The Resurgence of Bed Bugs

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the resurgence of bed bugs. Bed bugs were very common until they were nearly eradicated from the U.S. mid-twentieth century. In a joint statement, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) & The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggest that the increase in bed bug populations stem from increased travel, increased resistance to pesticides, lack of bud bug knowledge and the decline or elimination of local pest control programs.

Bed bugs are difficult to treat as they can live for months without feeding, are excellent at hiding, and quickly become immune to chemicals made to suppress them.  Bed buds normally live within 8 feet of their feeding ground (IE, your bed) but can travel up to 100 feet in a single night. There has been no proof that bed bugs transmit disease to their victims. Their bites can trigger mild (small, inflamed bite mark, think mosquito bite) to severe (anaphylaxic shock) allergic reactions and secondary infections of the skin (try not to itch!). The bed bug presence in the home can also cause mental health (anxiety & insomnia) & economic (purchasing new furniture, bedding, carpeting, or rugs, pest control related costs, and possibly moving expenses) hardships.

So what can you do to reduce the chances of breading a ground for bed bugs? When you stay at a hotel keep you suitcase in the bathroom if possible, this may help minimize bed bugs from becoming sow-aways in your luggage. When you return from a trip "heat treat" your luggage & clothing (IE, put them in a hot dryer) to kill the bugs that may have tagged along. At home, remove clutter around you bed so that they have fewer hiding places, become a vacuum guru and religiously vacuum your bed, bedding & their surrounding areas to remove possible bed bugs, seal cracks & crevasses so that bed bugs cannot gain entry, & finally if necessary, use non-chemical pesticides (such as diatomaceous earth) to kill the vermin.

Read the entire CDC/EPA statement, Bed Bug Control in the United States for more detailed information.

 

Avoiding Email Viruses

We've all heard the horror stories, "My computer has a virus!", but how do you protect yourself from getting one? It is true that computer viruses have changed over the years, contracting a virus years ago meant that your computer crashed and that in the worse case scenario you would never be able to use it again. Thankfully today's viruses aren't quite so brutal but they are after something; personal information which could have just as dire of consequences, it's just more subtle.

Where did it come from & what will it do?
Computer viruses most commonly come through email. You open a legitimate looking email, & innocently click on a link. Then the devastation begins. The virus sets itself up in your computer & canvases all files looking for email addresses. The virus then sends itself to all of your contacts, indiscriminately. The first hack just allows the virus access to your computer & all your files. It sits and waits for further instructions.

Hackers can then rent time on your computer to others or send your computer a piece of code to memorize your key stokes. This ultimately gives hackers access to your usernames and passwords to accounts from Facebook, to personal bank accounts or credit cards. Let me clarify, identity theft = emotional & financial stress, not to mention a whole lot of hassle.

How will I know when I have a virus?
Most people notice they have a virus when they receive a confusing email from someone you haven't emailed in years, ie: the ex. This is because the virus sent your ex itself using your email address & your ex is confused to hear from you too. But much more commonly, you begin to receive bounce-back emails.

How do I combat/prevent a virus?
Your first line of defence is an antivirus software. You know, those little annoying pop-ups that say "XXXX Successfully Updated". Oh yeah, remember those? If you used to see the pop-ups but can't remember the last time you saw them there is a pretty good chance that your antivirus software has expired, leaving you unprotected & vulnerable. Not to worry, just purchase more, & install it. If this doesn't solve your problem you may have to reload your entire computer. Remember after you've fixed your own computer let all your contacts know that you were infected & that they may have the virus too.

Being skeptical about email is the best defense since most infections occur from opening emails or clicking links within an email. Think before you click, it is the sender a trust-worthy source? Is it worth the risk, well is it? you decide! I hope that this gives you some perspective on email viruses, you can also check out Anatomy of an Email Hack by Ki Mae Heussner.

The Best CMMS for your Business

Failing to take advantage of the latest technology to improve your business is like having a car and taking the subway to work- it simply doesn't qualify as practical. Computer Maintenance Management Software is not exactly next generation, but when it comes to improving your maintenance management, it is your best companion. It's agreeable that the importance of a CMMS is beyond question, but what's a good CMMS? On a company scale, you have to think about everyone, and how easy a time they will have operating it.

