How to Build Custom Reports in MPulse
CMMS reports provide the insight you need to accurately assess how your department is functioning—and where you can make changes. Custom report tools and software give you easy access to the numbers you need to make important decisions. A custom project report can help you run your maintenance team, as well as measure and use key performance indicators (KPIs). MPulse 9 comes with over 300 pre-configured text and graphical reports, so often you can find what you’re looking for easily. However, sometimes you need to build highly customized reports. Here’s how to create and manage custom reports in MPulse. Step 1: What Type of Report Do You Need? MPulse makes it easy to build custom reports internally. Start by choosing Report Widgets from the main menu. In the top left corner, you can choose the type of report you need (financial, production, planning, etc.). That gives you a good starting point to build your custom report. You also can change the type of report in the Report Area field at the top right side. Add any custom information to the Description field. Check Add to Dashboard if you want the report to display on your personal dashboard. Step 2: Set Parameters Now it’s time to use MPulse’s custom report builder tools to design your report. You can use MPulse’s custom report designer tools to quickly produce status reports and documents giving details or summaries of your team’s maintenance work. In the Data Area section, you have several choices. Select the Graphic Report Type you want. Choose the Record Area and Field you want for the x-axis of your chart. Pick the Display Range and Display Sort. Enter the Calculated Area and Calculated Field you want for the y-axis of your chart. Choose the Summary of Calculated Field #1 for the type of summary data you want. If you want a second calculated field, click on Add Calculated Field (#2) and follow the same steps to set the parameters. Step 3: Choose Options Under Options, you can… Click Show data labels, if you want to display labels. Set the Access Type to control who can access or edit the report. Step 4: Save the Report Click the Save button at the top right corner of the screen. With MPulse Software’s CMMS solutions, you can create simple, easy-to-read graphic reports with just a few clicks. Our reporting features enable you to… Select from over 300 pre-configured text and graphical reports Easily build your own reports in the MPulse Report Builder Customize your reports or create graphical views Produce status reports and documents giving details or summaries of your team’s maintenance work Create benchmarks for your organization With solid data and easy-to-read reports, your organization can make good decisions based on hard evidence, which also will improve its ability to compete effectively and efficiently. Contact us to learn more.
Five Things To Consider When Purchasing a CMMS
Choosing computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software can feel overwhelming. A little time thinking about “why” will go a long way towards successfully implementing CMMS software, whether it’s your first system or you’re a long-time user. So, we recommend spending a little time on answering these five questions first. #1: What Problem Am I Trying to Solve? When you purchase or upgrade CMMS software, you always have a problem, or a pain point, that you’re trying to solve. Usually, the catalysts for change fall into one of four pain points: Functional: A functional pain point occurs when an existing system isn’t delivering on a core maintenance-related function. Technological: A technological pain point occurs when the system you’re currently using is no longer a match for the way you need to conduct the management, execution, and tracking of maintenance. Organizational: Organizational pains are ones that “roll downhill” to you from other places in the organization. You inherit them from someone else who’s feeling pain and requires you to fix it. Scalability: Scalability pains are driven by organizational growth, which causes you to make system and process changes. It’s possible you will have more than one pain point too. The more specific you are about the problem, the easier it will be to find the right solution. #2: Who Will Be Affected by This Decision? The impact of your decisions will reach far beyond your immediate team, to a wide range of stakeholders. You should ask yourself how each one of these people is likely to be affected—and how they might react to the coming changes in systems or processes. Typically the people affected by this decision include.. Users IT Managers Senior Managers Procurement Finance Legal and Compliance Each one of these roles can have a huge influence on the success (or failure) of your maintenance management program. #3: How Will CMMS Software Help? Exactly how will a computerized maintenance management system benefit your organization? There’s no better way to determine if CMMS software is going to work for you than a software demo or trial. Although it may be tempting to skip this step because of the time commitment, it’s time and energy well spent to get the right software for you. Once you’ve identified three to five vendors in your price range, we recommend doing demos or trials with each one to get a good idea of the strengths and weaknesses. This type of hands-on testing often brings up questions that will help you refine your needs as you move towards finalizing pricing. You want to make the most of these software