Integrating Microsoft SQL Server Into MPulse
Sometimes your maintenance team needs data from other departments, which use different software. And, other departments often need your maintenance data in their systems too. One common data source is Microsoft SQL Server, a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. Microsoft SQL Server supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence and analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Software integration between Microsoft SQL Server and MPulse makes it easier to gather and share data between the different systems. Luckily, using the Microsoft SQL Server with MPulse is easy, with a little help from MPulse DataLink. Connecting Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services and MPulse As a database server, Microsoft SQL Server’s primary function is storing and retrieving data as requested by other software applications. Sometimes those applications run on the same computer, or other times they connect across a network and/or the Internet. Microsoft markets at least a dozen different editions of Microsoft SQL Server aimed at different audiences, and for workloads ranging from small single-machine applications to large Internet-facing applications with many concurrent users. Software integration with your edition of Microsoft SQL Server and your MPulse CMMS software enables you or your IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out, depending on your needs. MPulse connects to a SQL server analysis services database via MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter feature. That 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 Benefits of Integrating with Microsoft SQL Server Tight integration between CMMS software and your other business-critical applications and data stores like Microsoft SQL Server 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, MPulse DataLink Integration tools provide an easy way to connect your MPulse CMMS bi-directionally with Microsoft SQL Server, as well as accounting systems, meters and gauges, or other critical data sources. As a result, data sharing between MPulse CMMS and Microsoft SQL Server goes a long way in keeping your maintenance department running smoothly. Note that data integration is different from one-time import/exports, which commonly occur when the CMMS software is first integrated. Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us for more information about integrating Microsoft SQL Server and MPulse CMMS software.
Expand Your CMMS To Multiple Locations
Expand your CMMS to multiple locations easily and avoid unique challenges. You want to ensure your maintenance processes, reporting needs, and data are the same at each site. As a result, you need careful planning for a successful implementation across all locations. Start by following our tips for successfully implementing a multi-site CMMS system. 10 Steps to a Successful Multi-Site CMMS Implementation Putting CMMS software in place across multiple locations can seem daunting. Follow these 10 steps to get through planning, data migration, training, and “go-live” day on each site. 1. Define your successful implementation You need to know where you’re going to get there. Take the time to visualize the end result, so you have a goal in mind before you start. Who will use the software and why? What data do you need to collect? What reports do you need? Who will be in charge of what at each location? 2. Define user groups and workflows Develop a detailed list of each user group (i.e., managers, technicians, administrators, support personnel, IT, etc.) and how they’ll use the system. Also, identify different user groups at different locations, if necessary. 3. Determine what data needs to be imported You might have old data that you want to include in a new system. Identify that data now. Note that some people prefer to start fresh. Your legacy data and old work orders remain where they are for historical reference, and you simply add assets, parts, and preventive maintenance schedules to the new system. 4. Review and/or import data collection Clean data pays off in accurate reporting later. Start by taking the extra step of reviewing the data before you import it. Sometimes you can do this task yourself or enlist the help of a power user or an internal IT specialist. But if that’s not the case, hire some help. 5. Design reports and a database layout With CMMS software, every work order builds up a treasure trove of maintenance data in your CMMS database. Your long-term goal should be to turn your maintenance data reports into actionable insight. Know what you need to know. That will help you design the data you collect and the way you report on it. 6. Develop a training plan and curriculum Probably one of the most important—and overlooked—steps is training. However, teaching your staff members to use your new CMMS software pays off with every work order. Data accuracy and speed will improve, and your job will be easier because of it. Look to your CMMS vendor for help, if you need it. 7. Choose the flagship location to serve as the primary site model for implementation Pick one location that will serve as the flagship site. You’ll go through the implementation process here first. Identify problems, and get them worked out now, before you go live with your new CMMS software. 8. Test primary site model and make revisions as necessary Verify if all field names are correct; the correct data is in the correct fields; assets lists are complete; parts and inventory lists are complete; scheduled tasks have transferred correctly; and key historical data is available. If you need to make changes, this is the time to do it. 9. Go live You made it! As your team starts using the software for their work, take the time to make sure everything worked the way you wanted. The work you put in here will pay off when it’s time to duplicate the process at another location. 10. Repeat for each additional location Take your implementation plan from your primary site and repeat for each site. The Essential Guide to a Multi-Site CMMS If you want to standardize your workflow processes and reporting across locations, MPulse Multisite Connector will get you there. You can save time and money at every site (and for the organization as a whole) by using MPulse to… Track work orders, breakdowns, asset health, and other key metrics Streamline stocking, ordering, and other inventory processes Gather and report data Need help? We’re here for you. The MPulse Multi-site Implementation Program (MSIP) is a CMMS implementation program designed to take you from software purchase through successful implementation across two or more site locations, without missing any critical steps along the way. If you want to standardize your workflow processes and reporting across locations, this MPulse implementation program will get you there. MPulse MSIP gets you through planning, data migration, training, and “go-live” day on each site. As a result, your processes, reporting needs, data types, and data imports are the same at each location. Then we provide tailored recommendations and follow-up so you can measure your progress against goals. Designed to accelerate your software implementation and reduce your ramp-up time, MPulse MSIP minimizes disruptions and helps you achieve a faster return on investment. [related-content] Learn more about how an enterprise CMMS can help you manage multiple locations. Contact us.
