Datastream 7i Implementation: Bugs, Reporting, Features, and Support Insights Needed

Question:

Hello everyone, I am seeking information on Datastream 7i Implementation for my company's upcoming project. We are looking to implement it as per a corporate decision. If anyone has insights on potential bugs, reporting issues, features, and support related to this implementation, please kindly share. We will be running the application on an SQL Database, integrating inventory and purchasing data with our JDE ERP system. The implementation is expected to be costly and there are high expectations surrounding it. Your input is highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Salvador Reyes, Our plant is set to launch in April, but we are still resolving some issues. Converting existing databases is a key focus for us as we prepare for implementation. Having been through multiple implementation processes before, I know it can be challenging. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the system and its relevance to your plant to effectively plan ahead. Feel free to reach out to me so we can exchange insights and notes.

Are you implementing a new CMMS or upgrading from an existing system? If this is your first time using a CMMS like Datastream, consider creating classes and subclasses for your equipment. Establishing this structure will make it easier to organize and manage your maintenance operations. Fortunately, Datastream also offers inventory and purchasing modules to streamline these processes. The only interface needed is with accounting software, such as Oracle Financials. What kind of plant or facility are you managing?

Hello Waylon M, we are starting fresh because our Lotus Notes Database for Maintenance Work Orders is a complete mess. We are in the process of organizing our main equipment and their components at a system level, categorizing them into Major Equipment, systems, and components across three levels. Drawing on our experience with JDE's maintenance module, we have some concerns as the process on 7i seems more complex. We are seeking guidance from Datastream Mexico's consultants, but they assure us that everything will become clearer during implementation. Any advice on how to effectively categorize equipment would be highly appreciated. Feel free to reach out if you require more information on our implementation process.

Hello svanels! Currently, we utilize JDE's maintenance modules in our distribution fleet, which has its advantages but also limitations. One key benefit for me is the seamless integration it offers without the need for interfaces. However, upon exploring Datastream, I noticed that you use interfaces solely for Oracle GL. Can you share with me the ease of use and effectiveness for financial personnel and controllers in managing information outside of the ERP system? Regarding class and subclass categorization, we have structured it as follows: for instance, Classes have subclasses such as Compressors (Reciprocant, Blowers, Centrifugal) and Pumps (Centrifugal, positive displacement). Could you please provide feedback on whether our classification approach is correct or if improvements are needed? Your input is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

When it comes to finances, I'm not very enthusiastic because the interface took a while to function properly. Previously, transactions were downloaded monthly and reconciled by the account club. However, when it comes to equipment classes, we're definitely on the right path. We've categorized pumps as centrifugal (such as KSB, Dresser) and rotary (such as Viking, Leistritz, Moyno), all properly coded. One great feature is the ability to create parent-child relationships for assets (equipment). For instance, within the Production Area, we can have the Powerhouse with Boiler X, Boiler Y, Generator Y, control valves, transmitters, sensors, fuel pump, etc. All of these would be child objects for Boiler X, with costs rolled up to the boiler. For a typical machine train like a pump, the pump would be the parent asset while the driver and gearbox would be child objects. Equipment is divided into logical functional blocks, avoiding coding at the component level like bearings and rotors. For a vehicle with two engines, such as a self-propelled crane, the vehicle would be the parent asset with the two engines as child objects for servicing and repairs following a predetermined method.

Hello! I've had experience implementing Datastream 7i in a relatively similar environment. One thing to bear in mind is the inventory module - there have been occasional synchronization issues when it interacts with JDE, specifically when working with large data sets. You might want to plan for dedicated support during the implementation phase. On the bright side, its reporting features and ability to pull in data from different sources are fairly robust. However, I'd recommend developing custom reports, as the out-of-the-box options may not fulfil all your specific needs. Good luck with your project!

Hi there, our company implemented Datastream 7i a few years ago and overall the experience has been quite positive. One crucial bit I would underscore is to allocate sufficient time and resources for training your team, as this plays a huge role in how well they adapt to the system. With respect to bugs, we faced a few issues initially related to report generation, but they were mostly minor and were fixed promptly by the support team. On a positive note, the product's features are quite robust, especially the inventory optimization module, which seamlessly integrated with our JDE ERP system, enabling us to monitor and control our inventory more effectively. Bottom line- the implementation can be a bit challenging, but the end result is definitely worth the effort. Hope this helps and wishing you good luck for your project!

Hello! Your project sounds like quite an undertaking. My company did a Datastream 7i implementation on an SQL database about two years ago. One of the issues we faced was related to its integration with our existing ERP system - there were several instances of duplicate entries because of the massive data transfer. One way we addressed this was to double-check our data mapping before we went live. Also, be prepared for the fact that custom reports can be a bit of a challenge to create without additional training, so factor that into your rollout plan. However, on a positive note, we found the inventory tracking to be pretty solid once up and running. It's been an efficient system that has scaled well with our business. Remember, successful implementation largely depends on meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and effective training. Good luck!

Hello! I had experience with Datastream 7i Implementation a couple of years ago. One issue we ran into was dealing with periodic slowdowns and unexpected crashes, but with regular performance tuning and patches, this was manageable. It does a decent job in integrating with an SQL database, but pay special attention to the ETL processes and make sure you have suitable failover mechanisms in place. It was able to pull inventory, purchasing data seamlessly and worked well with our ERP system, similar to your JDE. The features you have access to largely depend on the precise package you opt for, so a detailed gap analysis prior would be beneficial. On the flip side, 7i offers some strong analytical tools, making reporting quite comprehensive. Their support was quite responsive in our case, but we also had an in-house team proactively addressing minor issues. Despite some hurdles, overall, it was worth the cost for the value it brought to our operations. Hope you find this helpful!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What are some common bugs or issues encountered during Datastream 7i Implementation? - Answer: Common bugs or issues during Datastream 7i Implementation may include integration challenges with existing systems, data inconsistencies, performance issues, and compatibility problems with specific databases or ERP systems.

FAQ: 2. What reporting capabilities does Datastream 7i offer for analyzing inventory and purchasing data?

Answer: - Answer: Datastream 7i provides robust reporting features that allow for detailed analysis of inventory and purchasing data, such as customizable dashboards, real-time tracking, forecasting tools, and data visualization options.

FAQ: 3. What key features does Datastream 7i offer that can benefit a company's operations?

Answer: - Answer: Datastream 7i offers features such as centralized data management, automated workflows, inventory optimization tools, vendor management capabilities, and seamless integration with ERP systems like JDE, which can streamline processes and improve efficiency.

FAQ: 4. What kind of support can be expected during and after Datastream 7i Implementation?

Answer: - Answer: During Datastream 7i Implementation, companies can expect support from the vendor in terms of training, troubleshooting, customization assistance, and technical guidance. Post-implementation support usually includes ongoing maintenance, updates, and access to customer service for any issues that may arise.

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