demos or trials, because they’ll likely be a big factor in your final decision. Here are our tips on making the most of software demos and trials… Include end users in each demo. They will have their own perspective as well as specific questions related to their needs. Write down a process script. Make sure you know what you want the vendor to cover before the demo occurs. Use scorecards. With the process script as your basis, use a scorecard to objectively compare different vendors. Debrief. Right after each demonstration, take the time to debrief with everyone who participated and make notes for things to research or ask the vendor. Don’t do too many. Too much of a good thing is still too much. Keep to your three-to-five limit. #4: How Much Will It Cost? Software prices vary significantly depending on your needs and the size of your operations. Typically, you’ll pay for the base software and then the number of licenses you need. Advanced features also will add to the cost. Start by asking sales reps to provide price-range estimates. The more specific you are about your needs, the more accurate those estimates will be. These price range estimates will tell you if their product is a good fit. Then you can move forward with the companies who sell software in your budget range. You can ask a sales rep to refine the pricing as you get more specific about your needs. The cost of CMMS software is more than just the price of the software itself. When you ask for a CMMS software quote, make sure it includes… Startup training Integration services Data migration from legacy systems Hosting Maintenance/support agreements Calculate the five-year total cost of ownership of all these things to get an accurate comparison. Typically, there are two ways to purchase CMMS software. Subscription pricing is also known as Software as a Service, or “SaaS.” When you opt for SaaS, you’re renting the software for a monthly or yearly fee. SaaS is a common option today—but it may not be the best one for you. #5: What Other Things Will I Need? Choosing a CMMS software vendor is twofold—you obviously want one that offers the right product, but it’s also vital to find the one who can help you get the software up and running. Even if the software is great, if you don’t know how to use it effectively, it’s like not having CMMS software at all. CMMS customization and integration with existing software present two big expenses. Implementation and ongoing maintenance have real costs as well. Make sure you factor in all of these expenses during the early stages of your CMMS deployment. As part of your evaluations, consider each vendor’s offerings for training, implementation, and support. You want to work with a company that can meet your needs today—and tomorrow. When you find the right CMMS software for your team, you’re on your way to creating an efficient and productive maintenance department that can cope with the constant change of modern maintenance. And that’s the bigger goal of every maintenance manager, whether they work for a small business, a government agency, or a large enterprise. Have questions? Contact us. We’re here to help.
How To Integrate Microsoft Excel Into MPulse
Since its release in 1985, Microsoft Excel has become a standard tool of organizations in every industry. Nearly everyone uses an Excel spreadsheet for something. From financial details to business analytics to project budgets, many companies store a great deal of data in Excel spreadsheets. And that data often needs to be shared. Microsoft Excel Data Integration with MPulse It’s highly likely that your maintenance team is already very familiar with Microsoft Excel. For instance, Excel spreadsheets are commonly used in the maintenance department for budgeting and financial tracking. Many teams also use it for maintenance scheduling—until their needs outstrip the limitations of Excel and they turn to CMMS software. Luckily, you can integrate any data stored in Microsoft Excel with MPulse in just a few clicks. MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter feature makes it easy, enabling users to do things like… Import data to the CMMS software from files, databases, or other applications Export data from the CMMS software to other applications, files, or databases Schedule imports and exports based on times or file changesSave “mapping profiles” to your data sources and targets Software integration enables you or your IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out, depending on your needs. MPulse DataLink Integration Adapter simplifies data sharing, making it easier to achieve. Benefits of Integrating Microsoft Excel Tight integration between CMMS software and your other business-critical applications like Microsoft Excel will do more than reduce hassle. You’ll also enjoy these benefits… Fewer errors due to manual data entry Reduced data input redundancy Faster response times to maintenance problems Near real-time monitoring of critical data The ability to grow with your company’s changing technologies Above all, data sharing between MPulse CMMS and Microsoft Excel goes a long way in keeping your maintenance department running smoothly. That saves your team a lot of time, while reducing errors and making information available faster. Note that data integration differs from one-time import/exports, which commonly occur during CMMS software implementation. Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us for more information about simple ways to connect Excel to an MPulse database.
How To Expand MPulse To Your Accounting Department
Maintenance costs money, and your accounting folks work hard to stay on top of the finances—from purchasing and inventory to payroll and capital expenditures. While MPulse CMMS software holds clear advantages for the maintenance team, your accounting department can also benefit. And, expanding software across departments is probably easier than you think. How Can I Expand MPulse to My Accounting Department? New data integration tools make integrating software across departments possible for a CMMS to share and receive data with other applications. Now you can easily link MPulse with other systems, including ERP and accounting software, and more. Our DataLink Integration Adapter enables your MPulse administrator or local IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out of MPulse using a familiar, intuitive interface. MPulse can easily exchange data with any Excel, .txt, .csv, SQL Server, or XML Web Services data store. You can map and schedule data transfers and from numerous data sources outside the application. You can integrate MPulse with other software in four different ways… Import data to MPulse from files, databases, or other applications Export data from MPulse to other applications, files, or databases Schedule imports and exports based on times or file changes Save unlimited “mapping profiles” to your data sources and targets The Growing Importance Of Data Integration Between Accounting and Maintenance The maintenance and accounting departments interact constantly. As a result, tight integration between MPulse and your accounting applications and data stores will do more than reduce hassle. You’ll also enjoy these benefits… Fewer errors due to manual data entry Reduced data input redundancy Faster response times to maintenance problems Near real-time monitoring of critical data The ability to grow with your company’s changing technologies With that increased capability comes increased opportunity to improve organizational performance in both departments—while also improving financial planning and reporting structures. Importance of Collaborative Projects Between Maintenance and Accounting Expanding software across departments enables both your maintenance and your accounting teams to benefit from the ability to collaborate. Both departments will benefit from easy access to data to make decisions. Large businesses have been using data-driven management for decades, but now it’s easy for smaller organizations to jump on the data train with software integration tools. Whether your organization is small or large, MPulse can help you integrate software across departments without expensive IT consultants or programming experience. For example, read how this MPulse customer is using our DataLink tool to link MPulse with their financial software: “It just works.” Have questions? We have answers. Contact us.
What’s the “Best Of Breed” System And Do You Need It?
Organizations use multiple types of software for different purposes. But what works for one department might not be the right fit for another. While managers may lean towards finding a solution that works for multiple purposes, integrating best of breed solutions instead can improve productivity for everyone. A “Best of Breed” system is needed. What’s “Best of Breed” Software? Best of breed software refers to the top application for a specific purpose or niche. It performs specialized functions better than an integrated system. However it’s also limited by its specialty area. For example, your finance or accounting department needs software that provides features like billing, invoicing, time keeping, payroll, purchase orders, etc. Other departments, like maintenance, don’t need these functions. Instead, they’ll need their own special software to get their work done. However, financial data and maintenance data are closely linked. As a result, integrating two best of breed systems offers the advantages of both. Why Do I Want a “Best of Breed” System for Maintenance? Using a best of breed system helps you complete maintenance tasks as efficiently as possible. CMMS software contains many features the maintenance team will need—such as links to manuals and vendor websites, work order history, inventory information, asset details, etc. As a result, It will perform maintenance-related functions better than an integrated system. CMMS software can help you make better decisions based on maintenance data and answer business-critical questions. For example, you’ll know exactly how much money each work order or asset type costs your business in maintenance for a specified timeframe, and certain questions can be quickly answered: What type of maintenance do I spend the most on? How does the cost of preventive maintenance compare to repair costs? If I run this report for a different time period, like last year, are there significant changes by category? Beyond general questions, you can formulate precise questions that’ll lead to a more informed decision-making process. Why are my machining maintenance costs so high? What new equipment needs to be purchased, if any? How much will the new equipment cost compared to the current maintenance expense? Will I save money over time by purchasing new equipment? How much? Why Shouldn’t I Use an ERP? If your organization uses enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, some stakeholders may tell you it can handle your maintenance needs too. ERP software is a system of integrated applications to manage and automate many functions related to accounting, human resources, sales, planning, and inventory. But it often performs poorly as a tool for managing other functions—like maintenance. Many organizations discover that their ERP doesn’t provide easy-to-use tools to get all jobs done—like maintenance management—without excessive system overhead, user antagonism, time, and cost. That’s a big problem for the maintenance department, where the tools you use directly affect your efficiency and productivity. When you aren’t using the right tool, it takes longer to do the job—and sometimes it’s even impossible. What If I Need Departments to Work Together? More and more companies are realizing that syncing best of breed systems offers the added bonuses of better user tools, as well as cheaper and significantly easier implementation. For example, many of our MPulse customers have an ERP in place, and the maintenance team uses MPulse as their best of breed software. A CMMS helps you see accurate, complete data, and this data can be applied directly to purchasing or other important organizational decisions through systems integration. As a result, the executive team gets the data they want, and the maintenance department uses the best tool for their jobs. Everyone’s happy. Data integration offers organizations benefits like… Fewer errors due to manual data entry Reduced data input redundancy Faster response times to maintenance problems Near real-time monitoring of critical data The ability to grow with your organization’s changing technologies. In our modern world, efficiency is everything. Integrating best of breed systems can improve productivity for everyone. Have questions? Contact us. We can help. [related-content]
How To Integrate XML Web Services Into MPulse
The flexibility of web services make it a popular choice for business applications. Using web services for application integration enables software written in various programming languages and running on different platforms to exchange data over computer networks like the Internet. Extensible markup language (XML) is the most common data format associated with web services, but it is not the only data format available. The web services framework does not depend on any particular data format, so it can operate across a range of data formats. As a general purpose document format, XML provides a structured mechanism to encode machine-readable information. In addition, humans can easily read XML documents, making them easy to create and edit. As a result, XML web service integration with software holds multiple benefits. And the good news, you can easily integrate XML web services into MPulse. What Are Web Services? Web services are described as communication between business servers, typically initiated by the interaction of a user through a web site. But the technology that makes up web services doesn’t depend on the Internet or web browsers. Web services exchange data between disparate systems that are not developed by the same parties. These systems can use different programming languages and run on vastly different hardware, but they can exchange data in a system-independent way. So, system-independent data formats are central to the web services framework. And that’s very helpful for any organization that wants to integrate web services with other software applications. Integrating Web Services You can integrate MPulse with XML web services in just a few clicks. MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter feature makes this integration easy, enabling users to do things like… Import data to the CMMS software from files, databases, or other applications Export data from the CMMS software to other applications, files, or databases Schedule imports and exports based on times or file changes Save “mapping profiles” to your data sources and targets Software integration enables you or your IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out, depending on your needs. MPulse DataLink Integration Adapter simplifies data sharing, making it easier to achieve. Benefits of Web Service Integration Tight integration between CMMS software and your other business-critical applications and data stores using XML web services will do more than reduce hassle. You’ll also enjoy these benefits… Fewer errors due to manual data entry Reduced data input redundancy Faster response times to maintenance problems Near real-time monitoring of critical data The ability to grow with your company’s changing technologies Above all, data sharing between MPulse CMMS and XML web services goes a long way in keeping your maintenance department running smoothly. For example, Internet of Things (IoT) devices use web service technology to share information—like the automated data collection from sensors to CMMS software. That saves your team a lot of time, while reducing errors and making information available faster. Note that data integration differs from one-time import/exports, which commonly occur during CMMS software implementation. Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us for more information about integrating XML web services and MPulse CMMS software.
Should You Expand MPulse To Other Departments?
