Elevating quality and measuring impact in energy sector supply chains

As we celebrate World Quality Week, this year’s theme, 'From compliance to performance’, reflects a shift that QHSE Aberdeen Ltd. strongly believes in. For our clients in the energy sector supply chains, which are inherently complex and highly regulated, compliance with standards like ISO 9001 is critical. However, stopping at compliance can limit growth, innovation and efficiency.

To truly excel, we encourage our clients to adopt a performance-driven approach – one that transforms quality from a regulatory requirement into a strategic asset that drives business success.

Angela Scott, Business Development Director, QHSE Aberdeen Ltd.

Moving beyond compliance   

Compliance ensures that minimum standards for quality and safety are met. For energy sector clients in oil and gas, renewable energy and utilities, it forms their operational foundation. However, focusing solely on certification often leads to a reactive approach, where quality initiatives are driven by external audits or incidents. This can result in missed opportunities to innovate, optimise and create lasting value. 

We work closely with our clients to help them move beyond compliance. Rather than viewing certifications as the end goal, we encourage them to see compliance as the starting point for operational excellence.  

By embedding quality into every process – from procurement and production to distribution – organisations can improve efficiency, reduce risks and enhance the value delivered to customers.

Angela Scott, Business Development Director, QHSE Aberdeen Ltd.

Measuring the impact of quality initiatives  

To ensure that our quality initiatives deliver measurable value, we use a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track success, including:  

• process efficiency - monitoring the reduction of waste, rework and delays within supply chains to assess operational improvements 
• customer satisfaction - gathering client feedback to understand how quality enhancements are improving customer experiences and service delivery 
• cost reduction - tracking cost savings linked to fewer defects, lower maintenance costs and reduced operational downtime 
• risk mitigation - measuring improvements in compliance with safety and environmental standards, helping to lower the risk of non-conformance or legal issues

By tracking these metrics, we can assess the real-world impact of our quality initiatives, ensuring that they drive continuous improvement and support our clients’ strategic objectives. 

Shifting from compliance to performance  

Our approach to helping clients shift from compliance-focused practices to performance-driven initiatives includes several key strategies. 

Proactive quality planning

We integrate quality measures into the earliest stages of project design and supply chain management. By anticipating risks and embedding quality controls, we help our clients avoid disruptions and maintain operational excellence. 

Ongoing training and development

We offer tailored training courses to our clients to ensure their teams stay current on the latest best practices and regulatory requirements. By equipping staff with the necessary skills and knowledge, we help companies apply performance-driven quality management techniques throughout their operations. 

Fostering a culture of continuous improvement

We believe that true performance is achieved when quality becomes everyone’s responsibility. By engaging employees at every level, we create a culture where innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement are the norm, not the exception. 

Operational excellence and performance  

At the heart of World Quality Week’s theme, 'From compliance to performance,' is the idea that quality management should go beyond certification and focus on driving real performance improvements. For our clients in the energy sector supply chains, this shift is vital for staying competitive in an increasingly complex and regulated market. 

By measuring the impact of quality initiatives and embedding performance-driven strategies, we help our clients meet and exceed standards – delivering long-term value, reducing operational risks and enhancing overall performance.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to guiding our clients on this journey from compliance to performance, ensuring they are equipped to face future challenges and seize new opportunities for growth.