Omnant Blog

In the construction materials testing (CMT) industry, ensuring the accuracy, verification, and completeness of field data and lab samples is essential for delivering reliable results.

Whether you’re testing soil, concrete, asphalt, or other materials, maintaining a clear chain of custody is crucial for regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and project success. Relying on manual processes for tracking samples and data can introduce errors, create inefficiencies, and lead to costly delays or rework. That’s where dedicated software like Omnant comes in.

Here’s why using software to manage the chain of custody in CMT is critical for accurate, reviewed, and complete results.

Safeguarding Data Integrity and Accuracy

Accuracy in construction materials testing data can directly affect the safety and stability of a project. Manual tracking of samples, whether by paper or spreadsheets, can lead to mislabeling, transcription errors, or lost data—issues that can severely impact project timelines and safety.

• How does Omnant help? For example, Omnant allows technicians to generate labels for samples, automatically entering them into a centralized system, ensuring there’s no room for misidentification or missed entries.

Creating a Transparent and Auditable Trail

Software provides a complete digital audit trail, recording when and by whom each sample was collected, transported, tested, and reviewed. This level of transparency is essential for regulatory audits and project handovers, as it ensures that all actions are recorded and easily retrievable.

• How does Omnant help? Omnant provides real-time access for project stakeholders to view the progress and chain of custody for all materials without needing to chase down paper records.

Ensuring Compliance with Industry Standards

The CMT industry is governed by strict standards and regulatory requirements, such as ASTM and AASHTO, which dictate how materials should be tested and documented. By automating documentation and reporting, the software ensures that all steps are logged in accordance with industry regulations.

• How does Omnant help? Omnant supports standardized data collection and reporting and consistency in review to help ensure that your test results and inspections adhere to the prescribed standards and your company's quality management system (QMS).

Enhancing Collaboration Across Teams and Locations

In large construction projects, multiple teams across various locations often need access to the same testing data. Cloud-based software solutions provide a centralized platform for storing and sharing chain of custody records, enabling seamless collaboration.

• How does Omnant help? Providing real-time data access ensures that everyone—from field technicians to lab managers to project managers—has the most up-to-date information, preventing miscommunication and ensuring smoother project execution.

Manual systems may introduce errors, delays, and compliance risks that can jeopardize the success of a project. Investing in Omnant to manage the chain of custody provides not only greater accuracy and security, but also the efficiency and scalability needed to support modern construction projects.

By adopting a software-driven chain of custody system, you can protect your lab’s reputation, ensure compliance with industry standards, and ultimately deliver more reliable results—leading to safer, more successful projects.

Omnant connects with ForneyVault

Forney LP, the leading manufacturer of construction materials testing (CMT) machines, equipment and software, recently launched a new type of machine that eliminates the possibility of specimen misidentification at the machine. Using a Forney Connected Machine, a technician can load and test a specimen twice as fast and with complete assurance that they are testing the right specimen on the right date. To date, CMT labs that use Connected Machines have experienced 99.9%+ fewer manual errors and 66%+ increase in productivity. (Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-standard-for-material-testers-connected-cmt-machines-promise-speed-accuracy-302049433.html)

In response, Omnant has developed the capability to connect with ForneyVault, enabling your test data to flow directly from your machines into your testing reports.

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With ForneyVault and Omnant in your lab together, data moves seamlessly from machine to report. This positions your lab for a lower risk of errors, better best practices, and positive outcomes for your team and stakeholders.