2018 – a benchmark year
2018 is rapidly coming to a close. It was a benchmark year of milestones that have taken R18LabQMS to new heights.
Looking back to the early days and development of R18LabQMS, we never imagined the far reach this management tool would have in the industry. A DOT in the Northeast was the very first user and, to this day, they are still using it. Today, the program is used by state DOTs, universities and internationally. With the move to manage our lives with technology, R18LabQMS was in the right place at the right time with an initial launch in March 2013.
Milestones in 2018
March marked the 5-year anniversary of the version 1.0 launch in 2013. And while the R18 team reviews and makes frequent version upgrades on an ongoing basis, 2018 marked the 20th significant version upgrade, v2.0. This is an extensive upgrade to the application that took over six months in the development process and was launched March 11. R18LabQMS is now used by laboratories in 35 states and internationally.
User comments and interaction
Users roles
It’s important to understand user roles within the application. User roles and job descriptions are completely separate. User roles are assigned for different levels of access within the application, NOT a job description within the company. From time to time a manager will change user roles that are more in keeping with job descriptions, and that’s where problems can arise. Below you will find a list of user roles within the application that allow users various levels of access.
Summary of user roles within the application
Primary Lab Manager (PLM) – access to entire PL QMS + satellite labs; Each primary lab will have at least one PLM
Manager – access to all areas of your labs QMS
Technician – Has access only to the dashboard, procedure history, and read-only QMS. Lab technician role can enter data and complete procedure calibrations or maintenance forms.
Sr. Manager – Has with read-only access to the procedure history, QM, and internal audit reports for all labs within the company.
Non-User – A placeholder only for ownership structure/org chart; does not have access to the software and is used to build the structure of the organizational chart of the laboratory or for someone who will not use the software but may be in the laboratory. A good example would be someone who is part of the ownership or management structure (Chief Financial Officer, COO).
Auditor – Permission based, read-only access prior to an on onsite assessment.
Making changes to user roles
After logging in, click the users tab and click the user/view, then edit user to change roles.
Resources
R18LabQMS YouTube channel
Training and informational videos that include version updates, R18LabQMS demos and more.
R18LabQMS has a knowledge base
Accessible from the dashboard within the application, top right “help”.
Training opportunities
Once you work through the setup process, the following links can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the application;
Support
User Guide
R18 Blog
WebEx – Additional training, please let us know and we can set this up.
Onsite Training – Fee-based, please inquire.
Upcoming meetings for 2019
AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange
March 11-14, 2019 – Savannah, Georgia
For all questions regarding your quality management system, whether your lab is accredited or not, please contact us and learn how R18LabQMS can add value to your company.
– Gary Irvine
R18LabQMS Program Manager