IBM Maximo Application Suite is an enterprise asset management (EAM) platform.
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Microsoft Dynamics 365
Score 7.4 out of 10
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Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a CRM providing sales, marketing, and service functionality. It is offered as SaaS and on-premise. Dynamics 365 is part of the larger Dynamics suite of business intelligence and ERP products.
SAP is a fantastic, fully integrated solution with a very high licensing cost - Maximo can generally deliver most of what a company needs for a better price.
Complementing IBM Maximo as compared to other ERP software in the market is the ease of use with a user-friendly web-based interface and improved skin that makes navigation and moving within applications easy. Powerful and robust applications such as Work Orders, Assets, …
I would recommend Maximo to organizations with the patience and budget for long-term returns. It is not an easy platform to learn at first, but if you invest the time, it pays you back tenfold. It is not for people looking for a simple solution; this is a tool built for serious asset management.
Based on user experience, I would like to recommend this software to my friends or colleagues on the AP Handling. I like AP recording the most because it makes my work easy. I have been using this for the past 2 years, and it's one of the best for this task. Easy to use and user-friendly.
Extensive asset tracking and management. IBM Maximo is extremely capable of handling all sorts of assets so you can track every detail and part of the lifecycle of an asset inside an organization.
Highly customizable. If the broad array of possibilities inside IBM Maximo still isn't suited for your specific application, it is possible to customize it to a very high degree so it can fit the needs of your organization.
Preventive maintenance and services. With IBM Maximo, it is possible to schedule all sorts of preventive maintenance for your equipment, maximizing the uptime of your systems and machinery and minimizing unforeseen events.
Some useful out-of-the-box features, like mass uploads of Leads from trade shows or when qualifying a Lead, CRM automatically creates the Opportunity, Contact, and Account for you, etc.
Really powerful customizations through the user interface to improve user experience. Things like Business Rules, for example, if Field A = 1, then Field B = 2 and Field C = 2, if Field A = 2, then Field B and Field C don't apply, so automatically hide them.
Or other functionality that improves user experience, like Business Process Flows. These walk users step by step through our business process, helping them know when certain actions should take place, and at what point other data is now required. We've used this extensively with our Lead to Opportunity to Quote to Order process, helping users understand the business process each step of the way.
Customizations built on top of the platform now called model-driven PowerApps. You can have connections to "typical" data, like Accounts, Contacts, or Opportunities, for example, but then connect that data to custom entities, records that only apply to your specific business. This is all done through the user interface and allows you to customize and automate specific line-of-business applications for your specific needs.
Behind the scenes, D365 CE is built on SQL. So the data conforms to industry standards and makes it much easier to interact with. Your developers and IT team will thank you.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 storage & license cost can prohibit some large deployments or even cost-sensitive small projects from using the platform (although I'm certain most deployments would realize a positive ROI if implemented correctly with process automation).
The cost and licensing document for Dynamics 365 is 61 pages and will take a rocket scientist to understand it. It's better to just have your Microsoft help estimate the cost if they are willing to help you that.
The documentation on how to first fully understand the Out of the Box default solution and settings is lacking or even non-existing. This has the potential to derail Dynamic 365 launches and implementations from the gitgo. Want to use an out of the box entity?.. well it's probably related to 5 other entities that require configuration and full understanding of it to successful implement. And you ask where is the laymen guide or instructions?... User groups and forums. In Summary, Microsoft can up its game in deployment training and supporting documentation.
Microsoft needs to incentivize more external platforms to build app connectors for easy integration, such as ZenDesk, Slack, Tableau, etc. Even the current connector apps such as Salesforce, MailChimp, Docusign are useless or don't work at all.
Several limitations inhibit successful Dynamics 365 deployments such as: limited number of Rollup field calculations (summarizing fields on child/related records), limited number rows that can exported to Excel via advanced find, Dynamics 365 files, log and database storage size limit is extremely small and will always require purchasing additional storage (for Online deployments).