CMMS Software and 21 CFR 11 Compliance, Part 2: The Tools You Need
My last post detailed CMMS software’s role in Title 21 CFR Part 11 compliance certification. In this blog, I’ll discuss why CMMS software is a great tool for companies looking to achieve 21 CFR 11 compliance certification, as well as other regulatory certifications like ISO, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc. If you recall, our friend Eric, a maintenance manager at a biotech company, was researching a maintenance software upgrade when his coworker brought up 21 CFR 11 compliance—a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standard detailing how the agency will accept electronic records and electronic signatures as the equivalent to corresponding paper records. We learned about the three Title 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requirements (procedural, administrative, and technical controls) as well as the capability of CMMS software as a powerful tool for the technical controls of a compliant system. But what are those technical controls, and how does MPulse CMMS software support them? How Does CMMS Software Help with Title 21 CFR 11 Compliance? CMMS software excels at tracking the details of your increasingly complex maintenance operation. Because for regulatory agencies, if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen. MPulse Software, Inc helps promote and maintain CMMS compliance with the features your maintenance team needs, including… User-defined permissions, access, and login control that can integrate with your active directory Electronic signature support with limited access to a specific signature field to enter approval Preventive maintenance scheduling and documentation Corrective maintenance tracking and documentation Robust compliance reporting capabilities Automated data collection and archived work history Documentation of processes and procedures Hosting capability for third-party software that creates audit trails. It’s All About the Data CMMS software provides a reliable central repository for your maintenance and safety data. That’s why CMMS software is the right solution to help companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, or related industries cope with complex requirements like 21 CFR 11. With MPulse Software, Inc, you’ll have a traceable history of completed maintenance tasks and documented policies to prove to the FDA that you’re acting in accordance with 21 CFR 11 requirements. And the best thing is, once you get your MPulse CMMS software set up correctly, the documentation takes care of itself, so you can focus on other important things—like maintenance. Learn more about how MPulse’s CMMS Media Management Feature can assist you with all your documents and files. We’re all in this together. What’s your experience with 21 CFR 11 compliance in the maintenance field? Leave a comment or contact me.
How to Roll Up Data From Your Multi-Location Business
Managing maintenance across multiple locations holds unique challenges. Any organization with more than one location needs multi-site management strategies that actually work. CMMS software can help you standardize your workflow processes and reporting across locations. For example, these locations may include different storerooms, warehouses, offices, buildings, territories, regions, areas, etc. Here’s our how-to guide on how businesses with multiple locations/businesses can roll up their data to get a bird’s eye view of the business. How to Manage Multiple Business Locations The best way for multi-location brands to manage local business data is to connect all the locations across your distributed enterprise with the right software. As a result, you can have truly global settings, global reporting, and enterprise-wide inventory search and transfer. MPulse Multisite Connector provides a universal framework to connect all the locations across your distributed enterprise. Thus, you’ll know what’s going on at every site across the company with just a few clicks. With each work order or purchase request, MPulse collects the data you need for making cost-effective decisions. Data collection and reports are customizable, so you collect the information you need. Most importantly, when an emergency arises, Multisite Connector makes it easy to access this critical data when you need it most. How to Effectively Run a Multi-Location Management Strategy Multisite Connector ensures your maintenance processes, reporting needs, and data are the same at each location. Three major features are vital to any organization managing maintenance data in multiple sites. These features are… Enterprise Asset Status Board: Provides a single-screen graphical view that shows the health of assets across your enterprise. Enterprise Inventory Transfer Manager: Enables you to find inventory in storerooms across your enterprise, so your maintenance team can request, retrieve, and fulfill in a smooth transfer process. Enterprise Reporting: Create roll-up reporting across MPulse instances and across your entire enterprise, helping your organization make decisions based on hard data. Improve Location Management with MPulse’s Multisite Connector Tool Multisite Connector can provide a guide to managing data for multi-location brands. Therefore, you can save time and money at every site (and for the organization as a whole) by using MPulse Multisite Connector to… Track work orders, breakdowns, asset health, and other key metrics Streamline stocking, ordering, and other inventory processes Gather and report data You might think that only large organizations can afford a tool as powerful as Multisite Connector. However, MPulse has customers of all sizes who are reaping the benefits of standardizing maintenance across sites or locations. Learn about MPulse’s full range of available software features and how to reap the rewards of CMMS software across your entire enterprise. Contact us today to find out how MPulse can help with digital brand management strategies for multi-locations.