Usability is the first major characteristic that you need to look for in a CMMS program. Not everyone majored or studied IT. For a database that may have high levels of sophistication, a CMMS may take some time to register with your employees, especially those that are directly going to make use of it, and probably on a daily basis. Try to get software that will be easy to understand and operate. True, some intrinsic parts like settings adjustment and may require someone with IT knowledge, but all in all it should be easy to operate and run. The shorter time it takes to understand it, the better. Some CMMS systems offer a wide variety of features, but this usually comes at the expense of increased sophistication. If it's too hard to learn, your employees won't be too happy using it- and that is the undesired outcome. The simpler, the better- questions of whether it offers many features not withstanding.

Choose a CMMS program that you can easily customize to your liking. If you purchase pre-manufactured EAM Software, it may not exactly be tailor-made for your kind of company. Some features you get might not apply while other important ones might be missing. It is well to study the CMMS tools a system has to offer before taking it in. If at all possible, get one made with your predefined specifications. If you need it to emphasize on the inventory part and the scheduling, make the request. The other option is to get one that is made to be customized. It will be easier to marble it to its most workable form as far as your company is concerned.

Decide the kind of CMMS system that works best for your business- as far as network preference is concerned. If your business is centered, within a specific geographical location, then a LAN-based CMMS might be best. If one the other hand you work on a regional scale, where the same CMMS is in employment, then web-based is best.

Budget well for your EAM software- it does not come cheap. Saying that your company will hardly be affected financially is a misstatement, especially if it is a small enterprise. A good CMMS Program with an abundance of features might set you back a couple of thousand dollars. True, it is worth every dollar when it is in full operation, but make sure that you can afford it, without running into financial hurdles down that fiscal year.

If the aforementioned describes the kind of CMMS system that you want, Ashcom Tech has you covered.

Ashley Combs

To Be or Not to Be: Park51 at Ground Zero

We have all heard the debate about whether or not a Muslim mosque, Park51, should be built at ground zero of the 9/11 tragedy. While I have not wanted to turn this blog into a place for political/social/religious debate I cannot ignore this story and wanted to share a wonderful article on the subject. Until this article, I have seen local/national reporters bring us the latest poles and opinions on TV. I have read several articles in magazines, in papers, and online. Most of them have had the same view point, the same story. Position A vs. Position B. The result: the debater only hearing his/her own voice, ignoring the opposition's point, no matter how poignant or thought provoking it maybe.

I am please to say that I have found a wonderfully written article that takes on a broad spectrum of view points and opinions. Please take the time to read Thanassis Cambanis' article, Looking at Islamic Center Debate, World Sees U.S.

Cambanis' article gave me hope instead of the usual: opponents = "racist, religious intolerants" and supporters = "unsympathetic supporters of terrorism", he broadens the perspective to encapsulate how other parts of the world are viewing America during this controversy. Some view this dispute a credit to our values of freedom, we still are trying to uphold the constitution even though the situation makes it difficult. Others are accustomed to having their government tell them where & what religious views can be practiced and wonder why our government doesn't just say "yes" or "no". There are those who view American's as anti-Muslim & Islam, and those who remind us that Judaism & Christianity are banned in some parts of the world. I just thought this was a thoughtful article and had some new perspectives I haven't heard voiced during this dilemma. I hope you find it as enlightening as I did. May the world find PEACE.

Coming Soon...iTV?

iPod, iTunes, iPhone, iPad, What's Next? Well if rumors are true coming soon to a home or mobile device near you, iTV (well they aren't really calling it that, but it's close!)! By next spring iTunes may start renting TV episodes for 99 cents each. As always Apple is keeping their lips tightly sealed but if things go according to plan you would be able to download the latest episode of *Fill-In-Your-Favorite-TV-Show-Here* 24 hours after it airs. The download essentially allows you to "rent on episode" for 48 hours. This is Apple's strategy to take on the likes of Netflix, & Hulu. Did I mention that the episodes are commercial free? COMMERCIAL FREE! I may spend 99 cents to watch an episode of *Favorite-TV-Show* just to eliminate the mind-numbing commercials! Now if you are already iTunes savy, you know that you can rent or purchase movies but you only have the option of purchasing TV shows. The investment of purchasing an entire episode for some folks is a little high,(around $2episode) renting brings the prices into a more manageable price for the regular Joe.

