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The MSU Physical Plant's Applications Staff will roll out FAMIS Xi to its users in mid-January 2009. The upgrade will allow all applications to be accessed via the web instead of having to rely on a client-based version. This will make it easier for FAMIS users and will ease regularly-scheduled software updates.
In addition, the Applications Staff will minimize customization to the FAMIS product. This will aid in implementing future software updates by allowing for more progressive roll-outs.
The screen interfaces for Xi will be similar to those used currently. Once Xi is rolled out, plans are for new updates to be implemented approximately every six months.
A town hall meeting was held Nov. 21 to give current FAMIS users are information about the upgrade. Questions about the new system were addressed at that time. For those who could not attend, we have:
The training schedule has been announced. All current FAMIS users are asked to attend the training in order to be prepared for the January release of Xi.
For questions regarding the town hall meeting, contact Angela Carey (amcarey@pplant.msu.edu). Please hold all technical questions regarding FAMIS Xi until the town hall meeting.
To learn more about FAMIS Xi, visit www.famis.com/products/.
Here's how FAMIS describes Xi:
"FAMIS automates the entire facilities maintenance and operations function, from the initial service request, to the work order and project management, to invoicing and billing, to audits and status reports. The new FAMIS Xi standards-based architecture creates a universally accessible and instantly adaptable system that conforms to you rather than you to it. Because it's web-based, all stakeholders in work order outcomes can be included in the electronic routing and follow-up. Costs associated with a job are tracked and can be automatically re-allocated, with documentation, back to users. Cost data is accrued work order by work order, and over time used for assessment and planning purposes. Performance metrics are also built into the system to measure success against standards appropriate to your operation. The radically new visibility increases accountability, and thus performance rises as a direct result of using FAMIS.
The system integrates and manages maintenance and operations functions not only within itself and other FAMIS modules, but also between relevant IT systems outside the FAMIS suite such as Finance, Human Resources and Planning Groups. Wireless and mobile on-site communications capabilities ensure not only that the work done on site is done right, but also that the right work is done. Wireless communications upgrade performance and, perhaps as important, the quality of information that flows back into the system. Technicians input key data on the spot, and that makes a difference. The quality control loop is always intact. You are always informed, accurate and current."