Engineering Management Institute

TEQC - The Engineering Quality Control Podcast

TEQC 030: The Essential Guide to Quality Engineering: Top 10 Episodes Filled with Insights and Key Learnings

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Quality Engineering

In this episode, we revisit the Top 10 Quality Engineering Episodes since the beginning of our podcast. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most insightful discussions and valuable takeaways from these episodes.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Here Are the Top 10 Engineering Quality Control Episodes:

[Read more…] about TEQC 030: The Essential Guide to Quality Engineering: Top 10 Episodes Filled with Insights and Key Learnings

TEQC 029: Managing Field Technicians and Paper Reports in Engineering Projects

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

paper reportsIn this episode, I talk with Thierno Barry, P. Eng., a professional engineer and field services supervisor at Englobe, and a renowned leader in engineering geosciences, environmental management, and quality management about managing field technicians and paper reports in engineering projects. We also discuss the importance of quality control and assurance in concrete testing, challenges with rebar inspections, and the future of technology adoption in the field beyond manual data entry.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

paper reports

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Thierno:

  • Why are quality control and assurance crucial in concrete testing, and which specific tests are typically carried out?
  • As a leader in a testing role, what do you consider to be crucial aspects of the testing processes and documentation?
  • What advice or opinions do you have on ensuring that construction materials are tested, meet standards and specifications, and have proper documentation for quality assurance?
  • Is the inspector training conducted in-house or is off-site training provided by a local authority? And is it necessary for inspectors to obtain a qualification or card upon completion of the training?
  • If your company provides in-house training to technicians who previously worked at another company, have you ever encountered conflicts in the way the previous company trained them compared to your company’s methods? And have these conflicts caused issues when these technicians work in the field?
  • What are some of the challenges that may arise during asphalt testing?
  • As a manager, are you responsible for selecting the technicians who go to the field and assigning them to specific projects?
  • What are some of the challenges associated with rebar inspections, particularly concerning any certifications that may be required for these inspections?
  • What challenges have you encountered with in-house training programs and certification programs, and how do you maintain the quality and reputation of your company’s work while overcoming these challenges?
  • Where do you see the industry heading in terms of technology adoption for field work, beyond the use of paper reports and manual data entry?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Managing Field Technicians and Paper Reports in Engineering Projects:

[Read more…] about TEQC 029: Managing Field Technicians and Paper Reports in Engineering Projects

TEQC 028: Advantages of Concrete and Environmental IoT Sensors for Risk Mitigation

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

IoT SensorsIn this episode, we are joined by Eric Van Dixhorn, technical sales director at Brickeye, a renowned company specializing in industrial IoT and data analytics for risk mitigation in construction and infrastructure management. Our discussion revolves around the application of IoT sensors in construction, covering topics such as the advantages of concrete sensors, their role in mass concrete and thermal monitoring, and the benefits of environmental sensors in job-site monitoring.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

IoT Sensors

IoT Sensors

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Eric:

  • What are the advantages of using concrete sensors in the construction industry?
  • Are environmental sensors used on job sites, and what kind of data do they collect? Is it just temperature or more?
  • What are the main challenges associated with implementing IoT sensors on construction sites, and what advice would you give to someone facing these challenges?
  • How do you see IoT sensors and technology fitting into the broader trend of digitalization in the construction industry, and where do you think the industry is headed in the future?
  • Are there any organizations or states that are leading the way in implementing these technologies?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Advantages of Concrete and Environmental IoT Sensors for Risk Mitigation:

[Read more…] about TEQC 028: Advantages of Concrete and Environmental IoT Sensors for Risk Mitigation

TEQC 027: Revolutionizing Construction Project Management Through Digital Transformation

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Digital TransformationIn this episode, we delve into the world of digital transformation with Adam Stark, the co-founder of Jet.Build. From the impact of technology on various industries to the future of digital innovation, Adam shares his insights on how this phenomenon is shaping our world.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Adam:

  • What is your perspective on the impact of digital transformation and how technology is revolutionizing the landscape?
  • In terms of efficiency, is using technology or paper more effective?
  • What are the major friction points that industry professionals face when adopting new ideas, and have you encountered any of these obstacles?
  • How can we overcome reluctance to adopt new technologies and close the productivity gap in the industry?
  • What motivates your initiatives, and what advice would you give to someone exploring alternative options or ideas for leveraging technology to make improvements?
  • What advice would you offer from a leadership position?
  • If the digital transformation had occurred 20 years ago, how do you believe the industry would be different today?
  • What is the best way to connect with you should someone want to get in touch or learn more about what you are doing in your career?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Revolutionizing Construction Project Management Through Digital Transformation:

[Read more…] about TEQC 027: Revolutionizing Construction Project Management Through Digital Transformation

TEQC 026: Ensuring Consistent Quality: 5 Quality Management Tips for Reviewers

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

In this episode, we discuss five quality management tips for enhancing the public’s understanding of “quality control” in engineering documents and promoting effective communication between engineering disciplines and laypeople. We also highlight the crucial role of measuring assumptions and utilizing clear language to achieve this goal.

