Too Many Work Order Systems Spoil the Broth

As new applications continue to come into the business process each application will need to be integrated with the other existing applications to maintain corporate efficiency. An enterprise application integration (EAI) tool is fast becoming one of the most important investments that a utility IT manager can make. Cost effective processes and resource allocation require multiple and timely information sources. Tightly integrating all applications producing the work orders allows the resource allocation process to be managed effectively. Figure 2 depicts a process for work order creation using EAI and EAM/ERP. When department applications are not integrated into a corporate business process the results can be:

Contention for the same resources during the same time period
Work order prioritizations are more difficult
Lack of consistency in the work order process between different departments
Increased risk of maintaining accurate information through the enterprise
Multiple department applications increase integration and support problems
Department applications tightly integrated with EAM applications provide the best approach

Figure 2 - Integrated EAM/ERP Work Management Implementation Structure