Three Reasons You Don’t Need Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance (PdM) sounds like a maintenance manager’s dream. Want to know when your equipment starts to break down and fix it before it actually fails? Sign us up. Predictive maintenance is gaining more attention as organizations want sensors on key assets and use the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect the data to feed into their CMMS software. CMMS combined with IoT is an excellent way to help maintenance teams to foresee asset failure and proactively perform maintenance. But predictive maintenance isn’t for everyone. Here are three predictive maintenance challenges to consider before you make the move. Top Obstacles to Overcome when Implementing Predictive Maintenance Expense and ROI One of the biggest problems with predictive maintenance—and the top obstacle to implementing it—is the cost. Predictive maintenance requires a combination of gauges, meters, or other measurement techniques like infrared thermography, vibration analysis, or lubrication analysis. Plus, you need to store the data in CMMS. All those things cost money. Like any business investment, you need to calculate the return on investment (ROI) to determine if the cost will pay off in the long run. Technical Knowledge When real-time data is added to the CMMS software, either remotely or manually, its true potential is realized. But that requires some technical knowledge to use it correctly. With CMMS software, you can capture, store, and organize data for reports and predictive analytical tools. You’ll get alarms and alerts for current conditions that indicate future problems, enabling you to take action before the equipment breaks. Additionally, the real-time data is logged in the CMMS system with the rest of the maintenance data, putting it in context, and giving you much more powerful information about your assets. This information increases in value over time because prior failure patterns can predict future failure patterns. But all the data in the world doesn’t do you any good if you don’t, or can’t, make it work for you. Time If there’s one thing that’s in short supply around the maintenance department, it’s time. Implementing predictive maintenance requires time to research solutions, convince management, overcome concerns and obstacles, buy equipment, set it up, test it, train employees, and much more. Again, if the ROI doesn’t pencil out, predictive maintenance isn’t for you. Are any of these problems with predictive maintenance preventing you from moving forward? That’s okay. A solid preventive maintenance program may be enough for you. If these don’t apply, however, learn more about how MPulse can help you. Contact us.
Integrating Oracle into MPulse CMMS Software
Data sharing goes a long way in keeping your maintenance department running smoothly. While your CMMS software gathers and reports on maintenance data, sometimes you also need data from other departments, which use different software. And, other departments often need your maintenance data in their systems too. Software system integration can help you with both these situations. System Integration and CMMS Software integration brings different types of software together, therefore making it easier to gather and share data between different systems. Common business situations where software integration with CMMS software makes sense include integrating financial data from the finance department, or employee data from human resources. These days, every company relies on an assortment of systems to capture, store, and report on activities and transactions across the enterprise. Oracle is one common system used by many organizations, for instance. CMMS Integration with Oracle Oracle, from Oracle Corporation, is a relational database management system. For example, Oracle’s different product editions include several options like Standard Edition, Enterprise Edition, Express Edition, and Personal Edition, depending on the user’s need. This multi-model relational database management system is mainly designed for enterprise grid computing and data warehousing. Its database is also known as simply Oracle also. Software integration with Oracle and your CMMS software enables you or your IT team to quickly and easily move data in and out, depending on your needs. MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter feature easily integrates with Oracle, 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 Benefits of Integrating with Oracle Tight integration between CMMS software and your other business-critical applications and data stores like Oracle 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, MPulse DataLink Integration tools provide an easy way to connect your MPulse CMMS bi-directionally with Oracle, as well as accounting systems, meters and gauges, or other critical data sources. Note that data integration is different from one-time import/exports, which commonly occur when the CMMS software is first integrated. Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us for more information about integrating Oracle and MPulse CMMS software.
