by Leigh Calabrese

Of the many ways software developers have harnessed computing power in the service of facilities management, few functions have been so elusive as tracking internal work orders. No wonder, considering the difficulties of merging the world of dust-sensitive electronics and sophisticated databases with the grimy world of hammers, ladders, and leaking pipes.

Now ARCHIBUS, Inc., one of the world's leading computer-aided facilities management software developers, showcases two approaches to the process-intensive task.

No More Paper Trails

LSI Logic is global supplier of high-performance semiconductors. The company partners with trend-setting customers to build complete systems on a single chip, such as the chips that enable Cisco's Internet routing switches.

Using the ARCHIBUS/FM Building Operations module as a backbone, LSI Logic worked with Business Resource Group to create a custom, Web-based work order program.

According to Don Higbee, project planning and engineering manager at LSI Logic, the system is bringing greater efficiency to the work order process. It consists of three elements:

the final stage, in which the craftsperson logs onto the Web to collect assignments in the queue and report on work completed

 

LSI Logic's Corporate Headquarters in Milpitas, California. The semiconductor producer has customized a work order system based on ARCHIBUS software. Photo: LSI Logic Corporation A work order is not complete in LSI Logic's system until the original requester is satisfied. Image: LSI Logic Corporation   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.