October 2004

> Datastream 7i v7.8 Released
> The City of Wilmington Reduces
     IT Support Time by 60%
> The Not-So-New Rule:
     Understanding 21CFR11
> Seminars & Training
> Tech Tips

> Datastream 7i v7.8 Released
Datastream launched its latest version of Datastream 7i, its Asset Performance Management software. This release of Datastream 7i includes product functionality that enables customers to deploy easy-to-use and easy-to-configure zero-footprint html interfaces that match the roles of end-users. Through Datastream’s proven Web architecture and associated Web services, users from the shop floor to the executive suite can access Datastream 7i to leverage business intelligence and streamline their operations and asset management processes. Read more.

To learn more about Datastream 7i and the new features, join Datastream for their Web seminar, "Upgrading to Datastream 7i from MP2," or at one of their regional seminars.

> The City of Wilmington Reduces IT Support Time by 60%
The City of Wilmington provides services--such as public utilities, water & wastewater, solid waste, and street maintenance--for over 90,000 households in one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina. Prior to implementing Datastream 7i, the City had three disconnected asset management systems distributed across departments and divisions. These separate systems contributed to a multitude of problems, including a high volume of IT support cases, low equipment uptime, and an inefficient use of resources. Datastream 7i resolves these problems and provides the City with a tool for improved customer service and the ability to make better decisions based on data.

Integration with ESRI GIS
The City implemented Datastream 7i integrated with ESRI GIS to facilitate entering work orders. Now, work orders can be created based on the address of an asset, rather than based on the equipment number, which can be difficult to locate. Work orders are created more quickly and more regularly due to City workers being able to create work orders more easily. Future plans include the City's stormwater division using Datastream 7i integrated with GIS to track linear assets.

Reduced IT Support Effort
Datastream 7i provides the City a single centralized application. Prior to implementing Datastream 7i, two IT analysts spent their time supporting three systems. Now they support a single asset management system, reducing time spent supporting the system by 60%. And the Web-based solution lowers the initial deployment cost as well as the number of IT support incidents. What previously took eight days to deploy to 200 workstations using a traditional client-server solution is now nearly instantaneous since the zero-footprint application does not need to be deployed on each user's workstation.

Increased Equipment Uptime
Datastream 7i provides the City a preventive and predictive maintenance program for thousands of distributed assets. The City can now be proactive, resulting in increased equipment uptime and maximizing the impact of taxpayer dollars.

Improved Efficiency
The flexible configuration of Datastream 7i enables the City to support diverse work processes for different departments throughout the city. For example, the waste water department focused on corrective and preventive maintenance work as well as inspection processes for distribution systems, pump stations and plant assets. And, the parks and urban services department centered on recurring public services like tree trimming and facility maintenance.

Superior Customer Service
Streamlined processes result in improved customer service. Work orders are now automatically routed based on a user’s authorization, eliminating the paperwork previously needed for approval and scheduling. The response time between submitting a work order and the work order being approved would frequently take at least eight hours. Now this process takes two hours. These results are based on the City using Datastream 7i for less than two months. The City has since set an attainable goal of approving work orders within 30 minutes, a reduction goal of nearly 94% in just one year.

Make Better Decisions
The City’s management uses the robust data management, analytics and reporting capabilities of Datastream 7i to gain unprecedented visibility across all departments and operations. This facilitates better-informed decisions that improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize asset use. The City now reports more accurately using key performance indicators such as:

• Booked labor hours and man-power for work orders and projects
• Forecasting maintenance costs and budget variances
• Total cost of maintenance (labor and materials)
• Inventory usage and cost

Overall, the City of Wilmington has made great strides toward reducing IT support, increasing efficiency, and improving customer service. And they now have the data they need at their fingertips to make better decisions.

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