VIDEO: Utilities company Van der Sluis deploys Ed Controls for quality assurance

Van der Sluis Technische Bedrijven from Genemuiden, in the Dutch province of Overijssel, has set quality in their construction and renovation projects as their top priority. The company implemented a system for quality assurance. Ed Controls is an important part of that.

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In this article:

  • Van der Sluis is a full-service utility installer in the residential building, utility and renovation sectors.

  • The company has successfully digitized all quality assurance lists.

  • Ed Controls was given pride of place in its quality management system.

  • Digital lists are entered into the system from the head office.

  • The foreman on the construction site goes through the lists and ensures the required quality.

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The head office from Van der Sluis in Genemuiden.

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The construction site in Almere-Buiten.

In the company’s new, modern building in the polder of Genemuiden, Joyce van Es is looking at her screens. She is the go-to person for the project managers and is responsible for the checklists. “We started using Ed Controls about two years ago”, says Joyce. “We’ve made the software an integral part of our quality assurance system.”

Digital transmission of quality assurance lists to the foreman

Of course, the switch to a digital system did not go off without hitches. “I digitized a bunch of thick folders with paper delivery lists”, she says. Those lists are now in Ed Controls, which is now linked to the company’s ERP system. “I digitized a bunch of thick folders with paper delivery lists”, she says. Those lists are now in Ed Controls, which is now linked to the company’s ERP system.

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Joyce prepares the audits at Van der Sluis's head office in Genemuiden.

Digitisation saves a lot of time on every project, Joyce explains. “This way I can link the lists directly to a new project and completed lists are immediately available.”

“If we’re awarded a project, I put the checklists into Ed Controls.” Joyce points to her monitor. Ed Controls displays a photo of a residential tower in Almere, one of the projects for which Van der Sluis is responsible for the complete utilities installation work. Jocye points to her monitor. Ed Controls displays a photo of a residential tower in Almere, one of the projects for which Van der Sluis is responsible for the complete utilities installation work.

“It’s really easy to use”, she says. “As soon as I put the lists in Ed Controls, the foreman on the construction site sees it right on his laptop, smartphone or iPad. He can then start checking the installations immediately and filling in the checklists.” “As soon as I put the lists in Ed Controls, the foreman on the construction site sees it right on his laptop, smartphone or iPad. He can then start checking the installations immediately and filling in the checklists.”

Quality assurance lists available for immediate site use

From Genemuiden to the construction site in Almere-Buiten. There the foreman, Lesley Drost, reaches for his tablet. He can see the checklists Joyce has prepared for the project in Ed Controls.

For Lesley, it doesn’t matter if it concerns a wall socket, electrical cabinet, ventilator, gas connection, heat pump or solar panel. The installation must be well executed and ready for delivery. After all, quality is the company’s core value. The installation must be well executed and ready for delivery. After all, quality is the company’s core value.

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Lesley uses Ed Controls for quality assurance.

Photo to ensure quality

Lesley takes measurements and enters the data. He carefully examines all the questions on the list. “Sometimes I take a photo”, he says. “This is how I ensure quality. It’s our proof that it was done right.” He carefully examines all the questions on the list. “Sometimes I take a photo”, he says. “This is how I ensure quality. It’s our proof that it was done right.”

After Lesley has entered all the data, he declares the unit ready for delivery. Joyce can see the completed quality assurance lists on her screen. No hassle with printing and sending lists around. Everything is digitised. Lesley describes it as “ideal”. “Ed Controls is nice and compact. With tablet in hand, you fill in the data and everything is recorded on the spot.”

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Van der Sluis on the construction site in Almere-Buiten.

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The Van der Sluis team at their project in Almere-Buiten