.
Quality performance begins with the selection of responsible, qualified project personnel who have demonstrated a successful track record producing high quality work. All of the ASI Team’s proposed Key personnel will have proven experience in elements of the SeaPort – e Statement of Work. ASI’s Program Manager (PM) will assign taskings to qualified personnel who are technically competent to perform on the particular task and who understand customer requirements and expectations. The PM will ensure that Team personnel are fully supported on each task with sufficient administrative and financial resources.