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.
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.
Maintenance Triggers in University Facilities
University facilities require a great deal of communication between departments and teams, as well as a lot of (literal) ground to cover. As a result, university facility managers often feel constantly pulled in different directions. How are software maintenance tasks triggered at schools and university facilities? Here are five common maintenance issues, and how CMMS can help. Types of Maintenance Triggers Safety University facility maintenance teams are responsible for the safety of students, faculty, staff members, as well as their own safety. Additionally, maintenance professionals must quickly respond in an emergency, such as bad weather; unplanned breakdowns to a major facility asset, like an HVAC system; and smaller unplanned events. Safety requires a comprehensive preventive maintenance plan for schools to ensure manufacturers’ recommended maintenance tasks happen on time. All these safety issues require a lot of documentation, particularly for creating procedures and recording maintenance activities. Our customers use MPulse CMMS software to… Update safety procedures Document safety training Publish safety data as a reminder to employees Standardize checklists for scheduled inspections Create a paper trail showing preventive measures Detail emergency procedures in case of a natural disaster or other incident. Security University maintenance teams often are responsible for the security of the buildings and grounds they manage. MPulse creates a pass-down of information, so people know who has done what, as well as what needs to happen next when they come on shift. For example, MPulse Key and Lock Management helps maintenance teams manage and track keys as well as authorized users, reducing the problem of lost or misplaced keys. Additionally, you know who has which keys out and when they are scheduled to be returned, so your team spends less time searching for keys or following up with staff members. Vendors Facility teams often work with multiple vendors on maintaining school facilities. One of the biggest challenges is booking vendors to visit the site and complete PM tasks or repairs. MPulse’s scheduling capabilities give managers the ability to see which maintenance tasks are due and when, as well as keep track of the right vendor to call when the time comes. Additionally, MPulse’s work order management features made it easier to approve, assign, schedule, and manage maintenance done by both vendors and internal teams. Your team can also access maintenance manuals, internal documents, vendor websites, and more. All the information is stored within the asset record, so it’s easily accessible the next time around. Inventory University assets require parts and supplies to keep them operating in prime condition. MPulse’s asset management and tracking features keep tabs on everything from computers to security cameras to biometric readers and HVAC systems—and many of those assets require inventory. MPulse makes it easier to create an inventory control program. That includes monitoring inventory consumption by simply linking part usage to work orders. Your team also can easily check stock levels of any part or supply, as well as track and store vendor information. With MPulse, you know which parts are more beneficial to order on an as-needed basis, which ones you should keep on hand, and which ones need longer lead times. COVID-19 Preventive maintenance in schools has changed under COVID-19. Now maintenance teams must document completed tasks and inspections to prevent legal action, as well as support changing requirements for insurance companies. Preventing just one lawsuit more than makes up for the price of CMMS software. More than one university had its paper records become inaccessible during the pandemic as facilities closed. That’s why MPulse customers turned to their CMMS software to… Backup all data to a secure, off-site location Set up secure methods to access data off-site as necessary Maintain a list of equipment and assets Record information about manufacturers, warranties, and insurance policies Keep track of contact information for employees, vendors, emergency response personnel, etc. Support employees on shift during an event Access to this information is vital when you’re suddenly faced with a pressing need to assess what’s needed to reopen buildings and structures. Additionally, identifying which work orders are related to reopening in your CMMS software will help you quickly create the documentation you need when time is of the essence. Have questions? Contact us. We’re here for you.