New user buy-in or acceptance or system platform changes can be difficult if a solid change management plan isn't enacted.
Don't expect much help from Microsoft on implementation or solutions unless it's a technical flaw with the platform. Microsoft relies on their MVP partner network to consult for implementations at a hefty cost. Hiring a knowledgeable and savvy Dynamics 365 System Administrator can reduce the need for consultant support; of course, this is dependant upon many many variables.
IBM MAS is the leader in the EAM space. They continue to evolve with the newest technology to stay on the forefront of cutting edge asset management. Their continued international growth and market share demonstrate the effectiveness of the product, its ease of use, and the return on investment of new functionalities.
CRM has allowed us to keep all of our data in one place that is easy for all users within the company to view. I came into the company after they had been using CRM for about 4 years. They have all said that since we have used this it has helped us control work processes better, it has allowed us to be able to track things so much better, and has been something that has helped unite many processes that used to be all over the place. We are currently using CRM 4.0 and are planning on upgrading in the next 18 months to the 2011 version. Support for 4.0 is almost all but dried up. Understandably so. Some of the customization we have done, and a plugins we use, are now contained within the 2011 version so we are looking forward to that upgrade. We use an email marketing company as well, and they primarily support the 2011 version, but their product connects and is integrated within CRM. This is a great benefit as well so that all of our marketing information can be contained in one location.
The IBM Maximo Application Suite is well known for inventory management solutions. This solution is in use by many corporations but mostly I have seen its use in Ports, defense and aerospace industries. Some of the benefits are 1. asset tracking is amazing 2. Maintenance cost is less 3. Reduced inspection costs 4. Less downtime 5. It allows customization 6 Simplify data management 7. Highly adaptable
The platform offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to various business needs, but its complexity can be a barrier for new users. While the interface is visually appealing, navigation can be cumbersome, and some users may find it challenging to access certain functionalities without adequate training.
I have regularly contacted IBM Support to report issues and raise requests for issues we face during project implementations. The response from them has overall been good and to the point, and they get back to us within a day or 2 and guide us through the process of fixing it or providing an interim fix of the product
Our partner, Ledgeview Partners has been FANTASTIC to work with. They are always timely in their response and have taken time to understand our business and our specific needs. We've made a lot of advanced customizations and they have been a great help in making those updates.
Implementation of IBM MAS as a service provider has been easy. The functionality in the OEM space has been the best of its class with all related modules and application subject to maintenance
We used a data warehouse to house our data, and our IT team and implementation vendor worked diligently ahead of time to construct idea implementation plans. Out of millions of records- we had less than a dozen errors, which is remarkable. My major insight is simply having a group of completely devoted individuals working towards your goal who fully understand the desired outcome. Focused resources for implementation season are critical to success.
SAP Plant Manager. We’re working a lot in critical infrastructure, so in Europe it’s not allowed by law to put asset data in the cloud, especially when it’s connected to geolocation. SAP is moving to the cloud, and IT is a cloud-only solution. So that’s the advantage of Maximo, and that’s why we’re sticking with it.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 is much more robust, with more customizable features, such as user-specific settings and customer customization options. The system is easy to us,e and all modules can be customized to the exact need of the user. The standard version includes everything you need for a small business that is starting out. Additional features can be added as needed.
A Significant improvement in Tracking and Managing Assets with a History of PM Work Orders, Asset transfers, and maintenance costs linked to procurement and inventory usage
Record accurate labor work hours with proper people management while not missing any schedules and appointments
With the Cost Management and Budgeting application, it has allowed budget controllers to make timely and proper decisions in preparing budgets, booking costs, track commitments and over commitments, and make deliverable forecasts
If you know your stuff, this product does just fine. They are always adapting (aren't they all, always?), so expect it to grow and for you to grow with it.
Don't expect new employees, or places with high turnover, to ease into this product quickly, or even on a moderate time table.