Engineering Quotes:

Quality Management

Quality Management

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Ensuring Consistent Quality: 

[Read more…] about TEQC 026: Ensuring Consistent Quality: 5 Quality Management Tips for Reviewers

TEQC 25: How to Implement Quality Management in Construction Projects

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Quality ManagementIn this episode, we talk to Jeff Carmichael, a civil engineer turned software developer and co-founder of Qualomate, about his experience with quality management in construction projects, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame those challenges. He also talks about his company, Qualomate, which is a cloud-based software company that helps with quality management in construction projects, and how engineers can use existing software to make it their own.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Quality Management

Quality Management

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Jeff:

  • What are some of the biggest challenges in infrastructure projects?
  • What would someone need to know to leverage a product like yours?
  • How did you manage the quality management and quality control of the software you have developed?
  • Does your software need to be installed on a computer or is it cloud-based?
  • What advice do you have for someone who has a software idea that they want to make but does not have any experience in software development?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Implement Quality Management in Construction Projects:

[Read more…] about TEQC 25: How to Implement Quality Management in Construction Projects

TEQC 24: How to Develop an Exceptional Quality Culture for Your Engineering Organization

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Quality CultureIn this episode, we talk to Brian Martz, P.E., a department manager at Mayes Testing Engineers, Inc., a Terracon Company, about the keys to developing an exceptional quality culture within your organization.

Engineering Quotes:

Quality Culture

Quality Culture

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Brian:

  • What is quality culture?
  • Why do construction and engineering firms need a good-quality culture?
  • How can engineers convince their organization that a quality program is necessary or needs to be improved?
  • How can engineers convince their firms to adopt a quality culture?
  • Do you have any advice for engineers and engineering leaders on how they can create a strong quality culture within their organization?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Develop an Exceptional Quality Culture for Your Engineering Organization:

[Read more…] about TEQC 24: How to Develop an Exceptional Quality Culture for Your Engineering Organization

TEQC 23: How to Effectively Budget for QA/QC Review

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

QA/QC ReviewIn this episode, host Brian Wagner, P.E. talks with Anthony Fasano, P.E., founder of The Engineering Management Institute, about how to effectively budget for QA/QC review, both from a time and monetary perspective.

Engineering Quotes:

QA/QC Review

QA/QC Review

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Anthony:

  • In which part of a project budget should quality control and quality reviews be placed?
  • Should a project manager review previous projects to see where things went right or wrong?
  • How important is it to ensure everyone working on a project is at the same level of expectation according to the progression of a project?
  • Should someone who is not familiar with your project be doing the quality control reviews?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Effectively Budget for QA/QC Review:

[Read more…] about TEQC 23: How to Effectively Budget for QA/QC Review

TEQC 22: How to Optimize Your Quality Document Management

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Quality Document ManagementIn this episode, we talk to LaKeeVia Oladapo Jackson, 2014 Black Engineer of the Year and quality manager at Mortenson, about quality document management and the use of logs, checklists, and mock-ups to manage it.

Engineering Quotes:

Quality Document Management

Quality Document Management

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask LaKeeVia:

  • How has being selected to be the 2014 Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) Student Leader award recipient helped grow your engineering career?
  • What are the purpose and the benefits of the logs and checklists for quality management documentation?
  • What are some of the important things that every submittal log should include?
  • When designing a quality management document, what are some of the things you implement to ensure the documents are applicable in your organization?
  • What are some of the steps you take when reviewing drawings, specifications, and models to ensure discipline coordination?
  • Is there a step that is taken between the virtual and modeling worlds before something is built?
  • What are mock-ups and how are they used for project quality control?
  • What suggestions would you have for someone who is considering a career similar to yours?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Optimize Your Quality Document Management:

[Read more…] about TEQC 22: How to Optimize Your Quality Document Management

TEQC 021: Quality Control as a Solution to Reduce Structural Collapses

By

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Structural CollapsesIn this episode, we talk to Eugenio Jaramillo, BSEE, MBA, DTM, a quality control auditor, expert witness, corporate trainer, public speaker, and published author, about structural collapses over the past few years, what caused them, and the need to establish a QC agency to enforce a nationwide quality management system.

Engineering Quotes:

Structural Collapses

Structural Collapses

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Eugenio:

  • Talk to us about the history of collapses in South Florida over the past 60 years or so.
  • What was the root cause of the Champlain Towers collapse?
  • In 2018, there was a pedestrian bridge collapse in Florida due to an engineering design error. Can you talk to us more about what the error was and how engineers can prevent this from happening in the future?
  • Why would you say we need an industry watchdog in the building industry?
  • What quality control strategies do you believe should be implemented to reduce failures and help to protect the public?
  • What is OSHA, how did it start, and why do you believe we need an agency to enforce a nationwide quality management system?
  • How can engineers and engineering firms learn more about OSHA and possibly get more involved with them?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Quality Control as a Solution to Reduce Structural Collapses:

[Read more…] about TEQC 021: Quality Control as a Solution to Reduce Structural Collapses