How to manage quality control and communication when outsourcing architectural work
Leveraging the benefits of architectural outsourcing requires skillful navigation through the critical currents of Quality Control (QC) and communication. This guide equips you with the knowledge and tools to chart a successful course, ensuring your projects reach their desired destination.
QC in Architecture Outsourcing
Quality control is the process of verifying that the architectural work meets the client's specifications, standards, and expectations. Communication is the exchange of information, feedback, and instructions between the client and the outsourcing partner. Both quality control and communication are essential for the success of any outsourcing project, as they can affect the quality, timeliness, and satisfaction of the deliverables.
So, how can you manage quality control and communication when architectural outsourcing work? Here are some tips and best practices that you can follow:
Choose the right outsourcing partner
The first step to managing quality control and communication is to choose the right outsourcing partner for your architectural project. You should look for an outsourcing partner that has:
Architectural work experience and expertise
Quality and style of work portfolio
Timely and budget-friendly project delivery
Clear and transparent pricing and payment
Accurate and consistent quality assurance and control
Dedicated project manager and skilled team
Reliable and secure communication platform and tools
Good reputation and positive reviews
In order to confirm the skills and expertise of an outsourcing partner, you should also carry out a trial project and background check.
Define the scope and expectations of the project
The second step to managing quality control and communication is to define the scope and expectations of the project clearly and in detail. You should provide the outsourcing partner with:
A project brief that outlines the objectives, requirements, specifications, and deliverables of the project
A timeline and a schedule that specifies the milestones, deadlines, and progress reports of the project
A budget and a payment plan that defines the terms and conditions of the payment
A quality standard and a quality checklist that sets the criteria and the metrics for evaluating the quality of the work
A communication plan that establishes the frequency, mode, and format of the communication between the client and the outsourcing partner
You should also sign a contract or a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that formalizes the scope and expectations of the project, and protects the rights and interests of both parties. You should review and approve the contract or the SLA before starting the project, and make sure that both parties understand and agree to the terms and conditions.
Monitor and review the work regularly
The third step to managing quality control and communication is to monitor and review the work regularly and provide feedback and guidance to the outsourcing partner. You should:
Monitor the project’s progress and status against the timeline and schedule
Evaluate the work and deliverables using the quality standard and checklist
Give feedback and suggestions to the outsourcing partner and ask for changes if needed
Communicate with the outsourcing partner using the agreed platform and tools
Solve any issues or problems quickly and professionally and escalate them if needed
You should also maintain a positive and respectful relationship with the outsourcing partner, and appreciate and acknowledge their efforts and achievements.
Finalize and close the project
The fourth and final step to managing quality control and communication is to finalize and close the project. You should:
Make sure the work and the deliverables meet the project’s requirements and standards
Finalize the payment and the invoice according to the agreed terms
Get and transfer the ownership and the rights of the work and the deliverables, and protect the files and the data
Save and archive the project, and learn from the outcome and the feedback
Don't let architectural complexities hold you back. Contact us today and let our experts navigate your project to success. We offer a range of outsourcing services, including CAD drafting, BIM, and 3D visualization, all delivered with unmatched quality and communication. Email karen@lynxpros.com or submit your project requirements to Get Expert Guidance.