Project Quality Management for the HL-LHC IT String

Abstract

This article explores the project management quality standards required for leading complex technical projects involving state-of-the art superconducting technologies, diverse stakeholders and extensive installation, commissioning, and quality assurance/ control activities. Specifically, it presents the project management framework – including processes and best practices – implemented for the High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) Inner Triplet (IT) String test stand at CERN. This facility evaluates the collective behavior of major components to be installed on one side of the upgraded HL-LHC interaction point. It will serve to apply and improve installation and hardware commissioning test procedures, and QA/QC processes. The paper details the documentation and tools used to ensure proper execution and compliance with stakeholder requirements, as well as the communication strategy for reporting progress. Additionally, the paper specifies the type of quality control checks applied in the test stand, the tools to follow the tests from a managerial perspective and the handling of associated non-conformities. Finally, it presents the strategy for disseminating lessons learned to the project stakeholders.