Maintenance Software Module works with Pocket PC.
Press Release Summary:
Microsoft .NET-connected xmMOBILE(TM) software module allows maintenance personnel to streamline operations by using Pocket PCs to convey data related to maintenance tasks and inspections. Maintenance technicians can download work orders to Pocket PCs, complete tasks, enter time, note details such as parts or tools used, and update work order at point of work performance. At end of work shift, data may be uploaded back into main database.
Original Press Release:
MicroMain Launches Maintenance Module for Pocket PC
xmMOBILE Is First Microsoft .NET-connected Application
(November 13, 2003) AUSTIN, TX - MicroMain Corporation, a leading provider of asset and facility management software and services, today announced the launch of xmMOBILE(TM), its first Microsoft .NET-connected application. This new software module allows maintenance personnel to streamline operations by using Pocket PCs to convey data related to maintenance tasks and inspections.
MicroMain was one of the first maintenance management companies to offer a software module, based on the Palm OS®, for PDA-based work orders and inspections. The new xmMOBILE for Pocket PC module not only takes advantage of Microsoft .NET technology and the Pocket PC operating system, but it also provides customers additional features aimed at improving the maintenance process. MicroMain will release xmMOBILE for Palm OS in Q104.
Used with MicroMain XM(TM)-MicroMain's flagship computerized maintenance management (CMMS)/enterprise asset management (EAM) system-the new xmMOBILE module enables users to send data from MicroMain XM to the Pocket PC and then upload data back from the mobile device to MicroMain XM. In a typical work day, maintenance technicians would use the module to download work orders to their Pocket PCs, complete the tasks, enter time, note details such as parts or tools used, and update the work order right at the point of work performance. At the end of their work shift, the technicians would then upload the data back into the main database.
Many of the work orders generated using xmMOBILE are used for inspections. These inspections could be used, for example, to ensure equipment uptime at manufacturing plants or to report regulatory compliance at health-care facilities. Maintenance personnel use their Pocket PCs to access the inspection work order and enter data including "passed" or "failed" status, action taken, rating, measurement, and comments.
"Our customers will be able to take mobile maintenance to a new level of efficiency with xmMOBILE," said Pat Conroy, President of MicroMain. "By eliminating paperwork and manual data entry, they'll see marked improvement in productivity. This, of course, results in bottom-line savings."
One way maintenance personnel accomplish more work in less time is apparent in the field. Using xmMOBILE, maintenance technicians can create new work orders on the fly to address additional maintenance needs they encounter. The technicians can complete an assigned work order and also correct other maintenance problems in the same period of time, recording the new work using a Pocket PC.
The new module also supports bar code scanning to save time. Using xmMOBILE, a maintenance technician can scan a bar code on an asset, such as an air conditioner or drill press, and xmMOBILE will display all work orders for the specific equipment. If no work orders exist for the equipment, a new work order can be generated on the Pocket PC. Other features in xmMOBILE include updating asset meter readings and using labor or activity cost and charge information when assigning labor to work order activities. With this module, the same labor or the same part can be assigned multiple times to the same work order. Users can also download lookup table data to the Pocket PC for field pick lists, which offer many filtering options including limiting assets by property building or limiting parts by class.
"The xmMOBILE module is our first Microsoft .NET-connected application," said Conroy. "As one of the very first Microsoft certified partners, we have always taken advantage of Microsoft's latest technologies to provide the highest level of functionality and ease of use for our customers. Developing xmMOBILE was the first step in porting all of our products to .NET."
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 14,000 licenses in more than 4,500 facilities throughout the world. MicroMain, MicroMain XM, and xmMOBILE are trademarks of MicroMain Corporation. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Palm OS is a registered trademark of PalmSource, Inc., a subsidiary of Palm, Inc.
Contact
Karen Roller
Director of Public Relations
MicroMain Corporation
512-328-3235 x24
karenr@micromain.com
Copyright © 2003 MicroMain Corporation. All rights reserved.
