Computerized Work Management Systems for Utility and Plant Operations
This book shows how new computerized technologies can be used to create more cost-effective work management--and improved asset management.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Computerized Work Management Systems for Utility and Plant Operations
Chapter 7: Hardware and Operating Environment
Introduction
Users of a CWMS work at a terminal and use printers to produce work requests, work orders, inventory pick lists, purchase requisitions, purchase orders and necessary reports. The system can run on a stand-alone personal computer (microcomputer), a networked minicomputer system, a mainframe computer or a client server system. All of the above systems permit placing terminals on the desks of personnel who need to create work-related records, retrieve stored records, review history and prepare daily reports needed in the work management process. In the simplest form, it is possible to load and operate the CWMS software on one personal computer. This option is clearly limiting, both in terms of accessibility by the various personnel (who need to use the systems on a routine basis to carry out work) as well as storage space for data. We will focus our discussion on the mainframe, minicomputer and client server hardware systems because they are more likely to be applicable to most situations. Appendix 7.1 provides a template for developing the technology requirement for a CWMS project.
Mainframe And Minicomputer Infrastructure
The mainframe and minicomputer system are some of the earliest types of computer hardware that were developed (Figure 7.1). These systems date back at least 10 to 20 years ago. Many system manufacturers still support this type of technology, providing new models and or replacement parts. In the past, elaborate programs were written in various languages (e.g., COBOL) to support many business functions. The program and data resides on the...
Copyright DEStech Publications, Inc. 2004 under license agreement with Books24x7
