DataStream 7i Implemmentation
DataStream 7i Implemmentation
(OP)
Hello Everyone:
Have been hired to implement a new CMMS which at first was going through the RFP (Request for Purchase) process, but is under review for sole-source instead. Am stuck with taking over a legacy system (Atlas) and a legacy decision process that has been in the works for over 3 years and I can not change it in any manner; meaning the numbering schema, equipment idetification, etc....
So, with that all said, what pitfalls should I be looking out for with DataStream 7i? Am almost done with building an Excel workbook for all data that needs to be inserted in the new system. Have implemmented 3 other systems in the past; TRW, FAMIS and TMA; first time with DataStream and all systems have there downside.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Have been hired to implement a new CMMS which at first was going through the RFP (Request for Purchase) process, but is under review for sole-source instead. Am stuck with taking over a legacy system (Atlas) and a legacy decision process that has been in the works for over 3 years and I can not change it in any manner; meaning the numbering schema, equipment idetification, etc....
So, with that all said, what pitfalls should I be looking out for with DataStream 7i? Am almost done with building an Excel workbook for all data that needs to be inserted in the new system. Have implemmented 3 other systems in the past; TRW, FAMIS and TMA; first time with DataStream and all systems have there downside.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.





RE: DataStream 7i Implemmentation
I am a project manager for implementing the 7i Datastream - Hosted in 7 facilities. We are in our 5th facility. The major issue with the DSTM hosted solution is the speed of the system. Some is network related; some is application related. If you are not hosted - and the server is at your site - you will not have any problems. With respect to the application - we are using the work orders, inventory, purchasing, and processing of invoices functionality. The work order system is excellent, the inventory management is excellent, and the purchasing of stock inventory works slick. The purchasing of direct materials using this system can be convoluted; especially for services. It does work but users have to remember it is a work order system and if you are just purchasing copier paper - a work order is still required. Standing work orders takes care of most of this issue. The integration of our Finance system to receive the XML's from Datastream was a chore but this is not DSTM's fault.
With respect to the conversion of the existing data into the new DSTM system and the mapping of the data from the old to the new is tricky. I recommend that you hire DSTM to prepare or, at least, closely monitor the excel spreadsheet. We chose not to bring in any history from the old system which saved us a lot of time and effort.
A lot of the 'canned' reports within the DSTM system are not very good and we utilized an outside consultant to write those reports we deemed necessary. I highly recommend him. He is Clay Bush and can be reached at clay@stratumconsultingpartners.com To deal with DSTM custom reports requires that you be detailed to the exact degree to get what you want and DSTM takes a lot of time to prepare these reports. Clay is flexible to a fault and will tweak a report to your satisfaction and you will have a report within 2 weeks or less and at a very reasonable price.
We were using the Elke Maintracker system of SSA before which was a customized mess among the 7 facilities. The project to change this was a change management project also. We are implementing the 7i.10 version of the DSTM hosted solution. Version 8.2 is out but we will not bring this to the facilities until the after the last facility is implemented in late August.
Try to avoid any flex statements to be written in the DSTM system. Try to use DSTM as it is. Flex statements are another form of 'customization' and everytime there is an upgrade or a 'patch' fix; you have to monitor the flex statements to be sure they are turned back on. Also, flex statements can be in conflict with some of the basic functionality of DSTM and you may regret some of the impacts of your flex sequel you 'thought' you had to have.
Feel free to contact me at jim.stewart@omya.com or call at 802-770-7368 for anymore information