ASTM E2608-20

Standard Practice for Equipment Control Matrix (ECM)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice establishes a standard equipment internal control methodology to safeguard or protect assets and aid in requirements determination and communication with the end goal of the promulgation of safe, secure, cost effective, and risk appropriate control and tracking methodologies.  
4.2 The ECCs provide standard classes for equipment based on control and tracking requirements for equipment.  
4.3 The ECLs provide standard names and definitions for existing equipment control practices.  
4.4 The ECM relates the equipment control classes to the equipment control levels, providing a baseline for determination of safe, secure, risk appropriate, and cost-effective control and tracking of various classes of equipment.  
4.5 This practice encourages an inclusive understanding and communication of the control and tracking of equipment and enables meaningful discussion between parties with interest in the equipment.  
4.6 This practice is intended to foster and enable additional standard practices related to or based on these terms and concepts.  
4.7 This practice provides the ability to change ECCs on certain assets based upon facts, circumstances, and experience. (See Practice E2378.)  
4.8 This practice promotes the achievement of best value in the requirements of asset management to the benefit of the owner and other stakeholders.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes equipment control classes (ECCs), equipment control levels (ECLs), and their relationships.  
1.2 This practice is intended to be applicable and appropriate for all equipment-holding entities.  
1.3 This practice covers property categorized as equipment. Equipment as defined in Terminology E2135 is non-expendable, tangible moveable property needed for the performance of a task or useful in effecting an obligation.  
1.4 This practice can be applied to an individual item of equipment, to groupings of equipment, or to all or a subset of an entity's equipment.  
1.5 In accordance with the provisions of Practice E2279, this practice enhances internal controls, and clarifies and enables effective and efficient control and tracking of equipment.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2020
• ICS: 03.100.10 - Purchasing. Procurement. Logistics
• Technical Committee: E53 - Asset Management
• Drafting Committee: E53.01 - Process Management

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2608-08(2014) - Standard Practice for Equipment Control Matrix (ECM)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Replaces: ASTM E2674-09 - Standard Practice for Assessment of Impact of Mobile Data Storage Device (MDSD) Loss (Withdrawn 2015)
• Effective Date: 09-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2279-20 - Standard Practice for Establishing the Guiding Principles of Property Asset Management
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM E2452-12(2019) - Standard Practice for Equipment Management Process Maturity (EMPM) Model
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2378-19 - Standard Practice for the Recognition of Impaired or Retired Property Assets
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM E2495-18 - Standard Practice for Prioritizing Asset Resources in Acquisition, Utilization, and Disposition
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2135-10a(2017) - Standard Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2279-15 - Standard Practice for Establishing the Guiding Principles of Property Asset Management
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2378-13 - Standard Practice for the Recognition of Impaired or Retired Personal Property
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E2495-13 - Standard Practice for Prioritizing Asset Resources in Acquisition, Utilization, and Disposition
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM E2452-12 - Standard Practice for Equipment Management Process Maturity (EMPM) Model
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM E2135-10ae2 - Standard Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2135-10a - Standard Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2135-10ae1 - Standard Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2135-10 - Standard Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2010

Overview

ASTM E2608-20: Standard Practice for Equipment Control Matrix (ECM), developed by ASTM International, provides a comprehensive methodology for organizations to establish internal controls over equipment assets. The standard introduces a structured framework using equipment control classes (ECCs) and equipment control levels (ECLs) to assist entities in safeguarding assets, determining control requirements, and promoting effective communication among stakeholders. By implementing the ECM, organizations can ensure that equipment is managed in a way that is safe, secure, cost-effective, and appropriate to the level of risk.

Key Topics

• Equipment Control Classes (ECCs): Defines five classifications or groupings of equipment, each based on the consequences of losing control over the equipment. These range from societal safety and security impact, through personal safety and operational impacts, down to compliance and no discernible impact.
• Equipment Control Levels (ECLs): Sets out five levels of control, from continuous, real-time tracking and monitoring to no required tracking or protection. These levels are differentiated by the degree and method of monitoring and securing equipment.
• Equipment Control Matrix (ECM): The heart of the standard, ECM describes the relationships between ECCs and ECLs. This matrix provides a baseline for determining the appropriate control and tracking for each class of equipment, aiming for best-value asset management.
• Asset Tracking & Internal Controls: Emphasizes the importance of clear, standardized terminology and procedures for tracking, securing, and managing equipment assets.
• Risk-Based Approach: Encourages organizations to align equipment controls to the actual risk and operational requirements, thereby optimizing resource allocation and regulatory compliance.

