Every year Archibus releases their latest
version of the CAFM Software.
Follow us, as we look at the new features within
V.25.1.
Refreshed Web User Interface
The first thing you will notice when you
open the new Archibus version 25.1 is the refreshed web user interface. The old
process navigator makes way for the more dynamic side bar navigation. While
users will recognise the hierarchy layout, the side bar expands across the
screen as you navigate and is organised with renamed modules and applications (For
example, Corrective Maintenance replaces On Demand work), split into quick
access shortcuts and full navigation and now shows navigation icons to help you
quickly make your selection.
The side bar navigation also houses the new
user Favourites function, simply click on the star in a view or report and it
will appear in the list. The side bar also includes a relocated view search
function which continues to offer users quick access to lost views anywhere
across Archibus. The side bar can be collapsed to open up the screen size for
your work, leaving a thin bar of icons visible for when you need to return. The
new user interface includes nice little touches such as a glorious spinning
wheel for longer page loads, which has been long awaited.
There is also the new left alignment of
standard view buttons like Add, Save and Delete, which might leave more experienced
users clicking thin air over on the righthand side of the screen.
The existing Home Page navigation can be
used in conjunction with the side bar, although there is a push towards these
being used as more graphical dashboard navigations. The Tasks option has been
removed and the default pages no longer include task links as standard. Home
Page navigations still offer organisations a great way of tailoring the product
for different groups of users and presenting heads-up display information and
we see it playing an important part of customer facing systems.
The new look extends across into the
updated workplace function, with simple graphical screens optimised for touch
screen use. It is now easily configurable to your organisations service
catalogue, branding, with controllable menus and graphics. Set up is managed in
the Service Desk role with a new view with lots of great options including the
addition of request specific guidance so you can make sure users know exactly
what they need to do. Fields and options can be turned off for each request
type which helps keep the request forms clean and simple.
The workplace function continues to offer
excellent visibility of your valuable data by providing easy to access tools
such as finding rooms, employees, or organisational areas as well as visibility
of the floor plan graphics.
The Mobile Maintenance App
The mobile maintenance app has seen some
fantastic improvements through the redesign of the interface. The new screens
have been reworked very much from a user’s perspective to simplify how your
workforce record their work activity. Screens include large function buttons
for starting, updating and completing work, helping users log work more quickly
and with fewer clicks. Starting a job prompts the user to select a work type
which automatically begins running the timer for the work entry and time is
accurately recorded with minimal effort. Basic forms prompt the user at
each step of the main workflow and big action buttons like ‘Resume’ on the main
menu will mean you can quickly carry on with work you’ve already started. We
are confident that users will love the new app spending less time on their
mobile and more time delivering services.
The Space Console
It’s good news for those who use Archibus
to manage their space, as changes in V.25.1 are focussed on the Space Console
administrators view. The view has been re-arranged and condensed to include new
functions while retaining a large viewing panel. Floors are selected using the
new smart search box, which provides quick access to your floorplans while
taking up less space on your screen. Selecting a search result displays the
floorplan automatically which now feels quick and responsive. More complex
filters can still be applied now using the Advanced Search function, with
increased search options that allows organisations with a variety of data
structures to use the function to find specific spaces.
The viewing options have been re-organised
and given nice new icons and menus for controlling the display and highlight
querying of both 2D and 3D plans. You will soon get used to them and start
enjoying the extra screen space they give you!
System Administration
Behind the scenes of the CAFM software are
big changes too. The Archibus Connectors tool, for years has been the go to
place for system integrations, and is now accompanied by a set of true REST
APIs. These can be used to quickly establish data flows between Archibus and
other applications or data sources. The APIs cover; generic data access – for
access and update from anywhere with Archibus, service desk – for integrating
with other service management solutions / processes, employee locations – for
synchronising data staff locations with ERP solutions etc. We are particularly
excited about the service desk API and how it will simplify the connection of
request workflows between different platforms.
Find out more about ARCHIBUS here: https://www.symetri.co.uk/ARCHIBUS
And talk to us about your CAFM software: https://www.swg.com/excitech-swg/
