w the manufactures manuals and literature and talk with all users of the system in the facility who may be more familiar with the systems intricacies. Also, consider whether a current function or module in your CMMS can duplicate the function properly and effectively. We should ensure that the initial design of the system encompassed all the major tasks that we are likely to meet and so diminishes our reliance on theses task-oriented software. They do however have a part to play in the continued evolution of the maintenance management process and technology. We will now look at the selection of the hardware to support the software.HardwareWhen buying a computer system they are four main components you must decide upon: the operating system, the processor, the hard disk and the amount of memory.Making a decision on these components will be either deceptively easy or nearly impossible. The decision should be guided by the type of software application you wish to use on the system. The following questions might be helpful:Will the system be used for one function or many?Will the system be a standalone or network?If networked, will it be connected to an outside system, i.e. the Internet, CompuServe, a vendor etc.?What application might you need in the near future?What standard does your company have for hardware?There are two things to insist on:1.Adequate hard disk space2.Adequate memoryThey are both like desk space no matter how much you have you will always use and need more.A CD-ROM is recommended even if your application doesnt require it. Most software is shipped on a CD-ROM. It is less expensive to obtain it on a CD, and the manufactures usually provide additional utilities or programs on the CD version of the software.The only way to overcome the rapidly changing, highly technical world of computers is always to get a consensus of opinions. Ask at least three vendors for three recommendations: high end, middle of the road and the ...