Applications

The ASTM E2608-20 standard is applicable across a wide range of sectors and organizations that hold, utilize, or manage tangible movable equipment. Practical applications include:

• Asset Management: Simplifies the classification and tracking of equipment assets, ensuring accountability, traceability, and loss prevention.
• Risk Management: Supports the implementation of tailored control measures based on the potential impact of loss of control, including societal, safety, operational, and compliance risks.
• Security & Safety Programs: Assists in developing robust safety and security protocols by identifying which equipment requires the most stringent controls.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps entities meet internal and external regulatory requirements by clarifying roles, definitions, and processes related to equipment management.
• Operational Efficiency: Enables organizations to streamline procedures, reduce redundancy, and ensure cost-effective asset oversight by matching control efforts to actual needs.
• Stakeholder Communication: Facilitates clear communication between asset owners, operators, auditors, and other stakeholders using standardized language and practices.

Related Standards

ASTM E2608-20 references and aligns with several key ASTM standards within the property and asset management domain, including:

• ASTM E2135: Terminology for Property and Asset Management
• ASTM E2279: Practice for Establishing the Guiding Principles of Property Asset Management
• ASTM E2378: Practice for the Recognition of Impaired or Retired Property Assets
• ASTM E2452: Practice for Equipment Management Process Maturity (EMPM) Model
• ASTM E2495: Practice for Prioritizing Asset Resources in Acquisition, Utilization, and Disposition

Adopting ASTM E2608-20 enables organizations to build upon a consistent foundation for asset management. The standard fosters interoperability with other practices and supports the continuous improvement of internal controls and asset tracking methodologies.

