FAMIS news and update
By Mike Hamilton
Progress continues in our use of the features and functionality of our Computerized Facilities Management System (CFMS) called FAMIS. At the risk of sounding redundant, assessments at the beginning of our project indicated that we would not realize the full benefit of FAMIS for a minimum of two years following the software implementation. In 9 months since implementation, the vast majority of the FP&M staff have learned the navigation of the systems and the powerful integrated capabilities available to us through this state-of-the-art software.
Progress since July 7, 1999
March activity
Coming in April
Later this year
In the next few months, we will be upgrading our FAMIS software from version 7 beta to version 7i. This will be a significant upgrade and will require us to upgrade our Oracle database version from Oracle 7 to Oracle 8. It will also require the upgrade of several workstations around FP&M. CSS, ADP, and Prism will handle most of the effort required in this upgrade. The upgrade will not require a major conversion of data (as was the case when we migrated from the HP3000).
Discussions are also taking place for additional FAMIS web enhancements. This would include the ability for customers to click on service request numbers, work order numbers or project numbers and drill into detail information regarding their requests and projects. We are also making preliminary plans to place customer-billing information online.
ISU timeline
In the next few weeks, ADP will be loading and testing Oracle 8, the database version required to run FAMIS 7i. At that point, Prism will send us a copy of their 7i base product and we will begin to test and determine where we can use the base product and where requested ISU modifications will need to be reapplied. Based on that outcome, full FAMIS 7i implementation will follow in late summer or early fall. To help make this determination, some of the FAMIS teams may need to reconvene and test 7i. So stay tuned, you may have the opportunity to be one of the first to use and test this exciting new tool.
So what is FAMIS 7i?
Global features for 7i:
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Completely internet enabled (ability to run the entire FAMIS suite over the internet) | |
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Significant improvements in usability | |
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Role based design – easier navigation of the system specific to your role with FAMIS | |
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Universal mouse menus (use of the right mouse button) | |
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Initial startup forms configurable by user | |
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Pop-up calendars | |
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Consistent use of tabs and dropdown menus | |
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On line documentation | |
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Support for reports and graphic server | |
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Execute reports and graphs on server instead of client so user receives control of FAMIS immediately after requesting the report | |
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Batch generated reports | |
Specific enhancements and release schedule for FAMIS 7i are outlined below. Additional detailed information is available regarding these enhancements by contacting Ron Kinyon or myself.
FAMIS 7i release schedule
| Enhancement | Base Product Change Requested |
Planned |
| Improve parts search functionality | Univ of Minn |
2/11/00 |
| Add user-defined views to daily scheduling | Univ of Minn |
2/11/00 |
| Automate the PM generation process | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Create display option for orders per warehouse, i.e. show all or show current warehouse | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Allow for the sorting of employee within craft on reports and forms | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Add "Purchase Order" tab to Capital Projects | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Allow for the quick access to non-contract costs per project | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Allow for duplication of purchase requisition lines | Univ of Minn |
3/3/00 |
| Allow for the issue of materials to individuals not in the FAMIS Personnel table | Univ of Minn |
3/31/00 |
| Redisplay Employees for Labor Approval when new date is accessed | Univ of Minn |
3/31/00 |
| Display Daily Scheduling data sorted by Employee and then Craft. Provide Craft report option | Univ of Minn |
3/31/00 |
| Add Date and User tracking for Equipment/PM Schedule Link | Univ of Minn |
3/31/00 |
| Enhance the "Storeroom Planning Report | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Improve data and access security on equipment | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Allow for the association of a building to a route | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Enable the hold function on purchase requisitions | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Allow for tracking of PO commitments in maintenance projects | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Purchase Requisition Services check box default | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Route Work Order Ticket Equipment sort option when printing | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Add Building and Room to Daily Schedule Report details | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Add Requester details, site, and building to the Work Order entry | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Display Approval Comments on Invoice form, Line tab | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Labor Approval Report parameters instead of auto-print | Univ of Minn |
4/28/00 |
| Remove SR Equipment location validation based on Floor and Room | Univ of Minn |
5/26/00 |
| Remove auto-fill of the Promised Date | Univ of Minn |
5/26/00 |
| Add Qty Order and Qty Received to the PO form Receipt details | Univ of Minn |
5/26/00 |
| Sort the "where used" details by Location, then Equipment | Univ of Minn |
5/26/00 |
Add split funding to PM’s |
ISU |
3/31/00 |
| Enable printing of multiple account details | ISU |
3/31/00 |
| Allow for the association of a budget code to a maintenance work order that is tied to a capital project | ISU |
4/28/00 |
| Project Workbench enhancements including: variations for phases vs. work order and the addition of a work order close function | ISU |
Not Yet Scheduled |
| Weekly Scheduling Feature | Prism |
Not Yet Scheduled |
| Work Plan feature to consolidate planning & estimating work | Prism |
Not Yet Scheduled |
| Support for Oracle Reports Server | Prism |
Not Yet Scheduled |
| Add Task Code capabilities to Labor Entry functions | Utah St Univ |
5/31/00 |
| Add leave tracking accrual and usage functionality | Utah St Univ |
6/16/00 |