The Maximo/Manage Mobile applications use the REST API to interact with the data stored in the underlying database. Calls (GET/POST) are made to the MXAPIxxxxx object structures that come pre-built in the product. After the User has scanned the contents of the bar/QR code into a field in the mobile application, and then click/pushes "search" a GET call is made through the REST API to retrieve the records that meet the call/query criteria. The query is pre-defined on the object structure and may be modified by the specific mobile application code/context where the user is.
For your use case, if the bar/QR code that was scanned contained say an Asset number, and that number is now sitting in an "asset number search field" in the mobile app, then, if the query is so coded, and the mobile application coded to accept the records, then the result set of "CM/PM" records, would be retrieved and returned to the user/mobile app. The key is that is the mobile app coded to retrieve and accept the records you are looking for. Hope this helps.
John Q. Todd
Sr. Business Consultant
Original Message:
Sent: Fri June 28, 2024 01:18 PM
From: SHAFEEQURAHMAN THIRUTHINGARA
Subject: How Does IBM Maximo's QR-Based Asset Management Work?
Thank you for your response, Mr. JQT.
Could you please elaborate on the process of data integration with Maximo? Specifically, I would like to understand how this integration can be achieved so that, upon scanning a QR code, all relevant data such as Corrective Maintenance (CM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) records are displayed.
Thank you.
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SHAFEEQURAHMAN THIRUTHINGARA
Original Message:
Sent: Fri June 21, 2024 09:49 AM
From: john todd
Subject: How Does IBM Maximo's QR-Based Asset Management Work?
shafeequ... Great questions!
- How are QR codes generated within IBM Maximo for our assets?
JQT – Out of the box there is not a generation function built into Maximo/Manage. Typically, clients will export lists of their Asset numbers from Maximo/Manage and import into a Bar/QR code label software for generation. Some have created custom BIRT reports that use a bar/QR code font to generate the codes, of which are then printed on label stock with a connected printer.
- What are the best practices for preparing and printing these QR tags?
JQT – See Lou Peeples excellent post in this chain for these two questions.
- How do we integrate QR code scanning with our current mobile devices?
JQT – On some fields in the Maximo/Mobile applications, there is already an icon for the User to click/push that will open the mobile devices camera to then scan the bar/QR code. For any other field that the user wishes to either search with the results of a scan or use as data entry for perhaps a new record… the Mobile app will need to be modified to add the "scan" icon on the field. However, keep in mind that if the user has an attached (wired, Bluetooth, dongle) bar/QR code scanner device, then that is acting as a "keyboard replacement" and can be used to scan for any field in the mobile app(s).
- If so, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
JQT – the biggest challenges are: Making the "connection" between the asset numbers and information in Maximo/Manage and the physical bar/QR code label on the equipment. The "printing" methods available are quite varied. Also, relying upon the internal camera of the mobile device to scan codes can be problematic due to low-lighting conditions or the inability of the camera to focus on the bar/QR. This points to the need for laser-based hand scanner devices to be connected to the mobile device, which is no more difficult that connecting a mouse to a laptop, but it is another device for the user to manage.
Here is a link to an article we have written on the topic:
https://www.trmnet.com/2021/05/leveraging-hand-held-scanners-with-maximo-applications/
Hope this helps... keep us posted with your progress!
//JQT
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John Q. Todd
Sr. Business Consultant
Total Resource Management
Original Message:
Sent: Wed June 19, 2024 07:11 AM
From: shafeequ rahman
Subject: How Does IBM Maximo's QR-Based Asset Management Work?
Hello Team,
I hope you're all doing well.
I'm reaching out to gather more information on IBM Maximo's QR-based asset management system. Specifically, I'd like to understand the following:
QR Code Generation:
- How are QR codes generated within IBM Maximo for our assets?
- Are there specific tools or steps we need to follow?
Tag Preparation:
- What are the best practices for preparing and printing these QR tags?
- What materials or printers are recommended for durability and clarity?
Integration and Usage:
- How do we integrate QR code scanning with our current mobile devices?
- What applications or software should we use for scanning and managing the data?
Implementation Experience:
- Has anyone here implemented QR-based asset management with IBM Maximo?
- If so, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
I'm keen to hear your insights and experiences. Any guidance or resources you can share will be greatly appreciated as we consider adopting this system.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Best regards,
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shafeequrahman
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