What to Consider when Taking your CMMS Mobile
More and more companies are automating their mobile workforce. They want workers in the field to have access to corporate databases and applications such as computerized maintenance management software (CMMS), field service systems and facilities maintenance software. The biggest need is to provide the ability to create, review and update work orders, inventory, equipment and asset records wherever the work occurs.
Imagine the savings: A mobile user inputting data onto a handheld versus standing in line to re-input information they've already handwritten onto a paper form into a PC at the end of their shift. This single step increases productivity. This does not even take into account the ability to of a good mobile integration suite to tailor data entry to the most efficient workflow, or the ability to access information on the fly.
These and other buying considerations such as required functionality, wired or wireless connectivity and system integration and management all need to be taken into account. Select a complete mobile solution relatively early in the automation process so that company data needs, field user and environmental requirements, and IT support issues are all adequately considered. It can also help you realize return on investment (ROI) sooner rather than later.
Handheld input of meter readings can reduce customer payment cycles by 30 to 45 days. Inspectors using portable handheld computers can identify potential failures and create work orders instantly, staving off potential disasters. Incorporating RFID for asset tracking, or implementing bar code scanning of inventory eliminates the errors of manual data entry and can improve visibility to millions of dollars of unrecognized or unaccounted assets.
Field workers should consider rugged industrial mobile computers. They can be ordered with built-in bar code scanners, lightweight wearable printers, or magnetic stripe card readers that all work together. If you drop this type of device, you can simply pick it up and get back to work. While industrial mobile computers may initially appear more expensive, they're longer in-field life and lower IT and administrative costs can actually make them more cost effective.Choose the system that is right for your requirements. You have to find that fine balance between need and cost. Purchasing an easy to configure data / mobile integration suite with a rugged pda device can actually increase the ROI of a current CMMS implementation. And when implemented during a new system installation can save time and frustration as well.
About the author: About the Contributors: Kat Pullen is a marketing associate with DataSplice a software company specializing in creating a bridge between CMMS and other database driven applications and handheld technology. Kristi Urich is a Field Service Solutions Manager at Intermec Technologies Corp., specializing in rugged mobile hardware and workforce solutions.