Has COVID-19 Changed OSHA Regulations for Your Business?
Many businesses are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. A new OSHA guidance for industries related to COVID-19 can apply to obvious organizations like healthcare facilities and retail, and not-so-obvious ones like manufacturing, service providers, and offices. While states may have different guidelines, OSHA has issued temporary enforcement guidance related to COVID-19. New COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidance from OSHA COVID-19 can be a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties. However, employers must record cases of COVID-19 only if all of the following are true: The case is a confirmed case of COVID-19. (Refer to the CDC for the latest information on persons under investigation and presumptive positive and laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19.) The case is work-related (as defined by 29 CFR 1904.5). The case involves one or more of the general recording criteria set forth in 29 CFR 1904.7 (e.g., medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work). Guidance on Preparing Workplaces Preparing workplaces to new OSHA guidelines requires maintaining records in accordance with current standards. Using CMMS software to log employee incidents properly allows you to present the solid documentation that OSHA demands. OSHA recordkeeping requirements mandate employers must record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log (29 CFR Part 1904). Employers should also consult OSHA’s latest enforcement memos for recording cases of COVID-19. Other Related OSHA Regulations Other OSHA requirements apply to preventing occupational exposure to COVID-19. Among the most relevant are: OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I), and, in construction, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart E), which require using gloves, eye and face protection, and respiratory protection when job hazards warrant it. When respirators are necessary to protect workers, employers must implement a comprehensive respiratory protection program in accordance with the Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134). The General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, 29 USC 654(a)(1), which requires employers to furnish to each worker “employment and a place of employment, which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials that typically do not include respiratory secretions that may contain SARS-CoV-2 (unless visible blood is present). However, the provisions of the standard offer a framework that may help control some sources of the virus, including exposures to body fluids (e.g., respiratory secretions) not covered by the standard. States may have other standards and enforcement programs, which should be at least as effective as OSHA’s requirements. However, these state standards may have different or more stringent requirements. Check with your state to make sure you’re following the latest guidelines. Have questions? Contact us. We’re here for you.
Unlock The Most Advanced CMMS Features
Basic CMMS software won’t be enough for many maintenance organizations. Unlock advanced CMMS features to experience maximum benefit. You’ll often save money by purchasing a premium edition that includes advanced features instead of adding them to your software one at a time. Use this list to find a comprehensive CMMS solution with advanced features to meet your organization’s unique requirements. List of Advanced CMMS Features Implementing these features helps your organization reap all the advantages of CMMS software. They include… Advanced Reporting Advanced reporting supports customizable list view and graphical reporting. However, many basic CMMS packages only offer “canned” reports in tabular format. One of the biggest benefits of CMMS implementation is the ability to customize your reports or create graphical views. Cost Center Tracking Cost center tracking allows you to group assets and their associated maintenance costs into the cost center groupings you define. You can then create budgets for those cost centers to know how you’re performing against them for specific business or operational units. Lifecycle Cost Tracking Lifecycle cost tracking captures acquisition costs, as well as maintenance and repair costs over the life of an asset. Over time, this reflects the true cost of owning and operating an asset. Application Interface Customization Application interface customization allows you to tailor the navigation or layout of preventive maintenance software to meet your special needs. For instance, one of the most effective means is the ability to add custom tabs and fields to capture data that’s unique to your operation. Data Integration Data integration tools make it possible for a CMMS to share and receive data with other applications. Leading software vendors will offer a data integration toolkit that allows you to map and schedule data transfers and from numerous data sources outside the application. For example, these include spreadsheets, other databases, ERP systems, accounting systems, PLCs, electronic meters, and more. Purchasing Purchasing monitors work orders, reorder lists, and requisition records to automatically create new requisitions as needed. It also allows you to easily track orders and requisitions all the way through receiving and restocking. Key and Lock Management Key and lock management tracks when someone has accessed an asset or location. Also, use it to manage who is in possession of keys, smartcards, and electronic access badges. Mobile Mobile features use wireless technology, smartphones, tablets, and/or laptops to help you and your technicians manage, initiate, and complete work orders while you’re away from your desks or in the field. Vendor Management Vendor management provides one place to manage all your vendors and track their important information. Additionally, it should provide a direct link between vendors and work orders. Advanced Inventory Advanced inventory provides inventory management features beyond just tracking stocking levels. For example, typical features include min/max monitoring, reorder points, and advanced inventory reporting. Have questions about all the ways CMMS can benefit your organization? Talk to the MPulse experts. We’re here to help.