While MPulse CMMS software holds clear advantages for the maintenance team, other departments can benefit as well. And, expanding software across departments is probably easier than you think. Until recently, getting all your applications to share data required teams of highly skilled technical consultants and weeks or months of work—sometimes with questionable results. New data integration tools make integrating software across departments possible for a CMMS to share and receive data with other applications. Now you can easily link MPulse with other systems, such as ERP and accounting software, predictive maintenance monitors, building automation systems, and more. How Can I Expand MPulse CMMS Software to Other Departments? MPulse DataLink Integration Adapter can meet virtually any data integration need, because it’s compatible with a wide array of file and data exchange formats. For example, you might want to integrate MPulse with spreadsheets, other databases, ERP systems, accounting systems, PLCs, electronic meters, and more. Our DataLink Integration Adapter enables your MPulse administrator or local IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out of MPulse using a familiar, intuitive interface. MPulse CMMS software can easily exchange data with any Excel, .txt, .csv, SQL Server, or XML Web Services data store. You can map and schedule data transfers and from numerous data sources outside the application. You can integrate MPulse with other software in four different ways… Import data to MPulse from files, databases, or other applications Export data from MPulse to other applications, files, or databases Schedule imports and exports based on times or file changes Save unlimited “mapping profiles” to your data sources and targets The Growing Importance of Data Integration Between Departments The maintenance department is in the unique position of interacting with most, if not all, other departments. So, tight integration between MPulse CMMS software and other business-critical applications and data stores will do more than reduce hassle. You’ll also enjoy these benefits… Fewer errors due to manual data entry Reduced data input redundancy Faster response times to maintenance problems Near real-time monitoring of critical data The ability to grow with your company’s changing technologies Additionally, technological advances continue to make more and more detailed, relevant data available. And with that increased capability comes increased opportunity to improve organizational performance at all levels, and in all departments—including the maintenance team. Collaborative Project Management Importance Building collaboration helps your employees communicate and work together on projects across functional and departmental lines. Expanding software across departments enables your entire organization to benefit from the ability to collaborate. As a result, all departments can benefit from easy access to data to make decisions, also called data-driven management. Large businesses have been using data-driven management for decades, but now it’s easy for smaller organizations to jump on the data train with software integration tools. Whether your organization is small or large, MPulse CMMS software can help you integrate software across departments without expensive IT consultants or programming experience. Read how this MPulse customer is using our Datalink tool to link MPulse with their financial software: “It just works.” Have questions? We have answers. Contact us.
Three Steps To A Successful CMMS Implementation
After you’ve successfully completed your CMMS purchase, the next step is turning that into a successful CMMS implementation. But, it’s likely you’re feeling some pressure. The same managers you worked with during the buying process will now be asking, “When will I see the benefits of CMMS implementation?” Get tips for a successful CMMS implementation from the people who’ve done it—our MPulse team customers. A Step-By-Step Guide To Achieving A Successful CMMS Implementation Step 1: Prioritize Requirements The three steps to a successful CMMS implementation start with planning and prioritization. Determine what you need from others in your organization for implementation. List each department that must do something to support the CMMS rollout. These departments typically include IT, maintenance, operations, and finance. For each department, write down the information you need them to provide and/or the tasks they need to complete. For example, does IT need to increase network bandwidth? Do users in operations need to complete training? Will maintenance test the system? Prioritize the information needed or task. You’ll need some assignments to get started. You can schedule others for a later phase. Also determine what tasks need to be completed before other tasks can start. For example, system testing should happen before rolling out user training. Step 2: Remind Users and Managers of the Value Keeping stakeholders informed and involved through the initial unveiling phase is one of the most important steps to successful CMMS implementation. That includes reminding departments about the benefits this new CMMS software will provide them. Perhaps operations and production departments/teams were promised better service at reduced cost from the maintenance team. Maybe senior management and finance were promised a good return on investment. IT may have been promised an easy fit with their server and network infrastructure, and responsive vendor support. Use this information to communicate to each team specifically on what you’ll need from them to achieve these goals. Step 3: Set Goals and Timeline After Step 1 and Step 2, you’ll know what you need, who you need it from, and when you need it. In Step 3, you’ll set goals and a timeline. Take each task, and use SMART goal criteria to set implementation goals that are… Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-bound Make goals as specific as possible to set mutual expectations clearly and keep your implementation project on track. When you’re feeling the pressure, remember your much bigger goal—and the reason you started this implementation process in the first place. And ask for help. If you have questions, we have the answers. It just takes a phone call. Want more information about CMMS implementations? Contact us or download our Successful CMMS Implementation Guide.