Read the entire article by Peter Burrows, Sarah Rabil and Adam Satariano.

New Automatic Sliding Door Sensor Helps Save Energy

To eliminate unintentional opening and closing of automatic sliding doors, and the associated loss of energy, BEA introduces the new G3 sensor for pedestrian traffic. The sensor employs Doppler radar and active infrared technology for reliable and safe operation.

Dual technology quickens the sensor’s response time to foot traffic while ensuring safe operation of the door. The G3‘s intelli-Tracking software automatically adapts to weather conditions for increased reliability. In addition, the sensor’s two infrared immunity settings simplify installation and customize door operation to varying applications and weather environments.

ANSI compliant one-way and two-way modes allow operators to switch between motion detection patterns when appropriate, eliminating unwanted detections and saving energy. The sensor’s unidirectional motion technology disregards a portion of parallel traffic and starts the door closing cycle quicker than other.

This article was found at NewEquiptment.com. Visit BEA at BEASensors.com

Ashcom Technologies does not endorse BEA or the G3 Sensor.

America Redefining "Normal" During the Ression

Below is my summary of Nin-Hai Tseng article about 5 "New Normals" for the American public.

Long Term Unemployment:
We all are hoping for the 10% nation-wide unemployment numbers to decrease but a new question is arising, how low will it go and how long will it take? Researchers predict that by 2013 rates will have fallen to 6.8% but that is still a hefty percent considering pre-recession numbers hovered around 4.6%. Have we or will we be so accustomed to the high unemployment numbers that unemployment is the "norm"?

Renting Rather than Owning:
Homes were once seen as cash-cows, increasing in value while providing necessary shelter, and then homes changed into retirement funds, being sold for a large profits. Today, with our housing crisis, homes are not seen as investments, in fact many may feel they are shackles. Owning a home was once a status symbol everyone wanted, today, renting is becoming the "norm".

Saving in lieu of Spending:
Well if there is one thing we should learn from our financial predicament it is that we, Americans, over spend. We purchase things to feel good, because we want them, because we deserve them, but not because we need them or can afford them. Research suggests that Americans are saving more. [Hooray, you can teach old dogs new tricks!] Of course, less spending isn't helping our economy, but in the long run I think we'll be better for it. Saving, this a "norm" I can rally behind.

Stay-cations Instead of Vacations:
With American's trending to save more, vacations have been put on a budget. Fewer people are flying to their vacation destinations. Instead they are opting for driving or choosing Stay-cations (stay-at-home vacation).

Increased Taxes for 'the Wealthy':
President G.W. Bush's administration enacted huge tax breaks for wealthy American's. President Obama hopes to reverse this by redefining tax brackets next year to equalize the nations tax structure. While the increased tax revenue the government collects will help with our national budget, some critics think this plan will only stifle our fragile economy.

Read the whole article at Forbes.com.

The Next Energy Source...

What is the next viable energy source going to be? Solar Power, Wind Power, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), Cellulosic Ethanol, Nuclear Power, or Biofuels. Every choice has supporters and opponents, every choice has bonuses and short-falls, but the real question remains, which source (or combination of sources), will be the most sustainable? Science Magazine on-line, has granted non-subscriber access to a new report for free through August 27, 2010 (registration required). If you'd like to read a shorter, less indepth article try Alan Boyle's The Green-Energy Landscape just keeps Changing at MSNBC.com.

Are The Big Three Making a Sustainable Come Back?

Ford Motor Company made more money in the last six-months than it did in the last five years combined. Is this a signal that our economy is finally rebounding? I certainly hope so. While I'm sure everyone will agree that a stronger, more stable economy will set all American's at ease, the question of when and how has been elusive. Take a peek at Bill Vlasic's cautiously optimistic article, Detroit Goes From Gloom to Economic Bright Spot in The NY Times. Happy Reading!

