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Hi, I'm working with a group that is trying to decide on a new CMMS solution. This small site performs specialized hardware testing, their equipment consists of things like pumps, motors, high pressure/temp nitrogen systems, cooling water, industrial control systems, hydraulic systems, data systems, etc. It's a pretty old facility. Their current CMMS is essentially a fancy MS Access database, which is very easy to use and the operators like it, but it doesn't give us the data we need to make proper RCM decisions, and it has some other software-type issues so management has decided to phase it out. They have looked at larger solutions like Oracle WAM but that is much too large and complex for what they need. Looking to the community for suggestions on other software they can look into. Here are some requirements:

• Cannot be cloud-based, must be hosted on a local network/server
• Tracks a few hundred assets grouped into about a dozen larger systems
• Ease of use is a high priority
• Can track operational data via operator input (or in the future possibly direct data link) and generate PM work orders based on those (such as # of test runs, equipment hours, etc)
• Supports basic workflow functions - work request, work control approvals, assignment to technicians with email notification, etc
• Would be great to track data custom fields for particular measurements/inspections for trending over time. Such as measuring the thickness of a brake pad during an inspection, and storing that as a discrete number field - then we can easily pull a history of brake pad thicknesses for analysis.
• Easy to use for technicians to input work order results and document equipment deficiencies and actions, including pictures (mobile use/integration may be difficult due to the IT environment)

Appreciate any suggestions you may have!

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David
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For a specialized hardware testing site like yours, with specific requirements and constraints (e.g., no cloud-based solutions, ease of use, tracking custom data fields, and generating PM work orders based on operational data), here are a few CMMS solutions that might work for your situation:

1. Fiix (On-Premises Option)

• Why It Fits:

• Although primarily a cloud-based CMMS, Fiix does offer an on-premises solution for customers with strict IT requirements.

• Highly customizable and easy to use, with strong work order management and asset tracking capabilities.

• Supports custom fields for inspections and data tracking.

• Can generate PMs based on usage metrics like runtime, hours, or test runs.

• Intuitive interface suitable for technicians and operators.

• Potential Drawback: Licensing for the on-premises version may require negotiation.

2. MicroMain

• Why It Fits:

• Offers an on-premises CMMS designed for small to medium-sized facilities.

• Tracks assets, operational data, and custom fields for trending analysis.

• Supports workflows like work requests, approvals, and assignments.

• Easy-to-use interface for operators and technicians, with mobile capabilities.

• Handles PM triggers based on runtime or other operational metrics.

• Potential Drawback: Initial setup and customization may require some IT involvement.

3. MPulse Maintenance Software

• Why It Fits:

• Offers a reliable on-premises deployment option.

• Allows for custom field tracking, enabling data-driven decision-making.

• Simplifies PM scheduling based on equipment usage or operator input.

• Includes features for workflows, email notifications, and attaching pictures/documents to work orders.

• Designed for ease of use, particularly for non-technical users.

• Potential Drawback: Interface may feel slightly dated compared to modern cloud-based systems.

4. Blue Mountain RAM

• Why It Fits:

• Tailored for regulated industries and old facilities with unique equipment.

• On-premises option available.

• Tracks assets, custom data fields, and trends over time.

• Strong integration capabilities for operational data inputs (though setup may require effort).

• Includes workflows and easy-to-use interfaces for operators and technicians.

• Potential Drawback: Could be overkill for a smaller facility depending on configuration.

5. PEMAC Assets

• Why It Fits:

• Designed for on-premises deployments with high configurability.

• Tracks detailed asset histories, custom inspections, and operational data.

• Workflow management includes email notifications, technician assignments, and approval stages.

• PM scheduling based on metrics like test runs or operating hours.

• Technician-friendly interface, with optional mobile capabilities.

• Potential Drawback: Initial configuration might require expert support.

6. Smartware Group's Bigfoot CMMS

• Why It Fits:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface.

• Supports on-premises hosting.

• Tracks operational data, including custom fields for inspections.

• Generates PMs based on runtime, operator input, or other metrics.

• Integrated workflows for work requests and approvals.

• Potential Drawback: Limited scalability if your operations expand significantly.

Key Considerations for Selection:

• Customization: Ensure the system can be tailored to your specific equipment and testing needs.

• Ease of Use: Test with operators and technicians to confirm usability.

• Vendor Support: Verify ongoing support and updates for the on-premises version.

• Integration: Consider future integration with data collection systems (e.g., SCADA or PLCs).

Hope that helps

------------------------------
Mohammad Ismail Khan
Reliability Engineer
Sydney Trains
Denham Court NSW
------------------------------

Excellent info thanks. I actually have intro meetings set up with a few of these companies so I'll make sure to address some of these points

------------------------------
David Brunone
President
Dragonfly Solutions, LLC
Sykesville MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2024 06:15 AM
From: Mohammad Ismail Khan
Subject: Looking for CMMS suggestions

For a specialized hardware testing site like yours, with specific requirements and constraints (e.g., no cloud-based solutions, ease of use, tracking custom data fields, and generating PM work orders based on operational data), here are a few CMMS solutions that might work for your situation:

1. Fiix (On-Premises Option)

• Why It Fits:

• Although primarily a cloud-based CMMS, Fiix does offer an on-premises solution for customers with strict IT requirements.

