Application enhancements V2.4.2 equipment import
As we listen to and answer questions that users send our way, there always seems to be suggestions or a request for adding a specific functionality, and in some cases, there’s a ‘my company requires this in our Quality Manual’ issue. As mentioned in previous blog posts, we’re always listening, especially if the accreditation body makes a recommendation regarding the R18LabQMS functionality.
There has been a lot of interest regarding the ability to import equipment inventory records into the database. With the growing number of laboratories that have asked this question, we have made the decision and given the green light for our development team to implement this enhancement. The tentative launch date will be the end of business Friday, July 22. You can also find more details on the login page under ‘Application News’ as we get closer.
Importing equipment inventory
There will now be a couple of ways to add equipment to the inventory:
- You will still be able to add equipment individually.
Go to inventory tab, click + new equipment in the upper right-hand corner, add equipment details.
- Import equipment using the template provided when initiating the process.
Go to the inventory tab and click ↑ import inventory in the upper right-hand corner.
A dialog box will pop up titled, Import Inventory. Attach the formatted CSV file with your inventory information using the template linked below as an example.
Important note regarding the CSV file used for importing:
Do not alter the column headers or change them in any way.
Columns with an asterisk* are required fields, if there is missing content in any required field, the import will not be successful for any equipment.
Once the equipment is successfully added, the user will then be able to go in and add calibration, standardization, check, and maintenance procedures.
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.
User question
Q: Will the R18LabQMS application be updated if there are any changes when the annual AASHTO R18 (Standard Recommended Practice for Establishing and Implementing a Quality Management System for Construction Materials Testing Laboratories) comes out this summer?
A: Yes. Any changes made to the R18 standard will be detailed in upcoming blog posts.
Resources
Once you work through the setup process, the following links can be found in the lower right-hand corner of the application.
Training
Get started with R18LabQMS with virtual and onsite training. 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 sections in AASHTO R18. You can either type in the procedure itself or upload a file with the details of the procedure. 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, click save progress and exit setup. It’s straightforward and intuitive.
Additional training needed to jump-start the onboarding process:
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.
Upcoming meetings and sponsorship we will attend:
AAPT Annual Meeting – San Antonio, TX September 12-15, 2022
Please check out our most recent promotional R18LabQMS video that debuted on all socials.
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 laboratory.
One last favor to ask, if there is a specific topic of the discussion you would like to see in upcoming blogs, please send us a note!
Gary Irvine
R18LabQMS Program Manager