CMMS Will Work for Food

It’s always “safety first” for Ron Nelson. “The four pillars of manufacturing are safety, quality, service and cost,” says the plant manager of HP Hood’s Philadelphia plant, which processes 30 million gallons of milk and cream a year for its various dairy products and brands. “You can’t do one without the other. If you’re hurting people just to get an extra case out the door, that’s not safe, and that’s not how we operate.”
At the Philly plant, all 160 employees are encouraged to submit a safety hazard recognition report anytime they see a problem. Under Nelson’s leadership, the facility addressed more than 500 safety-related work orders last year and has gone two years without a lost time accident. The plant was recently awarded the company's President's Safety Award for its excellence in safety.
Where do all those suggestions go? Into the computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) system — it’s where action is.

Read the full article here.

Food manufacturers rejoice! Your answer to quality control lies in CMMS software! Check out Aschom Technologies' MaintiMizer™...you won't know success until you've tried it!

Is a Free CMMS Really Worth it

A business facility is considered incomplete without a coordinating system, better known as a CMMS. When we are talking about a company that has equipment to run daily activities, EAM software is the rule, not the exception. But most of the time, acquiring a CMMS program is an expensive venture. The price ascends depending on the level of sophistication. While a basic package might go for as little as $800, the figure can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. This begs the question- can you look into free CMMS as a solution?

There are software companies that offer CMMS systems free of charge. Usually, the host is online, since part of making the package free is taking away the responsibility of creating your own host. You get some control over the CMMS tools, which you're able to adjust and customize according to your specific needs. A free package means you don't have to part with a single dime. For a product that can cost thousands to purchase, you get it for free. This can be one of two things- a blessing in disguise, or a deal too good to be true. Unfortunately it's usually the latter, which means the bad that comes along with it far surpasses the good.

For any self-sustaining enterprise which generates an insurmountable profit, relying on anything free is what you would consider business suicide. For starters, it can't accommodate the amount of responsibility you would expect of it. The basic work orders- like organizing schedules and assigning of personnel would be hard to carry out. That is to add to the deficiency of features that it would provide, and as you would imagine, a big company with thousands of pieces of equipment, however minor, cannot rely on a CMMS package that is only basic.
Because a free CMMS is usually hosted online, that would mean relying on the internet wholly. If many users log in to the program from different access points, that could result in reduced speeds due to 'heavy traffic'. Downtimes would be nightmares as that would mean a temporary paralysis of every operation. In other words, it's a risk not worth taking.
On the other hand, a CMMS system that you have to pay for does not disappoint. Granted there are some deciding factors, like the kind of program and the features it has to offer, but generally, it's a million times better than a free one. You get continuous support from the vendor you purchase it from, lessons on how to use it, and technical help to correct any hitches. Adding in the user friendliness of the system you get, together with the total number of CMMS tools you get, you have no room for disappointment. Best of all, the CMMS could be open to upgrading, meaning you don't necessarily have to replace it in the future. A free CMMS is sometimes considered to be good- but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

At least you can rely on Ashcom Tech not only for quality CMMS software, but for very competitive prices as well.

Ashley Combs

Introducing Press Release Wednesdays:1st Edition

Join us the second Wednesday of the month for an installment series of Ashcom Press Releases. We're keeping you in the loop of what's happening and what's new!

Ashcom Technologies Launches Program to Help Kick-Start the Michigan Economy

Ann Arbor, Michigan (May 25, 2010) - Ashcom Technologies, Inc., announces the launch of a special pricing program exclusively for Michigan-based companies on its MaintiMizer™ family of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). Starting immediately, the program is effective until August 31, 2010.

Timothy Good, president of Ashcom, explains: "As a Michigan-based company, we believe we have an obligation to do whatever we can to improve our state's economy. Our purpose in launching this program is two-fold. First, the special pricing program makes it easier for Michigan-based companies, many of which are struggling in the current economy, to benefit from the cost savings and productivity improvements MaintiMizer™ can provide. Second, when two Michigan-based companies work together, they keep Michigan dollars in Michigan where they directly benefit our local and state economies. This program is a win-win for Ashcom Technologies, our Michigan-based customers, and the Michigan economy as a whole. To us, it's simply the right thing to do."

About Ashcom Technologies, Inc.

Since 1985, Ashcom Technologies, Inc., has been an industry leader in the development and installation of state-of-the-art systems and technology designed to help organizations save money, increase quality, and improve the bottom line. MaintiMizer™, Ashcom's flagship computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), is the choice of more than 3,000 customers in a variety of industries worldwide. For additional information, please contact info@ashcomtech.com or call toll-free (800) 366-0793 (outside the U.S., call +1-734-665-1780).

