Maintenance Software is RFID enabled.
Press Release Summary:
MicroMain XM(TM) CMMS enables organizations to streamline maintenance operations with automated work orders, preventive maintenance scheduling, asset and fleet management, inventory control, and reporting features. It incorporates Cathexis' RFID middleware solution, RFID Engine(TM), so that assets can be managed with radio frequency identification in addition to or instead of bar codes. Users place RFID tags on assets and use handheld readers to access and modify asset information.
Original Press Release:
First RFID-enabled Maintenance Software Released
Cathexis and MicroMain Launch First CMMS with Radio Frequency Identification
(July 27, 2004) ST. JOHN'S, NL and AUSTIN, TX - Cathexis Innovations, Inc., a global leader in asset management technologies, and MicroMain Corporation, a leading provider of asset and facility management software and services, today announced the launch of the first RFID-enabled computerized maintenance management system by a major CMMS vendor.
The two companies partnered to develop an RFID-enabled MicroMain XM(TM), MicroMain's CMMS that enables organizations to streamline maintenance operations with automated work orders, preventive maintenance scheduling, asset and fleet management, inventory control, and comprehensive reporting features. This new version incorporates Cathexis' RFID middleware solution, the RFID Engine(TM), so that assets can be managed with radio frequency identification in addition to or instead of bar codes.
RFID improves asset identification, tracking and management through automation of the data collection and entry process. The RFID tags allow users to store information relevant to the asset directly on the tag itself. Customers then place RFID tags on their assets and use handheld RFID readers to immediately access and modify the information. This data typically includes make, model, serial number, owner, and maintenance history.
Unlike bar codes, RFID does not require line of sight between the tag and reader, which increases speed in completing maintenance tasks or inspections. The benefits of RFID also include unique identification of assets in the field, "on-asset" maintenance history, and enhanced data integrity and accessibility for management and auditing. Because RFID minimizes data entry errors, accuracy is also improved.
"The benefit of RFID technology in the domain of asset management is tremendous, and Cathexis is excited to be working with an industry leader like MicroMain to bring this 'out- of-the-box' solution to market," said Steven Taylor, President of Cathexis Innovations Inc.
"This fully integrated solution is a marriage of Cathexis' cutting-edge RFID Engine middleware and MicroMain's proven asset management suite," he added. "The RFID Engine allows virtually any RFID or other AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) technology, such as bar codes, to be integrated into a software application. Users of the RFID Engine typically experience reduction in development time, cost and complexity up to 75%. We are confident that this blend of innovative technology with a proven, reliable product like MicroMain XM, addresses a significant need in the market and offers tremendous value to end-users."
"MicroMain has achieved many 'firsts,' and now in partnering with Cathexis we are the first major vendor to offer an RFID-enabled CMMS," said Pat Conroy, President of MicroMain. "Cathexis' proven expertise in RFID and outstanding toolset matched our commitment to quality, and we are very pleased with Cathexis' rapid execution in helping bring this product first to market.
"Demand for RFID in maintenance is growing because it offers a rapid return on investment, especially in inspections, asset tracking, and inventory control," he added. "We are confident our RFID-enabled MicroMain XM will not only meet this market need, but also lead others to use radio frequency identification in maintenance management."
About Cathexis Innovations
Privately owned with headquarters in St. John's, Newfoundland Canada, Cathexis Innovations, Inc. (cathexis.ca) specializes in RFID middleware. Cathexis offers end-to-end system design and deployment; providing integration with all major RFID hardware vendors. Cathexis welcomes partnerships with industry leading companies in supply chain, preventive maintenance and retail (point of sale) through its technology, application and integration alliance program offerings. The Cathexis Alliance Programs provide a mechanism for partners to utilize RFID technology directly or to easily integrate RFID into their own products and services.
About MicroMain
MicroMain Corporation (www.micromain.com) provides award-winning asset and facility management software and services to organizations worldwide. All MicroMain products are delivered with complete source code, an unprecedented offering that gives each customer complete solution control and flexibility. With MicroMain's easy-to-use system, customers simplify the maintenance process with automated work orders, improved preventive maintenance scheduling, and enhanced asset tracking and inventory control, which reduces downtime and significantly lowers costs. MicroMain's data-enabled facility drawings and reports also enable professionals to better manage and extend facility operations. Founded in 1991 in Austin, Texas, MicroMain supports over 15,000 licenses in more than 4,700 facilities throughout the world.
MicroMain XM is a trademark of MicroMain Corporation. The RFID Engine is a trademark of Cathexis Innovations, Inc.
Cathexis Contact
Julie Young
Communication Manager
Cathexis Innovations Inc.
709-754-7343 x10
julie.young@cathexis.ca
MicroMain Contact
Karen Roller
Director of Public Relations
MicroMain Corporation
512-328-3235 x24
karenr@micromain.com
