Enhancing Laboratory Operations: Quality Management System for USGS

Customer Overview

Customer

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

Industry

Research Services

Products and Services

  • Power Apps
  • Power Pages
  • Power BI

Client Challenge

USGS faced significant challenges in ensuring laboratory operations were consistent and compliant. Without a centralized system, they struggled with procedure management, equipment tracking, and personnel training. Decentralized methods made it difficult to conduct and document assessments and audits effectively. These inefficiencies hindered operational effectiveness and compliance across their Science Centers and Labs.

Client Solution

MERP implemented an end-to-end Bureau-wide Quality Management System (QMS) for USGS, leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform. Key aspects of the solution included: 

  1. Centralized Quality Management: Unified system for managing procedures, modifications, and assessments across labs and Science Centers. 

  1. Automated Workflow Integration: Leveraged Power Automate to streamline and automate processes, reducing manual effort and errors. 

  1. Procedure Management Module: Ensured that all labs had access to the latest procedures through a centralized platform. 

  1. Equipment and Modification Tracking: Automated equipment tracking and traceability of modifications for improved accuracy. 

  1. Standardized Competency Management: Centralized tracking of training and competency levels across personnel, ensuring consistency. 

  1. Audit and Assessment Module: Simplified the scheduling and documentation of audits and assessments. 

  1. Real-Time Analytics and Dashboards: Power BI dashboards provide actionable insights into operations and compliance.

Business Challenges

  1. Fragmented Processes: Manual and decentralized systems led to inefficiencies in tracking procedures, equipment, and personnel competency. 

  1. Inconsistent Training: Lack of standardized training methods caused variability in competency levels across labs. 

  1. Equipment Management Issues: Tracking modifications and maintenance activities for lab equipment was cumbersome and prone to errors. 

  1. Audit and Assessment Difficulties: Conducting and documenting scheduled audits across Science Centers and Labs was inefficient and inconsistent. 

Business Benefits

  1. Centralized Quality Management: Unified platform streamlined procedure management, equipment tracking, and audits across all labs and Science Centers. 

  1. Enhanced Compliance: Ensured adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies through automated processes. 

  1. Improved Efficiency: Replaced manual methods with automated workflows, reducing errors and saving time. 

  1. Standardized Training and Competency: Centralized competency management improved personnel training and consistency. 

  1. Actionable Insights: Real-time analytics and dashboards provided by Power BI enhanced decision-making capabilities. 

Key Features

  1. Procedure Management Module: Ensured labs had access to the most up-to-date operational procedures. 

  1. Modification Traceability: Centralized system for tracking modifications to equipment and processes. 

  1. Competency Management: Standardized training and competency tracking across personnel. 

  1. Equipment Management: Automated tracking of equipment maintenance and modifications. 

  1. Assessment and Audit Module: Streamlined scheduling, conducting, and documenting assessments and audits. 

  1. Integration with Power Platform: Leveraged Power Apps, Power Automate, SharePoint, and Power BI for a cohesive and scalable solution. 

The implementation of the Quality Management System enhanced compliance, operational efficiency, and training consistency, significantly improving quality management across USGS’s Science Centers and Labs.

This solution addressed the county's immediate challenges and positioned them for long-term success by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations.