Friday, August 6, 2010

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!
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