ASTM Takes Direct Control of Standards Delivery, Signaling a Shift to Digital-First Workflows

Over 12,000 standards impact daily life, yet accessing and integrating them into modern workflows has long been a friction point. Now, ASTM International is dramatically reshaping how those standards are delivered, ending its long-standing sales partnership with Accuris (formerly IHS) and doubling down on its direct sales model alongside significant upgrades to its flagship platform, ASTM Compass®. This isn’t just a change in distribution; it’s a strategic move towards a future where standards are not static documents, but dynamic, integrated components of digital processes.

The Rise of the ‘Living Standard’ and Why It Matters

For decades, standards organizations like ASTM have operated with a degree of separation between content creation and direct customer interaction. The partnership with Accuris provided valuable reach, but also introduced a layer of complexity. ASTM’s decision to internalize sales and distribution reflects a broader industry trend: the demand for more agile, digitally native standards delivery. This shift is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital twins, and AI-powered design and testing processes. These technologies require standards data to be readily accessible, machine-readable, and seamlessly integrated – something a traditional PDF-centric approach simply can’t deliver.

Compass Points: Embedding Standards into the Workflow

The core of ASTM’s new strategy is the enhanced ASTM Compass platform. Recent multi-year IT infrastructure overhaul has unlocked features designed to address these modern needs. One of the most innovative is “Compass Points,” allowing users to create permanent, shareable URLs that bookmark specific requirements within a standard. Think of it as a hyperlinked clause that can be embedded directly into project documentation, quality control checklists, or even software applications. This eliminates the ambiguity and version control issues that plague traditional standards implementation. As Dr. Emily Carter, a materials science professor at Princeton University, notes in a recent paper on digital standards integration, “The ability to directly link to specific clauses within a standard dramatically reduces the risk of misinterpretation and ensures everyone is working from the same baseline.” Source: ResearchGate

Beyond PDF: HTML, Collaboration, and AI Readiness

ASTM Compass now offers standards in both HTML and PDF formats, providing flexibility for different user preferences. However, the HTML format is key to unlocking the platform’s full potential. It enables features like color-coded “redlines” highlighting changes between revisions, saving users significant time and reducing errors. Furthermore, a new collaboration tool allows teams to share selected content and discuss technical details directly within the platform, fostering better communication and knowledge sharing.

Crucially, ASTM is positioning itself to support the responsible integration of Artificial Intelligence. The availability of HTML versions and the platform’s open architecture will facilitate the development of AI-powered tools that can automatically extract data from standards, perform compliance checks, and even assist in the design of new products and processes. This proactive approach is vital, as AI’s impact on standards development and implementation is only beginning to be felt.

The Expanding Ecosystem: More Than Just ASTM Standards

ASTM Compass isn’t limited to ASTM standards alone. Subscribers gain access to content from a wide range of other organizations, including AASHTO, AATCC, API, AWS, AWWA, CGA, IES, MOD, and UOP. This consolidated access streamlines research and ensures users have a comprehensive view of relevant industry guidelines. The inclusion of over 300 expert-created videos further enhances the platform’s value, providing accessible training for new employees and ongoing professional development for experienced teams.

What This Means for the Future of Standards

ASTM’s move signals a fundamental shift in how standards are viewed and utilized. They are no longer simply reference documents; they are becoming active components of digital workflows, driving innovation and improving efficiency. The direct sales model allows ASTM to respond more quickly to customer needs and invest in the development of new tools and features. The focus on digital accessibility and integration will be critical as industries increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making and automated processes. The future of standards isn’t about simply *accessing* information; it’s about *integrating* it seamlessly into the fabric of how we design, build, and operate the world around us.

What challenges do you foresee in integrating standards data into your organization’s digital workflows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!