Frequently Asked EAM / CMMS Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between MPulse Gold and the MPulse WorkFlow products? MPulse Gold EAM / CMMS  is a full featured, fully functional computerized maintenance management system.  The acronyms associated with MPulse Gold product name are EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). MPulse Gold is the core product from which the WorkFlow products are derived. MPulse WorkFlow products are targeted solutions designed to help companies solve particular maintenance management problems, such as a simple PM program or an easy to use, web based, maintenance requesting tool. To view a product by product comparison, click here.

How can I get an on-site demonstration? Because the decision to purchase a EAM / CMMS solution is usually made by a team of people consisting of managers from maintenance, operations, and information services departments, MPulse Gold often requires a demonstration. Our knowledgeable and professional resellers and staff are available to provide a complete presentation of the products' capabilities as well as help you to plan a successful and cost effective implementation. Depending on geographical restrictions these product demonstrations can be face to face, or via web collaboration using the Internet.

What is an "Assured Implementation Program" (AIP)? Utilizing an Assured Implementation Program (AIP) is our way of making sure your integration of MPulse software happens quickly and efficiently. The AIP trains your users to get the most value from your investment. Participating in an AIP will help you make sure all of the necessary resources and information come together at the right time, and run like clockwork. Our AIP consists of three main parts; management consulting, product training, and project implementation management. Although these services may be ordered separately, we recommend that you make best use of our expertise and resources in order for you to realize the highest possible productivity and benefit. An AIP may seem like the most expensive training option, but it provides the fastest payback on your investment.

Can we get training on MPulse? Yes! At your site, at our site, at one of our regional training centers, or on-line training is available for all MPulse products. All MPulse Maintenance Software products come with an on line help system which gives directions on how to use the software. It is possible to get all the training you need from MPulse’s Help system. However, if you want to reduce your implementation time, you should consider purchasing training. MPulse Gold is an organization wide tool, and our experience has taught us that doing an on-site AIP is the fastest and safest way to assure success. Check out the Service Products section of this web site for information on training options.

How do I get my existing data in MPulse? MPulse products ship with an empty Microsoft SQL Server® database. If you have data in another maintenance software system, a spread sheet, or a home grown database we can probably import that data for you. Talk to your sales representative about this option. Remember, though -- there are advantages and disadvantages to importing old data into a new system. The main advantage is it may save data entry time. A significant disadvantage to consider is that any incorrect or invalid data in your old system will be carried over to the new database. Remember the old computer adage; "garbage in, garbage out."

Can I add licenses in the future? Absolutely! Customers using current version software can simply call us for a quotation for adding extra seats. Upon receipt of a purchase order for the extra seats (and pro-rated SMA on the new seats, if necessary), we will issue you new codes which allow you to immediately use extra concurrent licenses. If you are using older version software, you will need to update to current version before adding extra seats.

Does the system support e-mail and the Internet? Yes! All MPulse products have an internal e-mail system and hot links to your Internet browser. Manufacturer, supplier, employee, and contact records have fields for both e-mail addresses and Internet URLs. When you click on any of these fields, your browser or e-mail package is activated. All reports, including work orders and purchase requisitions can be e-mailed. MPulse also offers MPulse InfoNet™ technology, which allows you to provide thin client browser based communications and remote reporting capability to anyone you choose.

Can I customize out the menus, messages, prompts, and reports? You can! All of the text in the MPulse system is 'translatable' - meaning it can be changed to your language, your terminology, or to something completely different! You can also customize the look of the screen by removing access to buttons, areas, and even individual fields. All of MPulse's reports are written using Business Object's Crystal Reports™. These reports can be fully customized and modified.

What if I don’t need all the functionality that MPulse offers, does it come in modules? This is exactly why we developed the WorkFlow “targeted maintenance solutions.” WorkFlow products allow you to build your maintenance software program ala-carte. The WorkFlow products are subsets of MPulse Gold. All the WorkFlow products have MPulse’s work order management system and navigation system as there core. They also have asset record sets for Equipment and Buildings, and a record set for Employees. WorkFlow products have MPulse Gold’s Maintenance Advisor to keep you on your toes. With this functionality as your base you can build you options on, such as Media View, Spare Part Inventory Management, Supplier Management, Requisitioning, Meter based scheduling and so on. You can also add these features when you need them, or when you can afford them!

What is a SMA? SMA is an insurance policy of sorts. It makes sure that you have access to the most current version of software that we have to offer, as well as provides you with the peace of mind of knowing you have unlimited free technical support via the Internet, phone, and email. Most of our customers realize the great value in maintaining their software tools under one of our SMA programs. There are two levels of SMA, Standard SMA and Hosted SMA. Each provides for telephone technical support, free updates, and access to the support section of our website. We generally release several interim releases for each product and at least one major update every 12-18 months. This, combined with free access to our fast, friendly and knowledgeable technical support staff, make insuring your software tools with one of our SMA programs an excellent value.

What is Hosted SMA? Hosted SMA combines Standard SMA with a hosting service for your application and database here at MPulse Software. The hosting service allows you the freedom of not impacting your internal IT support staff with setting up and maintaining the web service and data service to support your MPulse installation. This option should be seriously considered if you do not have internal support, or any SQL data servers already set up.

If I don’t buy SMA, can I still get technical support? Yes! Technical support is available for current version products, on a per incident charge prepaid using your VISA® or MasterCard® at the time of the call. Sorry, no purchase orders. All new software comes with 60 days of free SMA.

What is the difference between an update and an upgrade? An update happens when you move from an older version of a product to the current version of the same product. An upgrade happens when you move up from one level product to the next level. As an example, if you have a current version of MPulse WorkFlow M, and you decide you want to have the features and benefits included in MPulse Gold, you would need to upgrade. Your investment protection would allow you to apply the value of the MPulse WorkFlow M towards the purchase price of MPulse Gold.

How often are new versions of MPulse released? What does an update cost? We try to release a new version of a product every 12 to 18 months. During that time there may be several revisions that are released as necessary for maintenance. Customers on a Software Maintenance Agreements (SMA) are able to download new versions and revisions as they become available. Customers who are not current on their SMA will be offered revisions as necessary to correct problems covered under their warranty. New versions are offered to current customers not on an SMA on the following schedule: One version back: 75% discount off the current retail price Two versions back: 50% discount off the current retail price Three (or more) versions back: 25% discount off the current retail price

Do you have anyone and/or businesses in my area using MPulse products? Depending on what your business is and what product you are considering, we can probably match up references geographically and/or by business segment. We only give out references of individuals and companies who have given us permission to use their names. As you can imagine and appreciate, we protect our customer’s privacy.