Quality at every stage – from requirements to realisation

In our work with defence technology, it is essential to shift the focus from quality control to comprehensive quality assurance. While control is about detecting errors after they occur, assurance is a proactive approach that builds quality into every step of the process.

Standards and procedures provide the framework for how we operate, but it is the ability to interpret and meet the requirements correctly that determines the quality in practice. It is about understanding what is required, why it is required – and how it is best implemented in both development and delivery. This demands insight, sound judgement, and technological understanding.

“Much of what we deliver is intended to operate in the field – under extreme conditions, and over long periods of time. Every decision must stand up to review. Every assessment must be thorough. And the system must function as a whole – not just on paper,” says Øivind Flaterud, Vice President Quality & HSE at Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

When details, processes and people make the difference

Defence systems must be ready for use when the situation demands it. Margins for error can have technical, financial – and ultimately human – consequences. That is why quality assurance begins long before production. Risks are assessed, requirements interpreted, and suppliers closely monitored to ensure that every element of the delivery meets the required standards.

We operate under strict requirements – many of them governed by international regulations. Documentation, traceability, and compliance must be ensured at every stage. At the same time, quality demands more than adherence to rules – it requires sound judgement, insight, and trust.

“A good example of trust comes from a recently completed NASAMS delivery. The project QA, through his demeanour, handling of unforeseen situations, and professionalism, gained so much trust from the customer that they eventually incorporated his reports into their own systems. This shows how important close follow-up, robust processes, and the right people are,” says Jan Tore Gjendem, Director Quality Assurance. 

A role with operational impact

Quality assurance is part of the operational core of our projects. Put simply, you’re involved throughout the entire value chain – from start to finish. The role is about contributing to decisions, acting as a key enabler throughout the process. The quality team evaluates solutions against requirements, identifies risks, and supports decisions that have a direct impact on the final outcome.

“The people who succeed are often those who follow up, ask questions, and take initiative where it’s needed. I often say you need to be both solution-oriented and accountable,” says Gjendem.

Roles within quality assurance are interdisciplinary and involve close collaboration with everything from software and production to suppliers and customers. They require structure, the ability to see the bigger picture, and the ability to build strong working relationships across disciplines.

A technical background – in mechanics, electronics, software or production – is often a prerequisite. But just as important are personal qualities such as proactivity and decisiveness.

“These are the qualities that enable us to contribute actively throughout the entire process and help ensure strong results. We have everything to gain by being involved early,” says Flaterud.

Looking ahead

Quality assurance is evolving alongside technology. Digitalisation, automation and data-driven analysis are opening the door to predictive quality – enabling challenges to be anticipated and measures planned before errors occur.

“We envision artificial intelligence becoming a tool for monitoring quality throughout the entire lifecycle,” says Flaterud. “That would allow us to combine experience with new technology to further strengthen our deliveries.”

At the same time, future projects may operate under entirely different conditions.

“In some situations, volume and delivery pace can be critical. That presents us with a different set of quality requirements than we’re used to – and new challenges to solve,” says Flaterud.

The fact that digitalisation challenges established practices is nothing new. But just as interesting is the potential it creates – also within quality assurance. New tools and methods are opening up entirely new ways of working, whether it’s about analysing large volumes of data, automating processes, or using artificial intelligence to anticipate needs and areas for improvement.

“For professionals, it means that it’s not just the technology that is evolving – competence and roles are evolving too. There is room here to explore, learn, and help shape the future of how we work with quality,” adds Gjendem.