Based on our case study:
5 Strategic Steps to Select the Best QA/QC Partner During Shutdowns
Few decisions weigh more heavily on a project manager’s shoulders than choosing the right QA/QC partner. The process is rarely straightforward, balancing tight timelines, safety standards, and operational pressure while ensuring every weld, valve, and structure is verified to specification.
For many reliability and maintenance leaders in industries like pulp & paper and mining, QA/QC is more than a compliance requirement. It is a safeguard against unplanned downtime and costly rework. Yet, selecting the right partner can feel like navigating a maze of promises, capabilities, and credentials.
Integration with project/intervention strategy
QA/QC should not operate as a separate layer. It should integrate seamlessly into the overall project strategy. Partners who understand the rhythm of large-scale projects and outages, from pre-planning to commissioning, bring a significant advantage. Their input in scope reviews and critical path discussions can prevent bottlenecks that often appear during the final stages of restart.
Data and traceability
Modern QA/QC is not just about inspection. It is about data visibility. Engineers now expect real-time updates and traceability for every inspected component. This shift is transforming partner expectations: the ability to collect, analyze, and share quality data quickly can be the difference between a smooth handover and a delayed restart.
The human factor
Amid all the technical considerations, soft factors often make or break a partnership. Responsiveness, cultural fit, and field-level leadership impact how well external inspectors integrate with in-house teams. In shutdown environments, where every hour matters, trust and collaboration outweigh transactional relationships.
Learning from real-world examples
There is no single formula for selecting the right QA/QC partner, but studying how others have approached the challenge can help. For example, a recent case study published by Timenow outlines a step-by-step framework used by a leading industrial client to evaluate potential QA/QC partners during a critical shutdown. The process emphasized alignment between technical capability, safety mindset, and project culture, resulting in reduced downtime and higher confidence in the final inspection phase.
Final thoughts
Selecting a QA/QC partner is not a one-time decision. It is a strategic relationship that directly influences asset reliability and operational continuity. As industries evolve toward more data-driven maintenance and inspection programs, choosing partners who combine technical rigor with adaptability will define long-term success.