OSHA Regulations For Healthcare Facilities and Providers
Maintenance plays a major role in keeping medical equipment running smoothly and ensuring hospitals or clinic facilities are operating efficiently. That includes continuously striving to meet the growing demands of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Luckily, they have help. CMMS software helps improve workplace safety and implement worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards in healthcare facilities, thereby preventing future workplace injuries and illnesses. With a properly implemented CMMS solution, your organization can pass inspections and audits, and avoid OSHA violations in healthcare facilities. And you won’t have to scramble at the last minute to set things in order. Here’s how. OSHA Regulations for Healthcare Facilities MPulse customers use CMMS software to comply with OSHA standards by… Documenting safety training Publishing safety data as a reminder to employees Standardizing checklists for scheduled inspections Creating a paper trail showing preventive measures Updating safety procedures Detailing emergency procedures in case of a natural disaster or other incident Proactive action provides long-term benefits when it comes to health and safety. Here are the top OSHA violations in health facilities and how to avoid them. COVID-19 Healthcare facilities and providers are on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic. OSHA has issued temporary enforcement guidance related to COVID-19, which is a recordable illness if a worker is infected as a result of performing their work-related duties. Using CMMS software to log employee incidents properly and to maintain records in accordance with OSHA’s current standards allows you to present the solid documentation that OSHA demands. Hazards In addition to COVID-19, risks to healthcare workers include hazardous chemicals or drugs, as well as bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and C. Employers must make information about the identities of these hazards available and understandable to workers. For example, drug manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the substances they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information. Additionally, employers must ensure hazardous materials are labeled, provide safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle them appropriately. Safety Training OSHA requires organizations to record and track safety training for employees. CMMS software helps you track health and safety data and resolve potential risks before outside auditors do, such as who’s had what training. Additionally, automated alerts notify maintenance managers when certifications will expire. Documentation Inconsistent record-keeping procedures are a common cause of OSHA citations and fines. CMMS data provides both the big picture and the little details, so your maintenance tasks are both visible and verifiable. Much of that documentation is also automated. And best of all, you can access the information in minutes, instead of spending hours or even days sorting through a paper filing system. Failure to Report OSHA requires most employers with more than 10 employees to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses. (Certain low-risk industries are exempt, and minor injuries requiring first aid only do not need to be recorded.) Employers must report any worker fatality within 8 hours and any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization of a worker within 24 hours. Failure to report serious injuries is a significant OSHA violation. OSHA regulations for healthcare providers require documentation, particularly for creating procedures and recording maintenance activities. And there’s nothing better at documenting those tasks than CMMS software. [related-content] When you have solid data on your side, it makes it much easier to support your maintenance team and avoid OSHA violations. It’s in everyone’s best interest to be proactive about your employees’ health and safety. Have questions? Contact us.
How To Use MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter
If you’re looking to get the most out of your CMMS investment, software integration tools like MPulse’s DataLink Integration Adapter makes it easy. As a result, you can connect with accounting systems, meters and gauges, or other critical data sources. Best of all, you don’t need a lot of expensive IT help to do it. How to Integrate MPulse with Other Software or Data Sources 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. 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 Step 1: Identify the Type of Data You Need 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 instance, the most common formats are… Microsoft SQL Server Oracle Microsoft Excel Text files CSV files XML Web Services Step 2: Use MPulse’s Intuitive User Interface to Set Up Your Integrations MPulse’s intuitive user interface makes it easy to set up data integrations between your MPulse CMMS and accounting, ERP, building automation, PLCs, or other electronic systems. Use MPulse DataLink Integration Adapter’s simple, intuitive layout to… Choose and map the data you want Schedule imports and/or exports as desired Step 3: Reap the Benefits of Software Integration Tight integration between MPulse Maintenance Software and your 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, how much time, money, and aggravation could your company save if your CMMS could easily exchange data with any Excel, .txt, .csv, SQL Server, or XML Web Services data store? Take the initiative and follow the three simple steps outlined above. Then, sit back and let your CMMS system work—really work, for you and your company. Need more help? Contact us. We’re here for you.