In today’s tech-driven world, automation is the key for smoother operations and higher productivity. Mobile technology plays a crucial role in this transition, impacting both professional and personal spheres. Particularly in industries like manufacturing and customer service, mobile apps are essential. In plant maintenance, mobile solutions are gaining attention for their potential to streamline asset management. This blog explores how a mobile maintenance solution can boost plant maintenance efficiency and offers insights for selecting the right option from a “mobile-first” approach perspective.
Overview:
Current Maintenance Landscape
Historically, the manufacturing industry has stuck to traditional paper-based processes, often resisting new technology due to an older workforce and hesitant management. However, this mindset is rapidly shifting. Many companies are recognizing the limitations of old maintenance methods and are turning to automated solutions to revolutionize asset management. While cloud-based desktop ERP systems are a viable option, mobile ERP maintenance solutions are emerging as the preferred choice due to their higher user acceptance and effectiveness in maintenance practices.
Not all mobile EAM solutions are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can waste time, resources, and frustrate your workforce. While many boasts great features, the real value lies in meeting organizational needs rather than flashy interfaces. Key factors for user adoption of a mobile maintenance solution include small screen optimization, real-time data access, app responsiveness, easy synchronization, performance, intuitive interface, and aesthetics.
Evaluating Mobile Maintenance Solution
Evaluating a mobile maintenance solution requires understanding the development process; a “mobile-first” approach is crucial, focusing on small screens before scaling up. Consider factors like offline data sync, customization flexibility, and whether the app is native or hybrid. So, let’s briefly delve into the seven crucial parameters that need to be considered before you embark on a good mobile EAM solution investment.
7 Crucial Factors for Choosing Mobile Maintenance Solution
1. Small Screen Optimization
Ensuring a mobile app fits a small screen is challenging yet crucial for user experience. Simplifying screens by focusing on relevant data aids in task completion. For example, a travel app notifies users at each stage of their journey. Similarly, a mobile maintenance solution updates technicians on task progress and triggers notifications at every stage of a maintenance lifecycle, ensuring effective completion and accountability of a task.
2. Provision of Real-time Data
Accessing real-time data is vital for informed decision-making. For instance, tracking a cab’s location helps in effective planning. Likewise, real-time updates in plant maintenance ensure efficient asset management. In case of an asset malfunction, a production executive can request repairs. The production manager assigns a nearby technician using GPS technology. The technician receives an alert, repairs the asset, and closes the request. The production manager is notified once the task is completed. Real-time data ensures all stakeholders can track progress effectively.
3. Offline Data Synchronization
Seamless offline data sync is essential for a good mobile maintenance solution, especially for remote work. Storing relevant data offline ensures technicians can access crucial information without internet connectivity. A smart sync approach facilitates instant data updates when connectivity is restored.
4. App Performance
App responsiveness is critical for user adoption. Poor performance, such as freezing screens or slow loading times, frustrates users. Regular updates and user feedback are crucial for maintaining app performance.
5. Intuitive User Interface
An intuitive interface enhances user experience and adoption of a mobile maintenance solution. Simplified screens, contextual help, and attractive design contribute to user satisfaction and reduce the need for extensive training.
6. Flexibility to Customization
Customization options improve user experience. Allowing users to tailor the app to their preferences, such as language or field customization, enhances usability.
7. Native vs. Hybrid Applications
Native apps offer superior performance and user experience compared to hybrid apps. Investing in a native mobile maintenance solution ensures optimal performance and user satisfaction.
Despite initial costs and process disruptions, investing in a mobile maintenance solution yields long-term productivity benefits. Analyzing potential improvements justifies the investment in mobile technology.
Explore Propel Apps’ Mobile EAM Solution that fits your Business
Propel Apps, a leading digital transformation company, has developed an Oracle mobile enterprise asset management (EAM) solution to automate your asset management workflows. Propel Apps’ mobile EAM solution ticks all the parameters of the perfect mobile app that we had discussed earlier, apart from other value-added features. With Propel Apps’ mobile EAM solution, you remove the guess work, while being the #1 solution for maintenance teams to ensure their operations run seamlessly. Leveraging the power of Oracle Plant Maintenance Cloud, the solution offers unmatched features such as barcode scanning, asset tracking, GPS tagging, analytics and much more. To know more about the Propel Apps’ EAM solution and its cutting-edge features, schedule a call with us.
Conclusion
Mobile maintenance solutions are transforming maintenance methods, moving away from paper-based systems to mobile automation. Benefits include better efficiency and accuracy. Choosing the right mobile maintenance solution, focusing on real-time data access, user-friendly interfaces, flexibility to customization, app responsiveness and other critical factors is paramount for effective mobile adoption. Vendors prioritizing mobile development see success, attracting users and boosting productivity. With easy training and support, mobile maintenance solutions become essential for thriving in the digital age. Request a demo.
