The AIMS Team provides the services described below. As appropriate for the task, the AIMS Team will build and deploy one or more widgets of our non-proprietary Asset Information Management System (AIMS) for customers to use after services have been completed. AIMS is offered to our customers as a free product and no maintenance fees apply. Please visit our specific AIMS page for more information on its specifications and capabilities.
Basic Database Administration and GIS Support
Specifically for those organizations that are too small to afford full-time staff and resources to dedicate to DBA and GIS, the AIMS Team offers as-needed services to assist with these tasks. Databases and GIS are extremely helpful even for the smallest organizations and we make it possible to use these technologies but invest into it only when you need it. Examples include: configuration of a simple on-line map; generation of report figures, map books and oversize plates; data conversion (hardcopy to digital); GPS data collection; and conversion of spreadsheets into interconnected databases.
Specifically for those organizations that are too small to afford full-time staff and resources to dedicate to DBA and GIS, the AIMS Team offers as-needed services to assist with these tasks. Databases and GIS are extremely helpful even for the smallest organizations and we make it possible to use these technologies but invest into it only when you need it. Examples include: configuration of a simple on-line map; generation of report figures, map books and oversize plates; data conversion (hardcopy to digital); GPS data collection; and conversion of spreadsheets into interconnected databases.
Data Systems and Information Management Consulting
Not to be confused with Information Technology (IT), which focuses on computers, networks, hardware and operating systems, Information Management deals with the configuration of databases and data applications, and how they interact and connect to provide the greatest flexibility and value to an organization. The AIMS Team can assist in the planning and implementation process for a variety of systems including Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Customer Information Systems (CIS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Inspection Systems, SCADA, Document Management and many other applications that a utility purveyor needs on a daily basis.
The AIMS Team will map out the processes and connections, and can help select the optimal systems for the tasks at hand, ensuring that these systems have the ability to integrate with each other and avoid duplication of data and functionality.
Not to be confused with Information Technology (IT), which focuses on computers, networks, hardware and operating systems, Information Management deals with the configuration of databases and data applications, and how they interact and connect to provide the greatest flexibility and value to an organization. The AIMS Team can assist in the planning and implementation process for a variety of systems including Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Customer Information Systems (CIS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Inspection Systems, SCADA, Document Management and many other applications that a utility purveyor needs on a daily basis.
The AIMS Team will map out the processes and connections, and can help select the optimal systems for the tasks at hand, ensuring that these systems have the ability to integrate with each other and avoid duplication of data and functionality.
Systems Integration
Most organizations operate useful systems and wish to continue to use them but would like to get more value out of them. The AIMS Team can help make minor adjustments in data structure that will allow for a more open flow of information between different systems.
Examples include: linking assets and maintenance data from a CMMS to features on an interactive map; cross-referencing cost codes from an accounting system to maintenance activities stored in a CMMS; and using engine run-time information tracked in a SCADA system to estimate the next time an engine is due for an overhaul.
Most organizations operate useful systems and wish to continue to use them but would like to get more value out of them. The AIMS Team can help make minor adjustments in data structure that will allow for a more open flow of information between different systems.
Examples include: linking assets and maintenance data from a CMMS to features on an interactive map; cross-referencing cost codes from an accounting system to maintenance activities stored in a CMMS; and using engine run-time information tracked in a SCADA system to estimate the next time an engine is due for an overhaul.
Systems Selection, Implementation, Customization and Development
In some cases, organizations have a need for tracking of data for which they do not (yet) have a dedicated system in place. For example, a maintenance manager may track work orders in a spreadsheet, or perhaps not at all. The AIMS Team can help organizations to either: 1) select an off-the-shelf software solution that is a good fit for the organization, install and customize it, and perhaps pre-load the system with historic information if applicable, or 2) design and develop a custom module in our own AIMS. The AIMS Team can strategize with the organization on the best approach, and pick the solution that is the most cost-effective and flexible.
In some cases, organizations have a need for tracking of data for which they do not (yet) have a dedicated system in place. For example, a maintenance manager may track work orders in a spreadsheet, or perhaps not at all. The AIMS Team can help organizations to either: 1) select an off-the-shelf software solution that is a good fit for the organization, install and customize it, and perhaps pre-load the system with historic information if applicable, or 2) design and develop a custom module in our own AIMS. The AIMS Team can strategize with the organization on the best approach, and pick the solution that is the most cost-effective and flexible.
Asset Management Plan Development
The AIMS Team has great expertise in the implementation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's standards for running and Asset Management Program. We define Asset Management as 'a process for maintaining a desired level of service at the best appropriate cost'. We use the E.P.A.-described 10-step process (see graphic below) in all aspects of our consulting services, including workshops, reports, data standards and software applications. Typical projects include: the building of an asset register; populating mission-critical information regarding asset condition, criticality and valuation; setting appropriate levels of service; identifying feasible management strategies for asset classes; and running calculations and models to predict the best long-term financing strategy.
The AIMS Team has great expertise in the implementation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's standards for running and Asset Management Program. We define Asset Management as 'a process for maintaining a desired level of service at the best appropriate cost'. We use the E.P.A.-described 10-step process (see graphic below) in all aspects of our consulting services, including workshops, reports, data standards and software applications. Typical projects include: the building of an asset register; populating mission-critical information regarding asset condition, criticality and valuation; setting appropriate levels of service; identifying feasible management strategies for asset classes; and running calculations and models to predict the best long-term financing strategy.