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Keywords: ASTM E2608-20, Equipment Control Matrix, ECM, equipment control classes, ECC, equipment control levels, ECL, asset management, internal controls, equipment tracking, risk management, asset security, tangible property, property management standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2608 − 20
Standard Practice for
Equipment Control Matrix (ECM)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2608; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E2279 Practice for Establishing the Guiding Principles of
Property Asset Management
1.1 This practice describes equipment control classes
E2378 Practice for the Recognition of Impaired or Retired
(ECCs), equipment control levels (ECLs), and their relation-
Property Assets
ships.
E2452 Practice for Equipment Management Process Matu-
1.2 This practice is intended to be applicable and appropri-
rity (EMPM) Model
ate for all equipment-holding entities.
E2495 Practice for Prioritizing Asset Resources in
1.3 This practice covers property categorized as equipment. Acquisition, Utilization, and Disposition
Equipment as defined in Terminology E2135 is non-
expendable, tangible moveable property needed for the perfor-
3. Terminology
mance of a task or useful in effecting an obligation.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions relating to property and
1.4 This practice can be applied to an individual item of
asset management, refer to Terminology E2135.
equipment, to groupings of equipment, or to all or a subset of
3.1.1 compliance impact—a consequence of loss of control
an entity’s equipment.
characterized by negative compliance with applicable laws,
regulations, or other relevant internal or external requirements
1.5 In accordance with the provisions of Practice E2279,
that does not rise to the level of an operational impact.
this practice enhances internal controls, and clarifies and
enables effective and efficient control and tracking of equip-
3.1.2 containment—the level of control characterized by
ment.
process or electronic methods of assuring equipment items are
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
contained within a designated area.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3 continuous control—real time tracking and control
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
with either human or electronic monitoring and surveillance.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.4 continuous control while mobile—real time tracking
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
and control with either human or electronic monitoring and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- surveillance at any time the equipment is not stationary in a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
secure, fixed location.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.5 equipment control classes (ECCs)—five classifications
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
or groupings of equipment based on the consequences of the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
loss of control of the equipment.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 equipment control levels (ECLs)—five levels of con-
2.1 ASTM Standards: trol of equipment based on differentiated tracking specifica-
tions.
E2135 Terminology for Property and Asset Management
3.1.7 equipment control matrix (ECM)—the relationships
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E53 on Asset
between the ECCs and the ECLs.
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E53.01 on Process
Management.
3.1.8 event tracking—the level of control characterized by
Current edition approved July 1, 2020. Published August 2020. Originally
manual or electronic recording of movement, accountability, or
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E2608–08 (2014).
stewardship changes.
DOI: 10.1520/E2608-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3.1.9 operational impact—a consequence of loss of control
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
characterized by negative operational impact that does not rise
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. to the level of a personal or societal safety or security impact.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2608 − 20
3.1.10 personal safety/security consequence—a conse- negative operational impact that does not rise to the level of a
quence of loss of control characterized by negative personal personal or societal safety or security impact.
safety or security impact that does not rise to the level of a
5.1.1.4 Equipment Control Class 4—Consequence of loss of
societal safety or security impact.
control is a compliance impact, which is characterized by
negative compliance with applicable laws, regulations, or other
3.1.11 societal safety/security consequence—a consequence
relevant internal or external guidance that does not rise to the
of loss of control characterized by negative societal safety or
level of an operational impact.
security impact.
5.1.1.5 Equipment Control Class 5—Consequence of loss of
3.2 Acronyms:
control is not discernible, which is characterized by having no
3.2.1 ECC—equipment control class.
material visible or recognizable impact on the organization.
3.2.2 ECL—equipment control level.
5.2 Equipment Control Levels (ECLs):
3.2.3 ECM—equipment control matrix.
5.2.1 The five levels of control of equipment are based on
differentiated tracking specifications.
4. Significance and Use
5.2.1.1 Equipment Control Level A.—Continuous, real-time
4.1 This practice establishes a standard equipment internal
tracking and control with either human or electronic monitor-
control methodology to safeguard or protect assets and aid in
ing and surveillance.
requirements determination and communication with the end
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2608 − 08 (Reapproved 2014) E2608 − 20
Standard Practice for
Equipment Control Matrix (ECM)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2608; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes equipment control classes (ECCs), equipment control levels (ECLs), and their relationships.
1.2 This practice is intended to be applicable and appropriate for all equipment-holding entities.
1.3 This practice covers property categorized as equipment. Equipment as defined in Terminology E2135 is non-expendable,
tangible moveable property needed for the performance of a task or useful in effecting an obligation.
1.4 This practice can be applied to an individual item of equipment, to groupings of equipment, or to all or a subset of an entity’s
equipment.
1.5 In accordance with the provisions of Practice E2279, this practice enhances internal controls, and clarifies and enables
effective and efficient control and tracking of equipment.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E2135 Terminology for Property and Asset Management
E2279 Practice for Establishing the Guiding Principles of Property Asset Management
E2378 Practice for the Recognition of Impaired or Retired Property Assets
E2452 Practice for Equipment Management Process Maturity (EMPM) Model
E2495 Practice for Prioritizing Asset Resources in Acquisition, Utilization, and Disposition
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions relating to property and asset management, refer to Terminology E2135.
3.1.1 compliance impact—a consequence of loss of control characterized by negative compliance with applicable laws,
regulations, or other relevant internal or external guidancerequirements that does not rise to the level of an operational impact.
3.1.2 containment—the level of control characterized by process or electronic methods of assuring equipment items are
contained within a designated area.
3.1.3 continuous control—real time tracking and control with either human or electronic monitoring and surveillance at all
times.surveillance.
3.1.4 continuous control while mobile—real time tracking and control with either human or electronic monitoring and
surveillance at any time the equipment is not stationary in a secure, fixed location.
3.1.5 equipment control classes (ECCs)—five classifications or groupings of equipment based on the consequences of the loss
of control of the equipment.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E53 on Asset Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E53.01 on Process Management.
Current edition approved June 1, 2014July 1, 2020. Published June 2014August 2020. Originally approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 20082014 as
E2608–08. –08 (2014). DOI: 10.1520/E2608-08R14.10.1520/E2608-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2608 − 20
3.1.6 equipment control levels (ECLs)—five levels of control of equipment based on differentiated tracking specifications.
3.1.7 equipment control matrix (ECM)—the relationships between the ECCs and the ECLs.
3.1.8 event tracking—the level of control characterized by manual or electronic recording of movement, accountability, or
stewardship changes.
3.1.9 operational impact—a consequence of loss of control characterized by negative operational impact that does not rise to
the level of a personal or societal safety or security impact.
E2608 − 20
3.1.10 personal safety/security consequence—a consequence of loss of control characterized by negative personal safety or
security impact that does not rise to the level of a societal safety or security impact.
3.1.11 societal safety/security consequence—a consequence of loss of control characterized by negative societal safety or
security impact.
3.2 Acronyms:
3.2.1 ECC—equipment control class.
3.2.2 ECL—equipment control level.
3.2.3 ECM—equipment control matrix.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice establishes a standard equipment internal control methodology to safeguard or protect assets and aid in
requirements determination and communication with the end goal of the promulgation of safe, secure, cost effective, and risk
appropriate control and tracking methodologies.
4.2 The ECCs provide standard classes for equipment based on control and tracking requirements for the equipment.
4.3 The ECLs provide standard names and definitions for existing equipment control practices.
4.4 The ECM relates the equipment control classes to the equipment control levels, providing a baseline for determination of
safe, secure, risk appropriate, and cost effective cost-effective control and tracking of various classes of equipment.
4.5 This practice encourages an inclusive understanding and communication of the control and tracking of equipment and
enables meaningful discussion between parties with interest in the equipment.
4.6 Th
...