Object management in Centix
An object is the term used in Centix for, for example, a tool, piece of equipment, machine, installation, or vehicle. You add an object to a relation and assign it to a location such as an employee, warehouse, or project.
Each object has an associated object type with a linked maintenance or inspection schedule. On the object (detail), all information can be found, such as master data, object status, maintenance and inspection schedules, certificates, documents, and the location where the object is assigned. See how object management works with Centix Online.
Object information
Moving
Documentation
Maintenance & Inspection
What is an object?
Bulk versus unique
In Centix, we distinguish between two types of objects: bulk objects and unique objects. Unique objects must be individually identifiable and are often subject to mandatory inspections. Examples include drills, ladders, generators, and light masts.
Bulk objects, on the other hand, often do not have an identification method, as they are generally not subject to mandatory inspections. These are objects with high stocks that are delivered in one go. Think of scaffolding planks on a trestle, fencing in a bunker set or work gloves.
Create object type controlled objects
Here we record information such as the standard description of the object, warning periods for expiry of validity, end of life (for example for fire extinguishers), any additional properties to be recorded, documents such as user manuals or invoices, and finally, and most importantly, a maintenance and inspection plan with a schedule and a standard checklist.
When you add an object in Centix, and select an object type, the above information will automatically be adopted. This allows you to register a new object quickly and you are assured that your objects are inspected on time!
To quickly and easily register a new object and conveniently reuse predefined information, Centix uses object types. Examples of object types include drills, ladders, safety harnesses, fire extinguishers, generators, and more.
Create product controlled objects
When you want to record more detailed information, take things a step further, make deployment costs important, or enable ordering, products are used in Centix. A product is part of a product catalog and contains product information. A product represents one or more objects.
We distinguish between two types of products: sales products and rental products. Information such as group, category, product line, cost center, object type, brand, model, stock unit, and sales or rental rates is recorded. Objects are linked to the product as “inventory.” Optionally, alternatives, cross-links, suppliers, and documents can be added.
Object type versus product
The level of abstraction differs per organisation and depends on whether they choose to work in Centix in an object type driven or product driven way. By working with products, you can record more detailed object information than with object types. This may include documentation per brand and model. For example, instead of an object type such as an angle grinder, products allow you to specify an angle grinder by Makita, Bosch or DeWalt, and so on.
In addition, rates can also be assigned to a product for (rental) use or sale. By using the order module, financial charging of, for example, deployed equipment is possible.
Maintenance and inspection plan schedule
Each type of maintenance or inspection has its own standard. In a maintenance and inspection plan we translate this standard into a specific standard procedure. On a maintenance and inspection plan you indicate the time schedule, which steps must be followed, any modes (for example, for minor or major maintenance), questions/tasks that are completed, and it is possible to (pre)calculate for both hours as materials.
Flexible location details
We record all object information in Centix. This is displayed in the so-called object detail. This object detail can be configured flexibly with various widgets. Widgets such as master data, maintenance and inspection schedules, inspection history, service requests, movement log, (current) location of the object, Geolocation et cetera. It is possible to set a different view per user profile so that certain information is shown or protected.
Moving objects
‘Moving’, also known as importing and issuing or placing objects at a different location, can be done in different ways in Centix. This also depends on whether or not you work with the ‘products‘ and/or order module.
This is often done through the apps. Centix OnSite is mainly used for moving objects to and from locations such as warehouse or employees. Centix Logistics, on the other hand, is for more intensive and daily use and offers the possibility to work with pick lists and many (immediate) counter distributions. But there are also various functionalities in the Web to offer a solution for most common wishes.
Every ‘movement’ is logged in Centix, so you always know who owns or has owned what. Useful for performing various analyses, keeping track of usage and depreciation.
Discover what Centix can do for your organisation
Have you become interested and would like to learn more? I’d be happy to guide you through the possibilities in a personalised product demonstration. Depending on your needs, I’ll walk you through the software in 30 to 90 minutes, giving you a clear overview of what Centix can offer your organisation.
Prefer to explore at a time of your own choosing? Request the demonstration video!
Identification of objects
Unique identification of objects is an important part of object management. We want to always be able to link actions such as importing and issuing an object to an employee, or an inspection that has been carried out, to the unique object.
Various identifiers are available from engraving, QR code/barcode stickers to RFID. At Centix we often work with QR code stickers. The convenience of this is scanning and immediately starting an inspection, immediately moving an object, requesting information, submitting a malfunction report, and registering a new object. The main advantage here compared to the other solutions is the ability to view and retrieve information and documentation at all times.
Tracking of objects
To always see where your valuable equipment or tools are located in Centix, using the Centix GeoTags is the next step. By equipping objects with the Centix Tags you can see where the object is located live, but it is also possible, for example, to have automatic movements take place using ‘Geofencing’.
By using Tags, you increase the deployment of equipment and avoid unnecessary equipment downtime on projects. No more searching for lost equipment or unnecessary purchase of additional or new equipment while it is not used on another project.