Enjoy this article? Can't wait for next month's installment? Read additional Press Releases from Ashcom Technologies today!

CMMS Training

So you've finally decided to invest in CMMS Software, Congratulations! You've taken the first step in lowering costs, & improving efficiency, but don't stop there. Don't get caught severely underusing your CMMS Software, take the time and learn about all the software has to offer so that you can get the most out of your investment. The article below is about CMMS Training....I hope it's helpful!

"Skimping on the training puts your CMMS project at risk
-Kris Bagadia

Training for users of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a multiple-phase process.

There are three areas of training needs:

1) Basic training - Make sure people who will operate the CMMS are familiar with computer basics and the operating system. If not, provide them with basic training so they are ready for CMMS application training.

2) Application (CMMS) training: This can be done in two different phases, initial training to get the system up and running and advanced training after spending a period of time with the CMMS. Long training (five to 10 days) is not recommended since most people forget the majority of the items learned. Timing of the training should be kept in mind. Don’t train too early in the day. Training should be coordinated with implementation. Trainees should leave the class and use what they have learned immediately.

3) Internal training: You also need to train CMMS users with internal processes. This is often ignored in most CMMS implementation projects. Your software vendor will only train you on how the CMMS application works. You have to do the internal training yourself. Take, for instance, equipment numbering scheme. CMMS users should be trained on numbering schemes to avoid erroneous data entry. Another good example is inventory part description. If part description data entry is not consistent, you will find a corrupt inventory database after a while. Work order data entry is another example. Descriptions such as “machine down” or “doesn’t work”, followed by a repair description of “done” or “fixed”, will not give you meaningful history. Therefore, proper and consistent job description training is important.

General training guidelines

* Be sure that every trainee is given enough help to become comfortable and confident in what he or she is doing. Even a small shortage of needed training can cause an employee to backslide, lose confidence and eventually cause project failure. The new system cannot afford that. All personnel who will use the CMMS, or maintain it or oversee its operation, should be included in the training process.
* Accept any and all training support from your vendor. You may wish to contract with your vendor for additional training support or follow-up training programs or services. Remember, while the training initially may seem like an expensive proposition, in the long run, it will not only prove beneficial, but very cost effective.
* Training should be an ongoing process. New users should receive the full course, while current users should take refreshers as needed or desired. This continuity will accommodate the inevitable personnel changes and system evolutions that will occur over the life of the system. As users leave, their replacements must be trained as thoroughly as if they had been original users. This need is frequently overlooked!
* During the training process, the newly installed CMMS can be checked thoroughly to assure that it works as planned. Feedback from trainees should be recorded and analyzed to assist in evaluating system performance and potential modification. Action on trainee responses will not only result in system refinements, but will improve the general acceptance of the CMMS."
(http://www.maintenanceworld.com/Articles/reliabilityplant/Skimping-training.html)

Check out Ashcom's class offerings.

Have you been loosing power more frequently?

Statistics show that year after year, United States businesses & residents are loosing power more often. These power outages are not to be blamed on disasters but merely on out dated & under maintained electrical equipment and our ever increasing dependence on electric devices to live our day-to-day lives.

"Experts on the nation's electricity system point to a frighteningly steep increase in non-disaster-related outages affecting at least 50,000 consumers.

During the past two decades, such blackouts have increased 124 percent -- up from 41 blackouts between 1991 and 1995, to 92 between 2001 and 2005, according to research at the University of Minnesota.

In the most recently analyzed data available, utilities reported 36 such outages in 2006 alone.

"It's hard to imagine how anyone could believe that -- in the United States -- we should learn to cope with blackouts," said University of Minnesota Professor Massoud Amin, a leading expert on the U.S. electricity grid.

Amin supports construction of a nationwide "smart grid" that would avert blackouts and save billions of dollars in wasted electricity.

In a nutshell, a smart grid is an automated electricity system that improves the reliability, security and efficiency of electric power. It more easily connects with new energy sources, such as wind and solar, and is designed to charge electric vehicles and control home appliances via a so-called "smart" devices."

Read Thom Patterson's entire article here.

