Application enhancements V2.4.1 training and more
As we listen to and answer questions that users send our way, there always seems to be suggestions or a request for adding specific functionality, and in some cases, there’s a ‘my company requires this in our quality manual’ issue.
As mentioned in previous blog entries, we’re always listening, especially if the accreditation body makes a recommendation regarding the R18LabQMS functionality. Whenever the AASHTO R18 Standard changes, i.e., section number or descriptions, the application is updated.
Recent enhancements V2.4.1
After reviewing recent user comments we moved forward on the following enhancements to the application:
1. Equipment service records
Prior to this enhancement, the only place you were able to see service records (notes and comments when taking a piece of equipment out of service or placing it back in) was in the Procedure History tab, and you needed to know it was there in order to find it. This was brought to our attention by a user and determined we needed to make it more obvious to the user.
Within the inventory tab, click VIEW, then on the left-hand side where you would find other tab navigations, i.e., Edit Info and Procedures, click ‘View Service Records’. This tab could also be on the out-of-service list as well. Please note if the ‘View Service Records’ tab is not there, there are no service records. Service records will remain in the Procedure History tab.
2. Equipment CSV export by category
Prior to this enhancement within the equipment inventory tab, you were able to download a CSV export file for the entire inventory, even though this list was potentially long and less useful. Now you can export a CSV export file by selecting the categories you wish to include. Please note this will include out-of-service equipment for each category selected on the CSV export list.
3. Enhancement coming in July
There has been a lot of interest regarding the ability to import equipment inventory records into the database. With the growing number of laboratories asking this question, we have gone to our development team and asked about the viability of creating this function and are currently working on this with a launch by the end of July. This will be outlined in more detail in the next blog entry as V2.4.2.
Q4 2022 V2.5 planning
Our annual upgrade to the application is coming up and, as always, we will be listening to users and accreditation bodies for input. We will keep everyone updated as we move forward.
Training
Questions pertaining to getting started with your R18LabQMS account and what we provide in regard to training, both virtual and onsite, have been plentiful lately. But before we dive into the options available, getting started happens within the setup process, it’s intuitive and follows the sections that require procedures within the management and technical sections. Each section within the setup process corresponds to the sections in AASHTO R18. Within each section, you can either type in the procedure itself or upload a file with the details of the procedure for that section. I always tell labs during a demo it’s like a ‘Turbo Tax’ experience.
Once you have completed the setup process, or wish to move on to the dashboard view, just click Save Progress and exit setup. It’s straightforward and intuitive.
Further training
Virtual training
We target a specific area for training and limit the time to one hour. An example would be adding Equipment Procedures to your equipment. There is no charge for virtual training limited to one hour.
Onsite training
We spend one day in your laboratory to review all aspects of your quality manual and take a deep dive into R18labQMS implementation. This training is fee-based, please inquire.
User question
Q: What is the difference between a primary and satellite lab? I noticed the price difference between the two. Is it possible to only have a satellite lab account?
A: The initial account/lab set up within a company is considered the primary lab account. Each additional account/lab within the company is considered a satellite lab (other physical address within the same company). The functionality of both lab account types is exactly the same; features and advantages.
- Once the primary lab account has gone through the setup process and then setting up the satellite lab account, all procedures (non-equipment related) carry over to the setup process, those procedures can then be edited as needed.
- Equipment procedures can be shared between labs.
Resources and 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
- R18 Blog
- User Guide
- Virtual Training (1 hour or less, no fees), contact us for an appointment
- Extensive Virtual Training – Fee-based, please inquire.
- One Full Day in your lab onsite – Fee-based, please inquire.
Upcoming meetings and sponsorship we will attend:
Monday – Thursday, September 12-15, 2022
Please check out our most recent promotional R18LabQMS video.
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.
One last favor to ask, if there is a specific topic or discussion you would like to see in upcoming blogs, please send us a note!
Gary Irvine
R18LabQMS Program Manager