• Highly customizable and easy to use, with strong work order management and asset tracking capabilities.

• Supports custom fields for inspections and data tracking.

• Can generate PMs based on usage metrics like runtime, hours, or test runs.

• Intuitive interface suitable for technicians and operators.

• Potential Drawback: Licensing for the on-premises version may require negotiation.

2. MicroMain

• Why It Fits:

• Offers an on-premises CMMS designed for small to medium-sized facilities.

• Tracks assets, operational data, and custom fields for trending analysis.

• Supports workflows like work requests, approvals, and assignments.

• Easy-to-use interface for operators and technicians, with mobile capabilities.

• Handles PM triggers based on runtime or other operational metrics.

• Potential Drawback: Initial setup and customization may require some IT involvement.

3. MPulse Maintenance Software

• Why It Fits:

• Offers a reliable on-premises deployment option.

• Allows for custom field tracking, enabling data-driven decision-making.

• Simplifies PM scheduling based on equipment usage or operator input.

• Includes features for workflows, email notifications, and attaching pictures/documents to work orders.

• Designed for ease of use, particularly for non-technical users.

• Potential Drawback: Interface may feel slightly dated compared to modern cloud-based systems.

4. Blue Mountain RAM

• Why It Fits:

• Tailored for regulated industries and old facilities with unique equipment.

• On-premises option available.

• Tracks assets, custom data fields, and trends over time.

• Strong integration capabilities for operational data inputs (though setup may require effort).

• Includes workflows and easy-to-use interfaces for operators and technicians.

• Potential Drawback: Could be overkill for a smaller facility depending on configuration.

5. PEMAC Assets

• Why It Fits:

• Designed for on-premises deployments with high configurability.

• Tracks detailed asset histories, custom inspections, and operational data.

• Workflow management includes email notifications, technician assignments, and approval stages.

• PM scheduling based on metrics like test runs or operating hours.

• Technician-friendly interface, with optional mobile capabilities.

• Potential Drawback: Initial configuration might require expert support.

6. Smartware Group's Bigfoot CMMS

• Why It Fits:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface.

• Supports on-premises hosting.

• Tracks operational data, including custom fields for inspections.

• Generates PMs based on runtime, operator input, or other metrics.

• Integrated workflows for work requests and approvals.

• Potential Drawback: Limited scalability if your operations expand significantly.

Key Considerations for Selection:

• Customization: Ensure the system can be tailored to your specific equipment and testing needs.

• Ease of Use: Test with operators and technicians to confirm usability.

• Vendor Support: Verify ongoing support and updates for the on-premises version.

• Integration: Consider future integration with data collection systems (e.g., SCADA or PLCs).

Hope that helps

------------------------------
Mohammad Ismail Khan
Reliability Engineer
Sydney Trains
Denham Court NSW
------------------------------

Years ago, when I worked for a company that used Oracle, we had a saying: "The best thing about Oracle is their salespeople." Since then I have worked for companies that use SAP. I hadn't realized how good we had it with Oracle. Both are super powerful, and both are super horrible when it comes to ease of use. Yeah, it's possible to do anything you want with them, but good luck figuring out how. My advice is to avoid either one.

I've never used Maximo, but I've also never heard anyone complain about it. The people I've met who are familiar with it like it a lot.

------------------------------
Dale Nicholson, PE, CMRP, CRL
Reliability Engineering Mgr
Evonik Corp
------------------------------

Thanks Dale. Yes I've used Maximo at other sites such as NASA....it is complex but navigable. Oracle seems tougher. Both are overkill for what this site needs, especially since we don't need EAP-type functions to come with it.

------------------------------
David Brunone
President
Dragonfly Solutions, LLC
Sykesville MD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-13-2024 06:59 AM
From: Dale Nicholson
Subject: Looking for CMMS suggestions

Years ago, when I worked for a company that used Oracle, we had a saying: "The best thing about Oracle is their salespeople." Since then I have worked for companies that use SAP. I hadn't realized how good we had it with Oracle. Both are super powerful, and both are super horrible when it comes to ease of use. Yeah, it's possible to do anything you want with them, but good luck figuring out how. My advice is to avoid either one.

I've never used Maximo, but I've also never heard anyone complain about it. The people I've met who are familiar with it like it a lot.

------------------------------
Dale Nicholson, PE, CMRP, CRL
Reliability Engineering Mgr
Evonik Corp
------------------------------

David,

Below are some great recommendations. There is one that I found in recent years that has most of the main capabilities of a CMMS and does not break the bank. It can be hosted or run on your own server, LLumin. They started small with just basic functionality but have grown and improved over the last 5-10 years. This package does not have all the bells and whistle's that a Maximo would have but it is 1/10th the price and I have used it to track 100 assets all the way to 2500 assets in multiple sites.

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Mark Andrews
Senior Facilities Engineering Mgr
Caterpillar
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