About the client
UTAC UK, formerly Millbrook Proving Ground, is a UK subsidiary of UTAC. UTAC is a market-leading international group operating B2B services in the mobility industry: customisable testing solutions, customisable testing systems, vehicle engineering, type approval, regulatory expertise, certification, training, corporate events and classic & sportscars festivals.
UTAC operates test centres and laboratories in France, the UK, the USA, Finland, Morocco, and Germany; it has subsidiaries in China, Korea, Japan, Romania & Italy and employs around 1300 people across the world.
UTAC UK has operated in Millbrook, Bedfordshire for over 50 years, providing comprehensive powertrain and engine testing facilities to support vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers. Their state-of-the-art laboratories conduct various engine tests, including performance, durability and emissions testing to various global standards.
The challenge
Peter Davies, Senior Manager, Compliance and Risk, has managed UTAC UK’s quality management system for over 10 years. When he first took on the role, the company used a folder-based file structure system for documents with a paper-based process for its control and an in-house developed non-conformity reporting system that had reached the end of its useful life.
As the business evolved, one department separated into its own entity. This meant they no longer had access to UTAC UK’s shared document folders and non-conformity reporting system. Peter recognised the need for a more robust electronic solution. He wanted a single platform that could not only handle non-conformities but expand to encompass document management, auditing and other ISO processes as well.
With outdated paper and network folder-based methods no longer cutting it as well, he sought a modern solution that could bring the company’s quality systems into the digital age through configurable workflows and a user-friendly interface.
Our solution
UTAC UK initially implemented Singlepoint’s non-conformity module to renew their issue-logging process.
Over time, as the business recognised the benefits of streamlined electronic workflows and adaptability of the Singlepoint platform, it expanded its use to include document control, audit, incident and risk management. This allowed the entire Quality Management System to be housed and managed through a single software solution.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documents across the two entities remained a challenge though. After trying a dual library structure in Singlepoint, Peter found that it was more efficient to hold one library and use the controls within Singlepoint to maintain the correct visibility and access rights. The library was recently expanded to include controlled documents from a further site in the UK, with access controls being similarly applied.
UTAC now uses Singlepoint on a daily basis to maintain accurate and up-to-date records. Key metrics like overdue actions are now visible to all the staff through dashboards, improving accountability. The platform’s ease of use supported their ISO certifications and goals of continuous improvement through increased efficiency and simplified system management.
“The adaptability of the Singlepoint workflows was a real advantage for aligning processes with our needs.” Peter Davies
The Results
“Singlepoint has enabled such an improvement in efficiency by eliminating paper-based processes. Users also have found the system very easy to use thanks to the intuitive interface. We have also found that key metrics being visible to all staff through clear dashboards has also driven accountability across departments.” Peter Davies
What had once been a disorganised collection of paper files and network folders is now transformed into a centralised, electronic quality management system.
UTAC UK has found that Singlepoint vastly improves the efficiency of managing documents, audits and other ISO processes. Uploading documents in bulk using automated routines saves significant time in populating the system. Configurable workflows also make processes simpler to manage across the departments.
Perhaps most importantly, key metrics like overdue actions that had once fallen through the cracks are now visible to all the staff through easy-to-access dashboards. This has led to a notable increase in accountability and focus on continuous improvement. The staff feedback confirms the intuitive interface is easy to use and well suited to their needs.
With the ISO documentation, auditing, incident and risk management all digitised, UTAC now has greater control in ensuring compliance requirements are met on schedule. Singlepoint’s adaptable and modular system has also grown with the expanding business needs over time.
“I’m confident this system will continue to support our quality management needs as the business evolves. I would absolutely recommend Singlepoint to other companies looking for an integrated solution.” Peter Davies
