ASTM Launches New System to Further Increase Openness in Standards Development Process

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., 28 July 2003-ASTM International, one of the largest international voluntary standards development organizations in the world, has announced the launch of a new Internet-based system designed to initiate, develop and track draft standards and revisions before and during their balloting stage. Increased Transparency in Standards Development Process: The new Work Item Registration system, which is accessible from the ASTM website, is significant because it adds increased openness and transparency to ASTM’s consensus standards development process. Now, any interested individual from anywhere in the world who wants to know whether ASTM is developing or revising a specific standard can access the information using the Work Item Registration system. Users will be able to utilize the system to perform keyword searches about new standards and revisions; sign up for a free e-mail advisory service that provides notification of new work items in their area of interest; and view a committee’s jurisdiction for the item in question. The new system also provides for improved access and involvement for ASTM members around the globe at every stage of the standards development process. With easy access to work items in progress, ASTM members everywhere have added impact on standards development. The system also adds a new level of productivity for members, enabling them to register work items and develop streamlined ballot items for standards, more conveniently than in the past. ASTM International President James A. Thomas commented, “Transparency in the standards development process has always been one of the guiding principles at ASTM. With the launch of our Work Item Registration system we have taken transparency to an even higher level.” Thomas continued, “The added openness, available to everybody, contributes to a better understanding of the work being performed by ASTM members. This attracts more interested parties and increases international application of ASTM standards.” ASTM’s Work Item Registration system is available at the Society’s website, www.astm.org. For more information, please contact Barbara Schindler at 610/832-9603 or via e-mail at bschindl@astm.org. About ASTM International: Established in 1898, ASTM International provides a global forum for the development and publication of international voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems, and services. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe. Press Contact: Barbara Schindler 610/832-9603; bschindl@astm.org