SDI measures the quality of the deliverables through a multi-tier process. SDI's process is built around a comprehensive definition of client needs, design of preventative processes and controls, and optimization of quality-related costs required for the level of performance and grade of service. It has three basic components:

• Project Management
• In-Process Quality Assurance
• Post-Project Quality Review

Project Management

SDI believes in a team approach to project management. Project teams typically consist of a Project Manager, the direct team members, and a client representative (usually a project principal).

The Project Manager is responsible for understanding the project requirements and for directing the work force to meet them, including the schedule and deliverables. The Project Manager is also responsible for conveying and ensuring that each staff member understands the nature of the project, their assignments and responsibilities, and the overall project schedule.

The areas that fall within the Project Manager's purview include:

• Quality assurance
• Security of the work environment
• Security of the information (receipt, use, storage, tracking)
• Technical and business contacts
• Team member training, if required
• Personnel changes
• Project communication to SDI management and the client
• Status reports and open/action item lists
• Obtaining/monitoring outside services

In-Process Quality Assurance

Project quality is analyzed and controlled using SDI processes and checklists. These processes ensure that the project deliverables and requirements are based on the definition and design objectives. This also ensures collaboration with all team members, including the client representatives.

The effectiveness of the quality process is based on a constant management and measurement of project tasks and deliverables.

SDI provides status reports periodically to clients (usually monthly) detailing:

• General project status (progress against milestones and costs)
• Specific status of deliverables
• Problems and resolutions
• Current overall project costs versus estimates
• Current costs by deliverable
• Projected costs to complete project
• Anticipated plans, tasks for the next period

Post-Project Quality Review

SDI holds end-process quality reviews with the client, as well as the team members, to measure successes and implement improvements into the process.