Year-end review and a look ahead
2016 has been a year of growth and changes for R18LabQMS. The support and feedback from the users has enabled us to build on what is already a great management tool!
Success and growth of R18LabQMS
We continue to grow! We are now used in 30 states, 2 countries, at 5 DOTs and one university. Users are now sharing their experiences and assessors are becoming more familiar with R18LabQMS; knowing exactly what to expect when they come on-site for an assessment when reviewing the lab’s quality manual.
Software updates summary for 2016
There have been numerous maintenance items and upgrades for 2016, ending the year with v1.8 that was released on December 5th and detailed on our last blog.
Version 1.7 December 2015
Version 1.8 December 5th
What’s in store for software upgrades in 2017?
Version 1.8.1 Q1 – Streamlining the process of adding equipment to your inventory.
Version 1.9.0 Q1 – Changes adapting to AASHTO R18-16 recognized by assessors April 2017.
Quality manual section numbers updated to reflect AASHTO R18-16.
Future upgrades to be announced later in 2017.
Notable mentions
Please remember the recent name change of AMRL to AASHTO re:source in August. As I talk with people they are now adapting to the new name (including myself).
The second notable mention is the changes to the R18 standard for 2016. As laboratories adjust, assessors will begin noting these changes beginning April 2017 during on-site assessments according to AASHTO re:source.
ASTM Compass (may include AASHTO and others)
Resources Combined in One Platform with One Access Point
ASTM Compass® gives your entire staff 24/7 online access to all the ASTM and 3rd party content your organization needs including:
- Standards
- Training
- Engineering Consulting
- Translations and more
For more information visit ASTM Compass
What to expect with R18LabQMS in the spring
We are listening to users and encouraging them to send comments that would be mutually beneficial to the entire community. Q1 will release another version that will include features adapting to the AASHTO R18-16 changes, along with the section number that will reflect those changes. Any significant changes will be preceded with a blog/notification.
Subscription rates for 2017
There will not be an increase in subscription rates through the end of December 2017.
Thanks again for your continued support. We are looking forward to 2017!
For all questions regarding your quality management systems, whether your lab is accredited or not, please contact us and learn how R18LabQMS can add value to your company.
– Gary Irvine