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Quality Assurance Spot Checks

Purpose

Ensure tickets are handled to a consistent standard of quality, not just speed. QA checks help technicians improve communication, documentation, and resolution quality while giving managers confidence that SLA compliance also means client satisfaction.


When

  • Once per week (choose a fixed day for consistency).

  • Manager or senior technician completes the QA review.


Tickets to Select

  • Minimum of 3 tickets per technician each week.

  • Include a mix of:

    • Critical/High priority tickets.

    • Normal/Low priority tickets.

    • Recently closed tickets with client impact.

  • Rotate selections to ensure fairness.


QA Review Steps

  1. Open Ticket in Autotask.

  2. Check Communication

    • Was the first response sent within SLA?

    • Were updates timely and professional?

    • Were BLUF notes used for clarity?

  3. Check Ticket Lifecycle Compliance

    • Were status changes correct and documented?

    • Was ownership clear at all times?

    • Was a follow-up time set when waiting on client/vendor?

  4. Check Resolution Quality

    • Was the resolution clearly documented?

    • Was the correct resolution code used?

    • Were time entries complete and accurate?

  5. Check Client Outcome

    • Did the ticket resolve the client’s issue fully?

    • Was client confirmation requested or obtained?

  6. Check Knowledge Contribution

    • Was a KB article created or updated if the issue was repeatable?


Scoring (Simple Rubric)

  • Pass = Meets expectations in all key areas.

  • Needs Improvement = Missed one or more standards (feedback required).

  • Fail = Serious gaps in SLA, communication, or resolution quality.


Feedback

  • Share findings privately with each technician.

  • Highlight positives first (what was done well).

  • Provide 1–2 clear improvement points if needed.

  • Track repeat issues for coaching.


Outcomes

  • Higher consistency across all technicians.

  • Stronger communication with clients.

  • Reduction in rework and reopened tickets.

  • Continuous improvement in technician skills.


Key Principles

  • QA is about coaching, not policing.

  • Feedback must be constructive and specific.

  • Everyone is responsible for maintaining quality, not just the manager.