Getting Better Results Using Apollo-FM

Recognising the need to update their Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system, the Trust decided that the new system must have the following key features:

• a fully web based system
• the ability to connect to their Drawings Database
• the ability to connect to their Supplies Database
• the system had to support mobile working, and
• effective and streamlined reporting features, including obtaining information from disparate databases

In addition, as a Member of HFC the product was procured as a “Member product” with the discount and backup provided to all HFC products.

The Trust’s previous system was based on an Oracle database with a complicated structure of over 200 files that the staff in the Trust did not fully understand, nor did they have the time to invest in getting to grips with its complexities.  

After reviewing the marketplace they choose Apollo-FM to provide the solution, as:

• Apollo-FM includes all of the key features listed above
• It combines everything they require in one complete package
• Apollo-FM is easy to use
• The transfer of the current database information to the new Apollo-FM system was straightforward, and
• It is able to link disparate databases across the Trust

Data transfer

As part of the product implementation plan, the Trust wanted to transfer the current database information to the new Apollo-FM system. 

Fortunately, this is a straightforward process for Apollo-FM. Premier Software Limited, Healthcare Facilities Consortium’s (HFC) long-standing Software Partner for Apollo-FM, were able to use a clever tool which made the process of copying the data between databases and the creation of data dictionaries in Apollo-FM a much quicker and simpler process. Premier also used the product to demonstrate links to the Drawings database and to produce costs per M2.

Apollo-FM went live at Wirral in August and it has been in use since to record all the Trust’s data live.  

Why Apollo-FM?

Having evolved over many years continuous development based on user feedback, 
Apollo-FM is licenced as a complete CAFM system and it is available to HFC members at a discounted rate; the actual price being dependent on the number of users the client requires.  An annual licence fee is charged and includes on-going development and support with software updates and database licences – so there are no surprises or additional costs to worry about.

Designed to be easy to use, amongst its many features are full-featured asset, financial, stock, helpdesk and task management modules.  It also has a NHS Capital Charges module approved by independent auditors on behalf of the Department of Health.  Data can be analysed and presented using the software’s reporting tools or represented visually using its dashboard system.

Apollo-FM is entirely web-based so there is no client software to download or extra licences to pay for – everything is accessed through a standard web browser.  Because of this it has a small bandwidth requirement and can be successful utilised on lower capacity networks.  This means that Apollo-FM will operate comfortably on networks where other software may struggle with less network resources available.

Mobile working 

Another major benefit is that Apollo-FM Mobile will run on any make or model of device that is capable of running a browser and connecting to a network. 

As there are no software or annual support fees associated with the Apollo-FM Mobile software the Trust were able to invest in 40 iPhone 4 units for their tradestaff to process jobs in real-time.  This represents an estimated saving of around £6,000 per annum in software licences plus a further £6,000 per annum in support fees.

Contact:
Paul Lloyd, Managing Director, Healthcare Facilities Consortium
Tel:     01327 227166
E-mail:    info@hfc.org.uk