Antero: Setting up User-defined fields

User-defined fields are a convenient way to include additional information about the equipment defined in the Antero software. In Antero LX, user-defined fields also exist for the parts/material section of the program. The purpose of these user-defined fields is to allow the user to create space for information that is not already provided in the software.

There are two types of user-defined fields available: values and links. The values field allows the user to assign a name to the value, as well as the data to be stored. Both the name and the value itself are specified by the user and do not have any particular restrictions.

Links offer a bit more flexibility to the user, in that they provide shortcuts to objects outside of Antero. The power of these link fields lies in the fact that they rely on Windows® File Associations to call upon the items to which they refer. That means that link-type user-defined fields in Antero have the same capabilities as Windows desktop shortcuts. Using the link fields, a user can set up shortcuts to any type of file that Windows recognizes, such as pictures, Microsoft® Word® documents, Microsoft Excel® spreadsheets, PDF files—any type of document. When a link is launched, Windows will open the appropriate software to handle the object to which the link points.

AllMax recommends that when using the link fields, a special directory be defined somewhere on the user’s PC or on the network where link files can be maintained. Such a directory will allow for easier management of documents that are to be linked in Antero. The importance of this procedure comes from an understanding that the link fields in Antero are just that…links. No documents are made as part of the Antero database. Therefore, once a link is created, if a document is deleted or moved, the link will be broken.

Potential uses for these user-defined fields include additional nameplate data, links to SOP, MSDS or other procedural sheets, and inclusion of reference photos.

Additional information on the use of user-defined fields can be obtained by calling AllMax Technical Support at 1-800-670-1867 or by consulting the Antero help system by hitting the F1 key while viewing the screen on which the user-defined fields appear.

New Antero v4.10 Maintenance Software Features

Soon to be released is Antero v4.10, a secure, user-friendly maintenance data management software that will help eliminate unnecessary maintenance costs, increase productivity and improve efficiencies. Among Antero’s many features will be a new Work Order Request function that will allow users to submit a request for a specific task or piece of equipment. The request can include the date, time, priority, equipment, description, who requested the work order and other relative information. It will also show any changes to the status, notes that may have been added to the request and work order information if a work order was generated from the request.

The request feature will display the current status of a request: read, unread or closed. Once a user views the detail of the request, the status will automatically update to “read”. The user then has the option to change the status, add notes or create a work order right from this screen. If the user does create a work order the status will automatically change to closed. The user also has the option to close the request without creating a work order.

The work order request function is an excellent tool for facilities where many users may not have access to the Antero application but are familiar with the equipment and related needs. By utilizing the Work Order Request feature, operators can inform maintenance personnel of any issues before they become problems, saving the facility potentially thousands of dollars in repair costs.

The newest upgrade makes Antero compatible with Access 2007 and adds an “Open Work Order General Report” to the report options. Antero also allows users to build preventive maintenance schedules, monitor tasks, generate work orders; track equipment, inventory, meters/gauges, parts, contractors, purchase orders, consumables usage and expenses, back up and store data. cost analyses; custom reporting.