QA/QC at United Group Services
Getting It Right the First Time — Insights from Brian Dennis, Quality Control Supervisor
Introduction
In industrial construction, precision isn’t optional—it’s expected. A misaligned flange may sound like just a small error, but it can shut down a system, delay a handoff, or jeopardize safety.
At United Group Services, the QA/QC department operates on one clear principle: Do it right the first time. That mindset—backed by clear documentation, repeatable processes, and team-wide accountability—is what drives quality across every UGS project.
This white paper explores how the QA/QC team at UGS approaches quality with discipline, consistency, and real-world practicality, as shared by longtime Quality Control Supervisor, Brian Dennis.
The Role of QA/QC at UGS
Quality Assurance and Quality Control are often lumped together, but they serve distinct purposes:
- Quality Assurance (QA): Focused on the process—ensuring the systems, documentation, and checklists are in place to prevent errors.
- Quality Control (QC): Focused on the execution—inspecting the work and verifying it meets code, client specs, and engineering standards.
At UGS, the QA/QC department supports both. The team works hand-in-hand with fabrication, field operations, project management, and safety—providing structure, inspection, and continuous oversight from day one to closeout.
Built-In Quality from the Start
UGS integrates quality planning at the proposal and kickoff phases—not after the fact. Whether its job specific Owner requirements/specifications, or typical industry standards, the QA/QC team is involved from the start to ensure every code, hold point, and spec is accounted for.
From ASME to client-specific requirements, quality expectations are defined early and clearly communicated across departments.
Documentation That Drives Execution
The QA/QC system isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about building trust with clients and regulators. Every weld is logged. Every pressure test is recorded. Every deviation is documented and tracked.
Using shared platforms like ProjectSight, the team captures photos, scans reports, and manages punchlists digitally—keeping the client informed and creating a traceable path for every critical component.
“If we’re ever audited or the client wants to review something, we don’t scramble. Everything’s there. It’s already been verified,”
— Brian Dennis
Onsite Oversight That Adds Value
Quality isn’t just a department at UGS—it’s a presence. Brian and his team spend time in the field, working shoulder-to-shoulder with supervisors and trades. They review ITPs onsite, guide crews through code interpretation, and ensure punchlist items are resolved early—not left for turnover.
Because they’re part of the daily rhythm of the job, QA/QC becomes a support system—not a bottleneck.
A Culture of Accountability
One of UGS’s biggest differentiators? Ownership. Everyone from pipefitters to project managers understands the importance of doing it right the first time. QA/QC isn’t viewed as a compliance task—it’s built into the mindset.
- Welders are certified in-house per ASME IX.
- Supervisors take responsibility for verifying work before calling for inspection.
- Teams know how to access ITPs, specs, and checklists at any time.
This collective discipline helps prevent rework, avoid missed milestones, and deliver cleaner, faster closeouts.
Where QA/QC Shows Up for Clients
Here’s how UGS’s approach to quality pays off directly for clients:
- Fewer delays during final inspections
- Stronger documentation for turnover packages
- Less rework and punchlist friction
- Faster start-up and commissioning
- Greater confidence in system integrity and compliance
Clients don’t just see a QC inspector walk the job—they see a team that takes pride in getting it right, and a process that builds confidence at every stage.
QA/QC + Project Controls
UGS is actively strengthening the connection between quality and project performance. A new proactive punchlist process, currently being piloted on a capital project, brings QA/QC and Project Controls together through ProjectSight.
The goal? Identify execution and quality issues earlier—before they affect cost, schedule, or handoff. It’s one more way UGS is closing the loop between planning, performance, and delivery.
Conclusion
At United Group Services, quality isn’t a milestone—it’s a mindset. From planning through execution, QA/QC is built into how we operate: methodical, collaborative, and relentlessly focused on getting it right. By combining field experience with structured systems and proactive oversight, we reduce risk, deliver value, and earn our clients’ trust every step of the way. Whether it’s a routine weld check or a critical path hydro test, our goal is simple: build it right, document it right, and deliver with confidence.