Michael asks:

Would you recommend an asset management program that would include work orders and preventive and deferred maintenance components?

James Elledge replies ...

If you pay a visit to the Software Network (www.thesoftwarenetwork.com/Facilities-Management-Software/), you will find information on a variety of facility management related packages. Your final decision should be based on your current or planned infrastructure (such as SQL, Oracle, etc.) and the appropriate client/server operating system.

If you are using nothing now, you’ll need to create some kind of starting point. If and when you get closer to selecting a more specific product, at least you can easily convert your existing data into the new system.

You may also wish to talk to your peers to find out what systems earn the highest praise and the strongest criticism; ask about implementation experiences, while you’re at it.

Regards, Jim Elledge.