Bigfoot On-the-Go is the mobile version of our popular desktop CMMS software. Critical tasks you perform in the desktop version you can now do on your smartphone, Palm, or other handheld device.. Replace that clipboard and stack of printouts and still have important information about your entire facility with you anytime, anywhere.
Two Misconceptions about using a PDA-based CMMS
Misconception #1 - On-the-Go— or any PDA-based CMMS —is too complex.
Bigfoot On-the-Go is a simplified version of Bigfoot. It is very streamlined and easy to use. It is a quick learn. Sharing information with your Bigfoot master database is as easy as pushing a single button. Bottom line? Once you’re up and running, using Bigfoot On-the-Go will simplify your maintenance process with better, streamlined access to critical information by putting it in the palm of your hand.
Misconception #2 - On-the-Go— or any PDA-based CMMS —is too expensive.
Bigfoot On-the-Go will pay for itself quickly. The entry cost is minimal; solutions can be purchased for under $1,000, including software, hardware and support. Your investment will reward you with streamlined data entry; better, more accurate reporting; and instant access to data while walking around your facility (or beyond). On a personal level, On-the-Go will free you from carrying around unnecessary paper and from having to write down information for later input into the system.
Some of these misconceptions are probably the result of experience with programs that rely ONLY on PDAs, and try to stretch their capabilities as a result. By comparison, Bigfoot is full powered, time tested software that resides on your office computer. The same industry veterans who designed Bigfoot designed On-the-Go to handle only the tasks that are appropriate for PDA's
On-the-Go customer interview
An interview with a customer who uses OTG every day
Smartware Group (SG):
How do you use Bigfoot in general?
Larry Balm (LB):
All corrective and preventive maintenance for our facility is managed through Bigfoot. Maintenance requests come from all over the facility through the Bigfoot Request Utility. We do a lot of automatic-reminder preventive maintenance. We also use Bigfoot to keep track of the history so we’ll be compliant with state regulations for documentation.
SG:
What kind of staff do you have?
LB:
I manage five maintenance staff members who share two PC's that are strategically located in the facility. Each guy has his own PDA with Bigfoot On-the-Go.
SG:
How do you use Bigfoot On-the-Go?
LB:
My staff mainly uses OTG. Because most of the information they need is right on the hand-held, they spend a lot less time on the actual Bigfoot software. When they are in the office, they put the handheld in the cradle so it can charge; they also do a periodic synchronization with the Bigfoot software. Requests are coming in from people all day long, and with On-the-Go they get them very quickly. The guys carry the PDA around to assist in both preventive and corrective maintenance.
SG:
Did you have any difficulty getting your staff to adapt to this new technology?
LB:
At first the guys were intimidated using the PDAs. Most had never used anything like this before. I started by having them play around with the PDAs using simple tools such as a calculator, temperature conversion tools and even games. This got them comfortable with the hand-helds. Once I felt they were ready, we had them start using On-the-Go and off they went.
SG:
Do you think these PDAs are durable?
LB:
Very much so. We even had one guy put his PDA through his washing machine by mistake. It was in a shirt pocket that ended up in the wash. We let it dry out and it still works fine—not that I recommend putting your PDAs through the wash!
SG:
How has Bigfoot On-the-Go benefited your organization and staff?
LB:
It’s made us much more mobile and responsive. My guys have Bigfoot with them at all times. They can quickly input problems as they are out and about the facility. It has improved accountability and made maintenance progress faster. Overall, the general staff is happier as electronic work orders are worked on more accurately and more quickly than with our previous manual system.
SG:
How do you recommend new customers get started with On-the-Go?
LB:
Make sure your staff gets comfortable with the PDA first. If they’re not, it will not succeed. Get them comfortable, and they will be off and running in no time.
