Consultant
Are you switching from another asset management tool or from Excel to Centix? Then it’s important to properly align your data with Centix standards. This will ensure you can start working efficiently right away.
During the initial setup of your new Centix environment, my fellow consultants and I will be ready to guide you through the migration. As the customer, you will make key decisions about how your data is structured. Good preparation is essential for a smooth transition, enabling you to make the most of what Centix has to offer.
Migration to Centix: What does it mean?
A successful migration to Centix begins with an understanding of a few key terms: ‘objects’, ‘object types’, and ‘MI plans’. Below, I briefly explain what these terms mean within the Centix environment.
What are objects?
In Centix, an asset is referred to as an object. This is the unique item that you register, inspect, or maintain—typically identified by a unique number or serial number. Examples include tools, lifting equipment, machinery, or installations. In Excel, these items are often listed in rows with item numbers, descriptions, and inspection dates.
What are object types?
Every object in Centix is linked to an object type, which is based on the kind of inspection or registration required. An object type is essentially a category used to classify objects. By configuring this correctly, the appropriate inspections are automatically assigned to new objects—saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
- Registration without an inspection: Sometimes, you may want to register equipment without linking it to an inspection. In such cases, you can use the standard object type ‘Other – Registration Only’. If you wish to make further distinctions, you can create custom object types that do not include inspections.
- Object types with a single inspection: Some object types—such as ladders and stairs—typically require only one inspection. These are the most common.
- Object types with multiple inspections: Certain equipment, like electrical measuring instruments (e.g. a scale with a plug), often requires more than one inspection. For example, these might need both an annual PAT test and a calibration. In such cases, you should create a dedicated object type that includes both inspections.
- Stationary machines: For equipment such as lathes or components of production lines, inspections and maintenance tasks can vary significantly. Rather than creating a separate object type for each individual machine, you can opt for a general object type—such as ‘Stationary machines’. You then assign the appropriate inspections and maintenance tasks to each object individually.
What are MI plans?
Maintenance and inspection plans (MI plans) are checklists with specific checkpoints used during inspections or maintenance tasks. In practice, inspectors and mechanics often already work with such lists, ticking off checks as they go.
In Centix, you create a custom MI plan for each type of inspection or maintenance. These plans can include a variety of checkpoint types. For example, yes/no or pass/fail questions (with N/A options), or measurements with specified tolerances. Based on these inputs, the system can automatically determine whether an item passes or fails.
Centix provides a number of commonly used MI plans as standard. You can expand or adapt these to suit your needs, either independently or with the support of a consultant.
How to determine the right setup?
Step 1: Map out your inspections
Begin by creating an overview of all inspections carried out within your organisation, including their frequency and scope.
- Do you outsource inspections? In that case, a generic setup is often sufficient. The inspection checkpoints are defined by the external party, so all you typically need in Centix is a reminder for when inspections are due. You can easily upload the corresponding certificates (in PDF format), keeping all relevant documentation centralised and accessible.
- Do you carry out inpctions in-house or use external inspectiors who log into Centix? Then a more specific set-up is recommended. This involves defining tailored MI plans and object types that align closely with the items being inspected. This approach makes inspections more efficient and helps minimise errors.
Example: With a generic set-up, you use one object type, such as ‘Ladders and steps’. If you opt for a specific set-up, you make a distinction using separate object types and MI plans, such as ‘Telescopic ladders’, ‘Extension ladders’, ‘Steps’, and ‘Industrial platform stepladders’.
Step 2: Object type classification
The overview of inspections and their corresponding intervals provides an initial basis for classifying your object types. However, this usually requires further refinement.
- Different time intervals for the same MI plan: Do you have object types that share the same MI plan but require different inspection intervals? For example, semi-annual rather than annual calibration? In this case, create separate object types so that each can be linked to the correct inspection frequency.
- Objects without inspection or maintenance: Some objects are only registered and do not require inspection or maintenance. If you wish to distinguish between different kinds of these objects, create separate object types. If not, the default object type ‘Other – Registration Only’ will suffice.
- Object types with additional properties: You can also classify object types based on specific properties. For instance, do you want to record the measuring range (in bar) of pressure gauges? Then create a dedicated object type with a ‘Measuring range’ property. This property is only relevant for pressure gauges and will only be displayed for that object type.
- Visual elements: In some cases, you may need to create separate object types for visual reasons. For example, to add specific images or documents that are only applicable to certain object types.
Preparing migration
The idea of setting up a new system can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you’re asking yourself some of these questions:
- How do I know if my Excel file is complete enough?
- How do I convert my Excel data to Centix?
- How do I determine the right object types and MI plans?
- What if I want to make changes later?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. We, as consultants, will guide you through the process step by step, tailoring the setup to suit your working methods and ensuring a smooth migration. Need adjustments afterwards? No problem. The setup can always be modified based on new insights.
For a visual explanation of the process, watch our video on data setup in Centix.
Discover what Centix can do for your organisation
Not a Centix customer yet? I would be happy to guide you through the possibilities Centix has to offer in a product demonstration. Depending on your requirements, I will brief you in half an hour to an hour and a half to give you a clear picture of our software solution!
