Datastream adds a new service to maintenance line

By Susan Avery -- Purchasing, 10/19/2000

Datastream Systems has unveiled MPXconnect, a comprehensive enterprise asset management service, offered as a hosted application. This application service provider (ASP) deployment model enables end users to access the software over the Internet for a basic subscription fee, eliminating capital costs, freeing up internal IT resources, and providing online access to version updates.

Designed specifically as a Web-architected service, MPXconnect enables customers-from single shops to worldwide enterprises-to access the system from any standard Web connection. MPXconnect integrates seamlessly with Datastream's industrial procurement network, iProcure, automating the entire supply chain, from tracking and managing assets to purchasing industrial parts and supplies.

MPXconnect will reside at secure, state-of-the-art data centers, rather than having a unique database at each customer site. This eliminates database administration for the client and significantly reduces the requirement for on-site IT support.

Components of MPXconnect include:

• Purchasing management- for creating purchasing contracts, requesting quotations from suppliers, and generating purchase orders and blanket orders. This module links directly with the iProcure network.

• Asset management- for complete control over all maintenance assets, including comprehensive analysis and cost history.

• Work management- for creating, planning and scheduling work orders while managing and monitoring all workflow and resources.

• Project management- for controlling the project process from initial budget and timescale planning to the completion of final work orders.

• Reports management- for managing capital assets and staff resources via customizable graphs, reports, budgets and tables.