Mobile CMMS

Check out this excerpt on Mobile CMMS Software, or read it in full.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for my thoughts on the subject!

Mobile Technology Solutions
While mobile technology in conjunction with a CMMS can help managers address challenges in a variety of areas, the following areas tend to offer the biggest benefits:

• EQUIPMENT: Technicians using handheld devices on various pieces of equipment can collect performance data such as pressure, temperature, and oil levels. They can take boiler and chiller readings frequently. They also can use this technology for performing and monitoring security checks and inspection routes, as well as collecting mileage/hour meter readings.

• WORK ORDERS: Managers can dispatch work orders on a handheld device. The technicians can perform the actual work with instructions from the handheld units. They also can use the units to enter details on time taken and work performed, as well as to close the work orders. All the information is transferred into the CMMS either in real time or via a cradle. Managers can establish a completely paperless work-order system, if desired.

• PARTS INVENTORY: This area offers some of the largest potential savings. Parts receiving, parts addition and depletion, cycle counts, and annual physical inventory all can be done very efficiently using mobile technology.

The three main categories of mobile maintenance technology for facility managers to consider are mobile devices, software, and data communication.

Mobile Devices
The mobile device itself will determine the breadth of capabilities which can be employed in a mobile CMMS solution.

These can be personal digital assistants (PDAs)—including pocket PCs and cell phones—tablet PCs, or laptops. These devices help technicians carry more information than is possible with paper-based systems, complete work orders faster and more accurately, and transmit data back into the CMMS faster. PDAs are light, easy to carry and relatively inexpensive.

For jobs that require more computing power and larger screens, technicians can use tablet PCs or laptops. They are heavier however, have limited portability and battery life and are more expensive. Managers are likely to see lighterweight units with greater computing power in the near future.

Software Applications
Mobile application software enables managers to create electronic forms, transforming key data from CMMS applications into usable work orders that make it easier to view on devices and create an easy-to-follow workflow.

Mobile software integrates directly with an existing CMMS and enables technicians to pull data directly from the CMMS and update information remotely. Mobile software also manages the automatic synchronization of data between the devices and application database.

Beyond the benefits of mobility and productivity, managers can enforce business rules with the use of software, which is very difficult with a paper-based system. For example, managers can make it mandatory for a technician to enter a failure code before closing a work order. This type of application gives managers a direct control over the work process flow.

Data Communication
• WIRELESS ACCESS: Wireless network access enables immediate exchange of information with CMMS. One option is wireless cellular network access, often called wide-area wireless. Costs involved with cellular connection can be controlled by only connecting occasionally to transmit data as opposed to having the device constantly connected to the network like a personal cellular phone. Another option is to use wireless LANs, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi or hot spots. By having these access points around a plant or campus, data can be transmitted wirelessly between devices and the CMMS at a fixed cost.

• BAR CODE AND RADIO-FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID): Using bar code and RFID technologies can further enhance the power of mobile technology. For example, instead of entering an equipment number into a handheld device, a technician can scan it using a bar-code reader. This saves time and increases accuracy. RFID is an emerging technology. Inspection and security checks are examples of effective RFID use. Right now, its cost can be a limiting factor, but as the cost goes down, more RFID applications for CMMS will hit the market.

Mobile computing offers managers a proven and tested solution for giving technicians on site immediate access to equipment history, work orders, repair information and parts inventory.

A recent survey indicates that only about 22% of CMMS users in the United States use mobile technology. But as handheld devices become smaller, more sophisticated, powerful and affordable, facility managers need to take advantage of these proven technologies to enhance the performance of CMMS, improve technicians’ productivity, and vastly streamline the plant or campus work flow. Achieving these goals will take some dedication and commitment to implement, but the results are well worth the efforts.

Kris Bagadia, president, PEAK Industrial Solutions, LLC &
Ronald Kossik, vice president, technology, PEAK Industrial Solutions, LLC

"We have an App for that!" Well, technically not an app, but we are very proud of our Mobile MaintiMizer™ line of software—offering you several mobile choices, we're sure you'll find one that fits your needs. Stop making notes and having to take the time to enter that data into your database later, do it all in one step using Mobile MaintiMizer™. In addition to making your life (at work) less tedious, redundant, & frustrating and more efficient, & rewarding, Mobile MaintiMizer™ gives you one more reason to grab that new smartphone you've been drooling over for weeks!
Our current Mobile MaintiMizer™ clients agree they can't believe they ever survived without it!

