The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction
Publications / 2012 Proceedings of the 29th ISARC, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Automated Quality Excellence Evaluation
Purpose We aim to enhance quality level organization by applying the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Man-agement) excellence model. We do this through analysis of current quality management trends, defining the EFQM-model structure and criteria (Figure 1) and the potential to introduce these with construction companies. We also propose an electronic manual and an automated evaluation system of the criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model by company management and also by external auditors. Method Selected scientific methods of problem solution can be divided into two main groups: empirical and logical (scientific analysis and synthesis). The empirical method was applied to an elec-tronic survey that aimed to determine knowledge of the EFQM-model and its practical use by companies operating in Slovakia. The logical method was utilized for the problem-solving analysis and synthesis. The method of scientific analy-sis was used to evaluate the current issue of the quality of the management level, EFQM-implementation in the construc-tion sector, analysis of criteria and subcriteria of the EFQM-model, exploring the possibilities of applying the EFQM-model in a construction company, and an examination of existing systems of assessment under the EFQM-model. The scientific synthesis method was used during EFQM-model development and implementation, including the creation of an electronic manual, and during the process of automated evaluation system of construction company management quali-ty. Results & Discussion Our research work resulted in a methodology and an electronic manual allowing construction companies to effectively introduce and implement EFQM-model requirements in a relatively short period of time with the aim of constantly improving performance. The defined methodology suggests and explains the sequence of steps to-wards EFQM-model application; the electronic manual describes all of the EFQM-model subcriteria and provides con-crete suggestions and solutions to meet them. The section of the manual dealing with the automated electronic system for construction companies was verified by a real company. Application of the methodology and manual enabled us in a short time to evaluate the companys quality of management and to identify opportunities for continuous quality im-provement.