Year-end update
Software update summary for 2014
There have been numerous maintenance item and upgrades for 2014, starting with v1.5.1 and now ending the year with v1.6.2, all of which were detailed on the blog in 2014.
Version 1.5.1 – April 4th
Version 1.5.2 – June 6th
Version 1.6.0 – October 22nd
Version 1.6.1 & 1.6.2 – December 17th
Versions 1.6.3 & 1.6.4 will be released sometime in January. Details of all versions are immediately posted on the blog.
Success and growth of R18LabQMS
Our system is now used in 25 states, 2 countries, 4 DOTs and one university! Users are now sharing their experiences and AMRL is becoming more familiar with R18LabQMS and knowing exactly what to expect when they come on-site for an assessment.
What’s new with AMRL?
A notice was recently sent out about the availability of “AMRL Assessment Worksheets.” As of January 1, 2015 they will no longer be available on their website, if you logged into your account it was listed under library/worksheets.
The note they posted:
The AASHTO Materials Reference Laboratory (AMRL) will no longer make the blank worksheets used during AMRL assessments available to customers beginning on January 1, 2015. The purpose of the assessment worksheets is, and always has been, to guide the work of AMRL assessors in the field, and it is our feeling that the private guidance we include for our assessors should remain internal to our company and not be shared with the general public. These worksheets have been available for download on our website for customers, but this link will be removed at that time.
I understand that some of our customers use these worksheets in quality systems as tools to internally evaluate technician performance. For that reason, I am letting you know about this prior to removing access to the worksheets, so that you will have enough time to develop an alternative strategy for these purposes.
This may effect laboratories that depend on these worksheets in preparation for their on-site assessment every 18-24 months.
AASHTO and ASTM partner for transportation portal
Resources combine in one platform with one access point
Now access both ASTM and AASHTO standards through “Compass.” It has translated standards, technical information and training plus productivity tools. In addition, you gain the advantage of the more detailed search refinements now available on the ASTM website, the upgraded learning management system and new content including: data series, research reports and the terminology dictionary. For more information and rates go to astm.org/compass.
What to expect with R18LabQMS in the spring
We are listening and encouraging users to send comments that would be mutually beneficial to the entire community. The R18LabQMS team is meeting in Q1 to discuss future upgrades and enhancements to the application. Next upgrade will be in January, versions 1.6.3 & 1.6.4.
Thanks again for your continued support and we look forward to 2015!
Gary Irvine