Education Maintenance Software: What You Need to Know
Education maintenance software does more than just manage maintenance tasks. It also helps school districts protect their community’s investment in education. And as many maintenance professionals know, school maintenance has changed a great deal over time. As budgets tightened, many school districts have adopted a strategy of simply fixing what broke to work within financial restrictions. At the same time, aging infrastructure often complicated maintenance issues. So, as many discovered, reactive maintenance wasn’t the best strategy to make the most of what they had. Education maintenance software helped improve maintenance strategies with… Preventive Maintenance Schedules The software will generate a schedule of PM tasks, making it simpler to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Properly maintained assets perform more efficiently, use less energy, and fail less often, therefore extending their usable life. It can also help prevent serious problems that arise because of neglect, as well as delay more expensive maintenance. Work Order Management Education systems need to spend their money and their time wisely. Work order management helps them get the highest priority work done while making sure lower priority work doesn’t slip through the cracks. Education maintenance software helps teams easily receive work orders from requesters, enter requests manually, and automate tasks via their preventive maintenance program. Service Requesting Education maintenance software gives your team the ability to receive, manage, and update service requests from unlimited requesters. Then managers can simply approve, assign, schedule, and manage maintenance requests for staff members or vendors. Plus, automated confirmations can be customized and sent to requesters, managers, and technicians. Documentation Education maintenance software documents all maintenance-related activity, including building assets, employees, maintenance tasks, work order types, trades, departments, and more. That helps your team track costs for everything — from boilers, HVAC systems, alarms, and backflow testing to grounds, painting, carpentry, and building renovations. Reports Reporting comes with the territory for public maintenance operations. Reporting features in education maintenance software can help you capture individual facility costs, average work order time, productivity data, and more—all of which contribute to yearly budget projections and other reports for internal departments and management. [related-content] Maintenance managers know education maintenance is more than taking care of buildings and equipment. It plays a huge role in the well-being of students, teachers, and administrators. Contact us to learn how MPulse can help your organization.
Benefits of Unlimited CMMS User Licenses
Traditionally, software is sold as a per-seat license. You’ve probably been buying software this way since your first computer. Of course, per-seat licensing requires you to buy another software license when you hire a new employee, shift a current employee’s responsibilities, or increase your staff. But that’s not efficient for large companies with a lot of employees who play different, and often changing, roles. What’s a ULA? An unlimited license agreement (ULA) is an arrangement in which a software user pays a single up-front fee to get as many licenses as they want for a specified set of software products over a fixed time frame. It’s a popular option for businesses who know their team is expanding during that time period. Benefits of Unlimited Software License Agreements ULA agreements work best for companies that expect growth through normal business operations. It makes it easier to be a multi-location business and not worry about user caps. For companies expecting to grow during a specific period of time, a ULA offers… significant cost savings more convenience easier management and administration MPulse Infinity Tier MPulse created our Infinity Tier—unlimited CMMS software licenses, so you never have to worry about software licenses again. The MPulse Infinity Tier is available with all our software editions, whether you decide to purchase or go with SaaS, and whether you choose locally installed or hosted. You also can combine MPulse Infinity Tier with our Role-Based Access Control feature to help your organization control access to specific CMMS information based on a user’s role and responsibilities. Unlimited License Agreements vs. Concurrent Licensing For smaller companies, MPulse’s concurrent user licensing is a different approach with the potential to save you money. The number of concurrent user licenses you need is based on the number of users accessing the software at the same time. Let’s say your team has 30 people. You have 18 people on the day shift—10 technicians, three parts room employees, two admin assistants, one foreman, you, and your boss. On the night shift, you have another 10 technicians, one parts room employee, and one foreman. Because not all users will be accessing the system at the same time, you can reduce the number of software licenses you need by more than a third. So you’re not paying extra for users who use the software at different times or only need access occasionally. Want to know if MPulse Infinity Tier or concurrent licensing is the best choice for your organization? Contact us. We’re here to help.