MainBoss Newswire
October 2005
Topics:
******************************************
1.
Exporting
XML
As many MainBoss customers may have noticed, the latest release (2.9 update 5) of the software introduced a new item under the Administration menu: Export XML. While this new functionality has no effect on how you currently work with your MainBoss data, it is still important to know what XML is and when it can be used.
XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. According to Wikipedia, XML’s “primary purpose is to facilitate the sharing of data across different systems”.
In other words, XML can be used to transfer data.
The most important use for Export XML will be for your next software upgrade: The next major version of MainBoss will use Microsoft SQL Server 2005 whereas the existing 2.9 version is a database compatible with FoxPro. If customers wish to move from Version 2.9 to the new version of MainBoss (when it is released), they would use the Export XML function to transfer their existing table records from the old MainBoss to a file that will be imported by the new MainBoss. Since FoxPro and SQL are two different database structures, XML acts as the intermediary by creating a simple text based document of the old MainBoss data which can then imported into the new MainBoss.
All MainBoss customers will be notified in advance when the
next MainBoss version will be released and what the options and requirements
for upgrading are at that point. In the meantime, you may not have an immediate
use for the XML function but now you at least know what it is!
******************************************
2.
Customer Spotlight:
Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University
is an independent university in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Maintenance is provided
through the Physical Plant Services department, where Dave Gilmore is
Facilities Supervisor. For the past four years, the department has used
MainBoss Maintenance Software to manage its operations.
Like many organizations,
OBU is computerizing its operation through a gradual phase-in process. Phase one: work orders and preventive maintenance. By using
MainBoss to track work orders, the department can make sure nothing falls
between the cracks. Mr. Gilmore cites a problem that is surely familiar to any
maintenance department: a worker runs into difficulties on a particular job and
takes longer than expected to get things finished. Other jobs scheduled for the
day don't get done...and by the time the worker gets back to the dispatching
office, everyone's gone home. Managers don't hear that some of the jobs got
skipped, and lines of communication get crossed.
But MainBoss makes it easy
to pick up the ball again. Managers can ask MainBoss for an Overdue Work Order
report to see what jobs have missed their scheduled completion dates. "Out
of sight, out of mind" doesn't apply. Even if there's been a breakdown of
communication, managers can find out what hasn't been done and put jobs back
onto the schedule.
MainBoss has provided more
benefits than just keeping better track of repair jobs. It's also helped reduce
the need for repairs in the first place. With their previous software, OBU
never managed to establish a comprehensive preventive maintenance program; with
MainBoss, they've succeeded. Mr. Gilmore says "Trouble calls are down by
thirty to forty percent...and I've got the statistics to prove it."
To
read the full article, click here: http://www.mainboss.com/english/stories/articles/obu.shtml
******************************************
3.
Upcoming
Tradeshows
Thinkage
will be attending the following tradeshows to demonstrate MainBoss:
·
International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant
Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY from November
13-15, 2005. Visit us at booth 3175! http://www.ihmrs.com/
·
PM Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre
(South Building) in Toronto, ON from November 30 to December 2, 2005. Visit us
at booth 1643.