Six Ways to Level Up Your CMMS Implementation
Once you’re up and running with MPulse’s basic features, it’s important to keep going to make the most of your CMMS investment. Take these six CMMS implementation steps to level up and streamline your company’s maintenance operations with MPulse. CMMS Implementation Guide 1. Automate Schedules Work order management features in CMMS software can automate schedules for both employees and contract workers. This information also eliminates lost information between shifts, reducing confusion and errors. 2. Employee Records MPulse Labor Resource Management can track all facets of your employee records: status, skill level, billing rate, contact information, and more. You can easily match employees or vendors to the assets they maintain and assign tasks accordingly. 3. Employee Performance Employee performance tracking helps you determine which employees are most efficient at which tasks. As a result, managers can balance the workload. By tracking repair times, you also can create benchmarks for your organization. 4. Labor Costs MPulse can help you accurately estimate labor hours for preventive maintenance (PM) tasks, making sure your staffing levels match the workload, and decreasing overtime costs. This type of labor cost analysis can determine when it’s more efficient to add more staff members, instead of paying more overtime. 5. Purchase Orders CMMS software can determine your current inventory levels and automatically generate purchase orders based on need, reducing purchasing overhead. You also can track parts to stock based on availability. For example, if a part has a three-week lead time, you can adjust stocking levels to make sure it is available when your staff needs it. 6. Equipment Life Cycle and Replacement Forecasting CMMS data helps organizations make effective replace-or-repair decisions. Maintenance software can track not only the age of the equipment, but the miles, hours, life-to-date repair dollars, and many other metrics—helping you decide when it becomes cheaper to replace an asset instead of repairing it. Like most successful investments, CMMS software benefits compound over time. As your data becomes more comprehensive, your organization becomes more efficient and the return on investment climbs. Following our CMMS implementation process helps you to capture key data and turn it into reliable information to help make cost-effective choices about asset management. With our easy-to-use CMMS software, MPulse customers reduce maintenance expenses, minimize downtime, extend equipment life and boost productivity throughout their organizations. Want more information? Contact us and put our experience to work for you.
OSHA Considerations For Auto Manufacturing
Automotive manufacturing companies must follow the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that apply to their facilities and workforce. But OSHA doesn’t just protect your organization in an audit or inspection. It’s also in everyone’s best interest to be proactive about your employees’ health and safety. Here are common OSHA violations and regulations for auto manufacturers, and how MPulse can help. Equipment inspection and repair Automotive manufacturing facilities use a lot of equipment—including both common and industry-specific assets. Safety regulations for all this equipment requires documentation, particularly for creating inspection procedures and recording maintenance activities and repairs. The only way to prepare for OSHA inspections and audits is a proactive safety initiative supported by consistent documentation. That’s where CMMS software can help. For example, OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy standard, otherwise known as the “Lockout/Tagout” standard, is a common one for equipment found in auto manufacturing facilities. This standard outlines how to safely depower dangerous machines, including locking the machine in the “off” position and adding a tag with the name of the person who carries the key to the lock. Including these steps in an inspection checklist in MPulse is one way to make sure all procedures are followed correctly. Hazards Auto manufacturing uses a variety of hazardous materials. OSHA requires employers to make information about the identities and hazards of chemicals available and understandable to workers. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information. Additionally, employers must label hazardous chemicals, provide safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. There’s nothing better at documenting those tasks than CMMS software. Documenting the materials, training and proactive steps taken in MPulse helps you avoid OSHA violations related to hazardous materials. Training OSHA requires organizations to record and track safety training for employees—something that requires a lot of administrative support. CMMS software helps you track health and safety data and resolve potential risks before outside auditors do, such as who’s had what training. CMMS software also helps with automated alerts that notify managers when certifications will expire. MPulse Labor Resource Management can track all facets of your employee records: training records, status, skill level, billing rate, contact information, and more. Plus, you can easily match employees or vendors to the assets they maintain, and determine the right training accordingly. Ergonomics Many tasks in auto manufacturing require training or proper equipment to avoid injuries related to ergonomics. Employees use power tools, bend and lift boxes or products, push carts or dollies, turn or bend hand tools, and reach overhead. If done incorrectly, serious injuries can result. CMMS software can help with checklists that detail safety codes. Plus, reminders to use extra equipment—like back braces or safety goggles—can help workers prevent mistakes and any related injuries. CMMS data from MPulse provides both the big picture and the little details, so your maintenance tasks are both visible and verifiable. And best of all, you can access the information in minutes, instead of spending hours or even days sorting through a paper filing system. Have questions? We have answers. Contact us.
Top OSHA Violations You Should Avoid
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) doesn’t just protect your organization in an audit or inspection. It’s in everyone’s best interest to be proactive about your employees’ health and safety. Maintenance workers are usually very familiar with OSHA regulations because maintenance work affects the entire organization—whether it’s on a production line, a construction site, or in a building. Maintenance techs are responsible for their own safety on the job, but they also contribute to the safety of building occupants and visitors. CMMS software helps improve workplace safety and implement worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards, thereby preventing future workplace injuries and illnesses. 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 OSHA Violations to Avoid Proactive action provides long-term benefits when it comes to OSHA. Here are the top OSHA violations and how to avoid them. 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 can cause 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. COVID-19 OSHA has issued temporary enforcement guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 can be 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 Employers must make information about the identities and hazards of chemicals available and understandable to workers. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information. Additionally, employers must label hazardous chemicals, provide safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. Safety in the workplace requires documentation, particularly for creating procedures and recording maintenance activities. And there’s nothing better at documenting those tasks than CMMS software. When you have solid data on your side, it makes it much easier to support your maintenance team and avoid OSHA violations. Have questions? Contact us. We have answers.
