Improving Infrastructure and Equipment Management Using Cloud-Hosted Software

Until recently, off-the-shelf technology that created online portals for companies wasn't cost effective for many organizations. However, the recent burst in the popularity of cloud computing has made it possible for managers and employees to interact in one place, making it easier to collaborate on projects. Many organizations are beginning to embrace new technologies and are finding out that there are numerous benefits to transitioning to cloud-hosted software.

Unlike on-premise software, cloud-hosted software is accessed via an Internet browser. This means that people with access to the software can access it from any location, twenty-four hours per day. Not only is the software easier to access, it has the ability to give you real-time updates on projects, so that you are always aware of a job's progress, even though you aren't in the field. Some of the things can be done with cloud-hosted software customer include:

• Schedule a repair
• Track a repair
• Review a piece of equipment's service history

Streamlining the process of creating and tracking work orders isn't the only benefit to cloud-hosted software. Because employees can access the software in the field, there's no need to create spreadsheets for work orders that need to be complete or for workers to call into the office to receive a new assignment. In addition, employees can also respond to urgent work orders quicker because assignments with a high priority can be sent to the appropriate worker right away.

Organizations that use cloud-hosted software are also seeing lower overhead costs. Because the software isn't hosted on site, there isn't the need to employ a large IT department. You don't have to download software on each device individually and you don't have to pay additional money for software upgrades. In fact, most organizations can operate smoothly without an IT staff because cloud-hosted software is maintained entirely by the company that hosts the software. Office production has also increased because office workers are taking fewer phone calls, and not spending as much time tracking the progress of jobs that field service workers are assigned to.

Cloud-hosted software isn't only about streamlining operations, lowering overhead costs, and having twenty-four hour access to work orders, the software gives your employees online access to everything they need to know about specific pieces of equipment and, in some cases, the equipment manuals are available as well. This means that your employees will always know when routine maintenance needs to be scheduled and what to do if a piece of equipment breaks.

There are numerous online companies that offer cloud-hosted software governmental organizations, including BMSI, so it's not difficult to find software that suits your company's needs. Once you decide to transition to cloud-hosted software, the actual transition process won't take long. Before you know it, you'll have an entirely new system, that's extremely user friendly, and you'll be able to reap the benefits that other organizations are already discovering.

Four Tips on Facility Management That You Won't Want to Miss

As a facility manager, you're responsible for a lot of things. While it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of your department, it's important to remember that you also have a job to do each day, and your job is vital to business. Whether you're pitching a new project or dealing with employee issues, it's important that you're confident and understand how your role affects your company. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to stay on top of your job and still manage the day-to-day operations.

Know Your Value to the Company

When you're battling over funding it can seem like all of the other departments are working against you. However, it's important to remember that you're all on the same side. Instead of going into a budget meeting with $1 million worth of projects, be realistic. Before the meeting, take some time to review your budget history. Having a good idea of how much money was awarded to your department in the past can help you set realistic goals for future budgets.

Create a Long-Term Plan

Everyone knows that money doesn't grow on trees, and even though you may need a specific amount of money to get a project completed, the finance department may not see the importance of the issue. Therefore, it's important for you to approach the finance department with a long-term strategy. Not only will your finance department have more respect for you if you come to them prepared, but your long-term plan could help you build business relationships that could ease the process in years to come.

Build Relationships with Senior Executives

When it comes to winning funding for your latest project, you can tip the scales in your favor by building solid relationships with senior executives. Basically, your success in securing funding will come down to your credibility. The more you're out and about socializing with top managers, the easier it will be for them to get to know you and trust you. Then, when there's extra money to be awarded, your project could receive an accidental bump up the ladder of importance. The process doesn't have to be overwhelming, consider "accidentally" bumping into a senior executive in the elevator and have a short elevator pitch ready.

Know How to Work with a Leaner Staff

Changes in healthcare have resulted in leaner facility staffs. Unfortunately, this probably means that you have to do more with less. Instead of running around like a chicken with your head cut off every day, becoming a master of time management. Keep in mind it is common for people to wear multiple hats in the workplace. As long as you are aware of the time you have, know how to use the resources that are available to you, and plan your time wisely, it shouldn't be complicated to stay ahead of the game.

Sometimes is can seem like facility managers aren't valued as much as managers from other departments. However, it's imperative that you remember just how important your jobs is. Once you start building relationships and managing your time properly, your job will become a lot less stressful.

A software solution that stores employee knowledge as it manages assets and work orders.

Franconia, NH, August 7th, 2012 – A problem of many local governments and counties is that much of the knowledge about their assets resides in their employee’s memories.  When the employee leaves, the knowledge leaves with them. BMSI created its’ latest product webDPW^tm Work Order Service and Asset Management to address that problem.  When an employee works on an asset their special knowledge can be entered into the webDPW^tm system from anywhere that has an Internet connection.


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3 Must have tools that build your Audience.

Check out this cool webinar hosted by my buddy, Josh Barnes at www.Socialmatica.com 3 MUST HAVE tools to build your audience.  Thanks Josh!  http://vimeo.com/40024870

Municipal Software Made Simple: Town DPW's, Water Departments, Sewer Departments.

Municipal Software Made Simple: Town DPW's, Water Departments, Sewer Departments.: Looking for a Utility Management System? Look no further! BMSI's Utility Management System is the best. This software module is des...

Town DPW's, Water Departments, Sewer Departments.

Looking for a Utility Management System?  Look no further!  BMSI's Utility Management System is the best.

This software module is designed to manage, track and bill water, electrical, and sewer usage, garbage pick-up, and cable services, etc. The system helps utility providers maintain customer statistics, current and historical service(s) use, payment records, billing practices, calculation methods, and much more. System features are customizable in accordance with services offered.

Touch, phone and radio read devices can be used to input consumption data. Users can originate a combination of invoices, for individuals or groups, incorporating EDU's fixture charges, assessments, usage and/or flat rates, multiple billing periods, cycles, estimated or budget formulations, and user-defined rate tables.
Preview and print individual or group statements using custom or system provided forms. Quickly access historical data from service and payment screens, printing statements from the same source. Review consumption, usage history, accounts receivable, transactions, balances and much more with the extensive reporting and on screen capabilities supplied with this module.

Distinctive functions:

• Monitor and control abnormal usage
• Add/deduct meters, meter change and turnover activity
• Simplified collection and receivables processing
• Customer complaint tracking
• Scan and print bar codes
• Work order system
• Cross connect (back flow)
• This module functions independently or in conjunction with BMSI's Fund Accounting System.

Sampling of standard forms and reports available:

• Pre-billing report
• Generalized user-created notifications/forms/mailing labels
• Customized or standard bill forms and statements
• Delinquency list and form letters
• Aged Accounts Receivables
• Cash Receipts Journal
• Balance Report
• Customer Listing
• Rate Table Listing
  
  01/31/2012

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