2015 – Year in Review
2015 has been a year of progress and updates that have been the result of user feedback and input from the AMRL assessment team.
Summary
v1.6.6 – July
Equipment Inventory – We added new category tabs, in/out of service view and document details.
Procedure history service records are now stored, primary lab manager can now delete incorrect records, restoring all due dates back to the last completed procedure. For a complete summary please read our blog on the Software Update – v1.6.6 on July 14, 2015.
v1.7.0 – December
We added a new technician evaluation tab that includes managing certifications in a new organized filing system.
There is now easier navigation for new user set-up. You can create customizable sections within your Quality Manual to meet your specific laboratory requirements. New Software Release – Update v1.7 included a video that walks you through each upgrade.
There have been numerous maintenance updates and bug fixes that have been mentioned in blog posts throughout the year.
Going forward in 2016, our goal is to meet more specific requirements and guidelines that meet ASTM Quality Standards. Among considerations for enhancements and upgrades are PSP sample documentation in section 6.5.1.1 in the Quality Manual and Corrective Action documentation in section 5.7.1, stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
One of the more recent questions has been how do we give access to our QMS prior to the on-site visit; this is detailed in our October blog post. It’s important to note that the R18LabQMS team provides ongoing training to AMRL assessors on access and how to use the application before and during the on-site visit.
Adding equipment and procedures would be high on the list and is the most detailed section of the application, here are recent blog posts:
Adding Equipment – Procedures Specific To Your Lab
Equipment Procedure Due Dates and Addendums
Pre-Assessment UPDATE
AMRL is now moving in the direction of a pre-assessment process that gives the laboratory the opportunity to submit their QMS information to the assessor prior to coming on-site in one of two ways. The first is uploading all required information in the quality manual excluding equipment procedures, technician evaluations and internal audit reports, and secondly, using a cloud based management system to provide QMS information, please go to AMRL Pre-Assessment for details. It’s important to note that AMRL is now requiring pre-assessments for all ASTM Quality Systems
The R18LabQMS team on the road in 2016, Q1
The World of Asphalt March 22-24, 2016
The Asphalt Institute will have a booth sharing the benefits of its products and service that include membership, industry publications, training and laboratory services that include R18LabQMS. Please stop by and say hello!
AAPT – The Association of Asphalt Paving Technologist, March 13-16, 2016
R18LabQMS is a sponsor and will be attending and available for meetings.
For all questions regarding quality management systems for your laboratory – whether your lab is accredited or not please contact us and learn how R18LabQMS can add value to your company.
– Gary Irvine