Last Updated on September 15, 2020 by maximosecrets
Maximo has three types of items and hence three main applications for recording them, Item Master, Service Items and Tools. The characteristics of an item can be described using a classification and the attributes of the classification, the specification. The classification and attribute values can be used to generate the description of the item, this can create a lot of consistency in your data. Users will find lookups which allow you to perform word searches, or searches based on the classification hierarchy or an attribute based search. The item can have an image and like all Maximo applications document or URL links can be associated with each record.
Items and tools can represent both consumables and items for which assets will be recorded, rotating items. Like items can be grouped using commodity groups and codes. Items can be condition enabled meaning that multiple records can exist for the item but at different values. For example, a new tyre for a truck has a different value to one where the tyre is worn by 20%. Items can be kitted meaning that several items are assembled into a kit of parts waiting to be issued as a whole. Items can also have an item assembly structure, and this is used with assets to quickly build an asset hierarchy and its spare parts. There is also a setting to add an item to the asset spare parts whenever it is used on an asset.
The Inventory application is where balances of the item can be held in a storeroom. The Stocked Tools application is the equivalent storeroom application for tools. In the Inventory application balances can be held for the same item in multiple bins. The balance of items can also be held at the lot level which would be used for chemicals and paints with a shelf life. Item balances can also be recorded against people, for example the custodians of tool assets, and transit locations like couriers and shipping/cargo agents. Some items might be metered, for example fuel used for vehicles.
Logistic functions are supported using two applications Inventory Usage and Shipment Receiving. Inventory Usage is a document that can be used for issues, returns and transfers. It is an application that can be workflow enabled using Maximo’s built-in workflow capabilities, most Maximo applications can be workflow enabled. The Inventory Usage document can go through staging and shipping steps. Staging is used when items are collected together and added to a staging bin waiting to be collected. Shipments are used with transfers and create a shipping record which is then received into the destination storeroom using the Shipment Receiving application. Item availability is provided throughout Maximo wherever an item field exists providing the balances whether they are in a storeroom, staged or shipped.