Software doesn't solve every problem, but for many manufacturing, fabricating, and distributing operations CMMS (computerized maintenance management systems) and EAM (enterprise asset management) products gains in importance with every update. Whether the operation is large or small, complex or “lean,” CMMS products gain in importance as the managers use them. They rely on such products to track assets and equipment; to notify operators of equipment, repair, or supply needs; to schedule purchases and delivery, and much more.

During economic hard times, the challenge that producers and distributors present to CMMS and EAM developers is even greater: their software products must demonstrate an ability to add value to an organization — to allow businesses to improve their productivity and profitability without adding to the cost or complications of doing business.

One of the latest updates in the CMMS “space” is Equipment Manager 6.0, developed by Xceliware (formerly Quick Warehouse.) It's a warehouse, inventory, facility, and equipment-tracking software used by thousands in large and small organizations across several markets. It calls Equipment Manager 6.0 “the most complete software to track and find your equipment,” and assures it will help subscribers to maximize asset use and reduce scheduling guesswork.

Most complete?

The developers of Equipment Manager call 6.0 “the most complete software” for tracking and finding equipment — down to the bin, shelf, or lot. Among its features are:

• Equipment Availability Calendar

  Every work order is defined with shipping, arrivals, length of stay, and returns. The calendar automatically displays these in real-time to help forecast availability, to reduce the need to stock “just in case” inventory, and to help manage labor.

• Wireless Bar Code Tracking

  Every asset is scanned in real time, so records of equipment, supplies, and inventory are always updated.

• Instant Asset Search

  Equipment, inventory and supplies are simple to locate, together with their usage and maintenance histories. “Combined with the easy-to-use barcode tracking, all assets are extremely easy to locate and almost impossible to lose,” according to Xceliware.

Also, Equipment Manager 6.0 is scalable and fully customizable, with integrated modules for work orders, invoicing, procurement, contracts, maintenance, BOM kitting, cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, damage reports, routing, and more.

Maximize use of assets

Users of Equipment Manager 6.0 will maximize their assets, say the developers, because of the program features that help to manage repairs and schedule equipment maintenance:

• Maintenance Calendar

  With maintenance schedules “preloaded” according to asset, users get an automatic display reminding them when service is due. It also will schedule service calls to optimize equipment repair and maintenance, and to promote service life and minimize downtime.

• Process Manager

  Equipment Manager users can pre-define customized maintenance processes, for optimal efficiency. Step-by-step instructions prompt technicians through the process (in real-time, via PC or mobile device.)

• Supply Usage Management

  All consumable supplies and specialized tools are tracked to ensure optimal availability, and maintenance historis are automatically recorded to help estimate future supply needs better.