The best way to deliver projects on time, on schedule, and on budget is to conduct every aspect with a First Time Right approach. Oftentimes, there is a gap between the design experience and the construction knowledge, resulting in the rework of both efforts.
AM Technical Solutions (AM) has developed experts with knowledge of both aspects and implemented a program to review the designs to assure the quality, accuracy, and constructability of the design.
Our Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) process involves using Construction Quality Assurance Representatives (QAR) with design experience to review design content during the design phase.
Our team has implemented a high-tech 2D QAR process to correct any errors, allow all stakeholders to visualize the end result, and provide feedback before the design is released for construction. We also keep the end-user trade contractor in mind to ensure content is constructible and aligns with project specifications and local/national building code requirements.
The goal is to eliminate changes during construction (RFI’s) through the use of a first-time-right design document, helping reduce costs and other headaches for our customers.
Supporting QAQC Through the Cost Influence Curve
The Cost Influence Curve is a popular diagram that tracks the opportunities to influence costs throughout the construction project life cycle. The phases progress from left to right – planning and programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction.
Typically, QAQC occurs at the end of the project life cycle – during the post-construction review – when the opportunity to influence expenses is very low. Making changes becomes very costly because the vast majority of the work is complete, resulting in rework, added costs, and schedule impacts.
In essence, AMTS uses the Early Design 2D method to pull traditional construction QAQC to the left of the Cost Influence Curve, closer to the Design Development phase. By doing so, we are allowing early construction-related input to be placed into the design document during pre-construction.
Shifting our attention to early QAQC allows corrections to be made in the 2D space as opposed to after construction finishes. This step influences costs in the following ways:
- Eliminates design-related rework.
- Reduces trade headcount constraints.
- Eliminates schedule impacts.
- Prevents unforeseen costs.
We have seen this method create value for our customers in a variety of high-tech construction markets. Specifically, we have applied the Early Design 2D method in these types of projects:
- Semiconductor
- Life Sciences
- Solar / PV (Photovoltaics)
- Advanced Technologies
“Our goal is to positively affect cost in the early stages of high-tech construction projects when there is a greater opportunity to influence costs,” says Dan Codi, Chief Operating Officer. “Using the Early Design 2D QAR process enables us to deliver on all three of cost, time, and quality, creating exceptional value for our high-tech customers.”
– Learn more about our capabilities to execute high-tech construction projects in various markets.
– View our portfolio of award-winning high-tech construction projects.
– Would your next project benefit from greater QAQC cost control? Contact us today to discuss our capabilities to support your project.