by John Kirkwood
Facilities management is a difficult process to define because it encompasses such a variety of activities. Space planning and management, equipment and furniture cataloguing, personnel tracking, telecommunications control and move management all fall under this heading.
Such diversity and complexity is ideal for a computer-based information systems, such as the recently launched Toolbox from Johnson Controls.
Johnson Controls was formed in March this year from the merger of Procord and Johnson Control Systems. The company has developed both elements of the new software – CMMS ADvantage (Computerised Maintenance Management) and CAFM ADvantage (Computer Aided Facilities Management).
Clients already using ToolBox include IBM’s UK, Middle Eastern, European and South African operations; Mobil; WPP and London Underground.
CAFM ADvantage has full AutoCad compatibility and provides for 2D or 3D graphics. CMMS ADvantage provides an extensive library of standard reports and easily customised user reports, a work order system, full inventory control and asset management information.
Toolbox will run on stand-alone PCs, LANs or WANs, and supports Microsoft’s Access.
Details from Martin Atkinson, Johnson Controls, 2 The Briars, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO 7 7YH (01705 230500). Web site: www.johnsoncontrols.com
