CASE STUDY: DQS Updates Audit Processes and Builds Competitive Advantage

How Red Level helped DQS update audit processes and build a competitive advantage

With more than 2,500 associates worldwide, DQS is renowned for its integrity and quality of its audit processes and unique commitment to system assessments’ core business. They saw an opportunity to optimize its processes for increased efficiency and build a competitive advantage by developing a standardized auditing application capable of maximizing audit accuracy and integrity while shortening time requirements.

The Problem

DQS turned to Red Level for assistance in defining and developing the project. The teams worked collaboratively at the outset to identify opportunities for enhancement within existing processes and select appropriate technological tools to afford the greatest flexibility and productivity. Auditors had previously relied on a Microsoft Word-based process, which had required a high degree of manual intervention –i.e., manual forwarding of documents for review and fulfillment – and that had proven itself prone to macro and programming errors.

The Solution

The development team decided upon an HTML5-based application designed to serve its US auditors. The app, known as Regional Audit Manager, would afford optimal ease of use and interoperability with existing systems through the use of familiar browser-based technology. The HTML5 format would also lend itself well to periodic modification, as demanded by changing audit standards and requirements.

Streamlining Processes

The team began by closely examining user requirements, seeking to streamline the number of steps required to execute tasks. User Experience experts designed an interface that would closely mirror the previously-used Word documents, creating a WYSIWYG experience that enables auditors to work within a “document” that closely resembled a final, deliverable report. Upon audit completion, the entered results are compiled as a standardized report and submitted to reviewers for approval without manually sending a document. An easily-navigable dashboard enables users to see pending assignments, reports in process, and report status updates.

Results

Launched following a 6-month development process, the Regional Audit Manager immediately received a positive response from field personnel who found the auditing process to be significantly shortened and the revised system intuitive and easy to use. DQS has subsequently reported that the system has resulted in significant efficiency gains relative to time-consuming portions of the audit process: The time required to create an audit agenda, for example, was reduced from four hours to one, a 75% reduction. The program’s success has facilitated Red Level’s moving forward with the development of two additional modular applications for the firm.