Want more info? Check out Mobile MaintiMizer™

MaintiMizer™ Web Edition Demo

Take a look at what MaintiMizer™ Web Edition can do!



Visit Ashcom Technologies and see all that we have to offer.

Introducing Case Study Wednesdays:1st Edition

Join us the first Wednesday of the month for an installment series of our proudest accomplishments in recent history. We're diving into our vaults and pulling out our most compelling client stories so you can see for yourself the advancements MaintiMizer™ CMMS Software can achieve for both current and future clients.

Grand Island YMCA Builds the Future | CMMS Software Case Study

Situation

Jerry Reed is straightforward about the situation he faced when he took over as Property Manager of Grand Island YMCA in 2002: "The facility was filthy. Equipment was broken. Even the air conditioner and heater worked only occasionally." Grand Island YMCA members weren't happy either - membership was down and complaints were way up.   Until that time, all building maintenance was handled by outside contractors. As a result, there were no internal maintenance records and no system for ensuring preventive maintenance tasks were completed regularly - or at all.
In response, Jerry instituted a manual preventive maintenance system in which each piece of equipment would be serviced regularly by one of his five maintenance staff members. However, with a 65,000 square foot facility to maintain and a further addition planned, it was clear that installing a computerized maintenance management system would ultimately save time and money, as well as help provide the best environment possible for Grand Island YMCA members.  
Jerry and his team determined that any system selected must meet three criteria: it must be cost-effective; it must be easy to set up and use; and it had to be capable of growing with the facility as it expanded. One system and one company met all those requirements: the MaintiMizer™ from Ashcom Technologies of Ann Arbor, MI.  

Solution  

Today, the scheduling and tracking of all facility-wide preventive maintenance tasks is handled automatically through the MaintiMizer™ system. Every Monday, Jerry prints out that week's preventive maintenance work orders, which have been assigned through the system to the appropriate maintenance staff member. Once Jerry distributes the work orders, his staff members complete their assignments and then return the completed work order forms to him. Jerry then updates the MaintiMizer™ record for those pieces of equipment and the program automatically schedules the next preventive maintenance cycle.  
Although the preventive maintenance system has greatly reduced trouble calls, they still happen occasionally. In that case, Jerry uses MaintiMizer™ to generate a quick work order as well as to see immediately who has time to complete it. MaintiMizer™ also tracks parts and labor costs for each work order, helping Jerry and his department with budgeting for the following year and making it easier to justify any request for additional resources.
Currently, Grand Island YMCA is planning the addition of a new facility in conjunction with the local school district. When that happens, the other building and its equipment will simply be added to the existing MaintiMizer™ installation and the work order process will be managed through the YMCA's email system.
Jerry notes, "As much as MaintiMizer™ has helped my department do its job better, the benefits to our members have been even more significant. The facility is cleaner, everything works, and the members are happy."
It's not only Jerry who feels that way -- Grand Island YMCA membership is up more than 11% over the past year.

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Running out of IP Addresses?!

According to John D. Sutter's CNN article, several sources estimate that in less than a year we will have exhausted the 4 Billion IP addresses currently avalible. Researchers have been creating IPv6 for over a decade which will increase the number of IP addresses to 340 trillion trillion trillion (yes, that's correct this is not a typo for the full report please check out my link to ICANN). Bravo! for the foresight to start working on a solution before we used up all the addresses! However, that doesn't clear us from all the problem seems to stem from slow adaptation of the new system. IPv6 & IPv4 (current system) are not compatible, making it difficult to transition from the old to the new. While this is not time sensitive like Y2K, it still does have a foreboding presence. Only time will tell what will come of this. Will we get on board with the new system quickly & efficiently or will we drag our heels and wait until the last possible second to embrace IPv6? I hope we choose the later. Our society loves new technology like smartphones, iPads, computers, & TV's, lets embrace this technology & see where it takes us, we'll probably like it if we give it a chance! Besides in the not too far distant future we won't have a choice!

Read the entire article here, or the complete report here.

Ashcom Moves into the Future!

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