Build a Strong Team Using CMMS
Team building strategies in the workplace are overlooked or underemphasized in the maintenance department. But, that’s a mistake. With MPulse Software, it’s much easier to build a strong team using CMMS. Maintenance may look like a solitary job. But your technicians work with other team members, vendors, and almost every department in an organization at one time or another. Building a strong team and encouraging working relationships between maintenance and other personnel benefits everyone. And that includes the organization as a whole. While you can find many team building strategies for the workplace, the maintenance department has some unique issues to consider. Below are the team building tools you need. Team Building Strategies in the Workplace Communication CMMS software makes communication between team members, internal departments, and outside vendors much easier. MPulse tools that promote communication include service requesting, PM scheduling, and automatic notification features. For example, MPulse can quickly route requests to the appropriate people for review and approval, based on predetermined criteria. That enables your team to respond faster. Plus, the requester to get the status of the work order at any time, eliminating tedious emails and/or phone calls. Technology Some “old school” industrial employers are still wary of mobile technology. But mobile devices are an excellent way to improve communication. And that’s the foundation of any maintenance team. Many organizations have discovered mobile technology is a natural fit with maintenance workflows—and mobile CMMS, specifically. It allows maintainers to access information and record data on the spot—where maintenance happens, instead of in a plant or building office. Recognition Improving the relationship between other departments and maintenance starts with mutual respect and communication. You can help by ensuring all parties understand each person’s role and appreciate the benefits they bring to the organization. Make sure the people in positions of power understand what your maintenance program does and the value you bring to the organization. Share your projects, goals, accomplishments, and results for both the department and for your team members. Training Part of investing in your maintenance team is making sure they have the right training to do their jobs. Professional development as an investment in the future of the entire organization. It pays big dividends in the long run. While budget may limit formal training, think outside the box. Create a professional growth/training program for your maintenance staff. Ask them to share their experience with other team members, like an in-house apprentice program. Reward strong work performance with additional opportunities for education. What’s your strategy for building a strong team using CMMS? Leave a comment below or contact us.
Five Reasons You Need a Barcode Scanner
A barcode scanner is one of the simplest, yet overlooked, methods for data input and gathering. Maintenance professionals are sometimes surprised at how many uses for a barcode reader fit easily with their workflows. How a Barcode Scanner Works Barcodes are everywhere. Barcode scanner system software reads the black and white patterns, and then translates it into data. That data can be almost anything: stock management, inventory and parts, assets, time calculations, and much more. This data is then retrieved via a computer database, like CMMS software. Why You Need a Barcode Scanner Barcodes have been around for decades because they are so useful. Here are five reasons you need a barcode scanner. Easy to use. Your CMMS software can print barcodes that are easily read by commonly available devices—including smartphones, tablets, and barcode scanners. You also can attach them to just about any surface. Then, your maintenance team scans a barcode to record or find data in your CMMS software. Variety of uses. You can use barcodes for any type of data collection. One of the most frequent is inventory or stock management. But your team can use barcodes for outgoing shipments, repair times, equipment, and much more. Easy to implement. You need a printer, software, and a scanner. Then it takes just minutes to train employees how to use them. Plus, barcode scanners easily transmit data wirelessly, so it’s ready immediately. Eliminates human error. Barcodes significantly reduce human error by removing data input mistakes. With accurate and easily accessible data, you’ll have the information you need to make the right decisions. Saves time. Scanning a barcode takes seconds. Scan the part. Scan the asset. That’s how long it takes to link inventory to a new or existing work order record. This system also lets you enter inventory items as they arrive and automatically track who is performing work. MPulse customers use our CMMS software and barcodes for a variety of things—from tracking employee time to managing the check in/check out process of tools, keys, and vehicles. [related-content] Maintenance data is one of your most important assets. It helps you see your maintenance operations in a new light. You’ll also understand what’s working, and what needs more attention. How could you benefit from barcode scanning? Leave a comment or contact us.