Many little things add up to a big thing.

We at MEX are having an interesting year in making changes in MEX and FleetMEX, making it better for all our users.

None of these things are enormous.  They are little things that our users want changed or made better.  And we have been slowly implementing them to make our products do what customers want MEX to do.   And we are starting to notice that all of these little things make up a bigger thing that can work so much better.

Some of the changes, with some having already been done and released, include:

·         Quick edit.  This allows for the fast editing of work orders if there are a lot.  This has already been added and is available in 14.0.3.0.

·         Fast print.   Where a very fast method of printing a work order, purchase order or invoice can occur.

·         Test and tag.  At the user conference this year we discussed and even designed something around this and hope to have it in MEX.

·         On line ticketing.  A ticketing system for all customers to track there bugs, issues and requests.   Again, partially designed at the user conference.

·         New reports.  Have added a few in this year already but have more coming.

·         Photos and videos.  Greater use in the requesting and work orders.

·         On line catalogues.  Creating a way for any user to link on line catalogues into the MEX catalogue.

·         Security.  A new lot of standardised security groups.  In process now and should be released soon.

All of these little things add up to simplicity and efficiency in using our products.

And if you have any ideas on further things to do, then contact me and lets discuss little things that add up to big things.

Steve's Serious Maintenance Tips for 2012

According to the Mayan calendar, the 21^st of December 2012 is the date it all comes to an end.  So before our world crumbles, I feel that it’s a good time to think about what myself, and other maintenance professionals should be doing in their last year on Earth.

First up, I wouldn’t prepare any notes about my equipment, explaining what they actually do, where they are, and how much has been spent on them.  I definitely wouldn’t keep track of breakdowns, issues, maintenance, wear, or even tear!

As far as shutdown planning goes, I wouldn’t organise parts, labour or time estimates, especially around tax time.  All I would do, is find a nice comfy couch where I can put my feet up.

If someone asks me to do something this year, I’ll smile and nod (to keep them happy).  But obviously I’ll have no intention of completing their request.  I just want to keep up appearances until December.  Surely there couldn’t be any harm in that?

I think I’ll also start promising my staff great pay rises for 2013, along with a handsome Christmas bonus!  Of course I’ll still need them to work hard throughout the year, and if they do I will guarantee great wealth and prosperity in 2013!  The best part is… there probably won’t be any repercussions for me!

However, there is one caution I must provide you with if you do follow my maintenance tips for 2012.  If those Mayans are wrong, and this whole end of world thing turns out to be a big lie, then you better have a damn good resignation letter ready for December 22^nd.