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CMMS FAQs

CMMS Software FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions | FM Dashboard

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Company & Platform Overview

When was the company founded and what industries do you serve?
Founded in 2013, we've grown in close partnership with gas station and convenience store customers. Today, we support over 8,000 locations processing $38 million in annual maintenance spend for trusted brands including Majors Management, GPM Empire, Sun Auto, and Cadet Enterprises. We provide a fair and modern alternative to legacy CMMS platforms that burden vendors and facility managers with hidden fees and unnecessary complexity.
What services do you offer beyond the core CMMS platform?
In addition to our core CMMS, we offer a fully integrated environmental compliance suite for managing inspections, testing, and permitting. We also provide Virtual Maintenance Coordinator (VMC) services, which provide dedicated full-time coordinators trained in facilities management who act as embedded team members to extend customer operations.
How do you handle supply chain disruptions or sudden demand changes?
As a Software-as-a-Service provider, we're largely insulated from supply chain disruptions that impact traditional equipment or service providers. Our platform is built mostly on technology we own and maintain, supported by reliable cloud infrastructure with redundant server capacity. We have no dependency on volatile suppliers or material inputs. In the event of increased demand, our cloud-based architecture enables us to quickly scale server capacity to meet customer needs without interruption.
What makes your technology architecture resilient?
Unlike many CMMS providers that rely heavily on third-party technology stacks such as Microsoft Dynamics or other ERP systems, we're built on a mostly homegrown modern web-first architecture that we directly manage. This reduces exposure to licensing changes, forced upgrades, or shifting vendor priorities. On the support side, we operate lean while maintaining depth by leveraging global talent, ensuring scalable, responsive, and cost-effective support.

Work Orders Management

Can the system automatically set NTE to $0 for assets under warranty?
Yes. If a work order is created for an asset that is under warranty, the NTE is automatically set to zero. Users can edit this NTE after the fact if necessary.
Can I create parent/child relationships between assets?
Yes. The system allows unlimited assets to be created at each location, and each asset can include unlimited child components. For example, an HVAC system may include a condensing unit, compressor, and other components linked as children of the main asset. Each component carries the same attributes as its parent, including warranties, replacement costs, repair history, and other details.
Does the system help with repair vs. replace decisions?
Yes. The platform allows configurable repair vs. replace criteria to be defined and displayed on the Asset Detail page. This information can also be surfaced during work order creation and on the work order itself, ensuring decisions are consistent with system or client-defined standards.
Can assets be transferred between locations?
Yes. Assets can be transferred from one location to another directly from the asset page, and all associated data moves with the asset. Work order history remains tied to the original location where service occurred, preserving an accurate record of when and where the work was performed.
Is refrigerant tracking available?
Yes. The platform supports refrigerant tracking, including loss events, equipment capacity, and the specific refrigerant type used for each unit.
Can users view multiple store locations with a single login?
Yes. Users can be configured to view information for one or multiple locations under a single login with access tailored to the specific data you choose to share. User groups make it easy to manage permissions at scale.
Can alerts require user action?
Yes. Notifications can be configured by type and by user or group and delivered via email, text, or in a pop-up. Text and email alerts link directly to the work order or task that triggered the alert.
Does parent work order information transfer to child work orders?
Yes. Work orders can be linked or nested under tickets, and parent information (such as notes, priority, and categories) can transfer to child or linked work orders. Tickets can also include tasks assigned to users or groups for internal follow-up. Tickets remain open until all associated work orders and tasks are resolved.
Can store managers certify work completion with escalation paths?
Yes. Store managers (or any other user) can be required to certify satisfactory work completion upon vendor checkout. Certification can be tied to a set timeframe with automatic timeouts that either escalate or auto-certify if the user does not act within the defined period.
Can the system automatically manage vendor associations and PPM schedules?
Yes. The system supports both priority vendor associations and general vendor associations. Each location can have designated primary, secondary, and tertiary contractors. The system can automatically add or remove stores from vendor associations and recurring/preventative schedules, while user roles and permissions control whether non-priority contractors can be selected when dispatching work.
Can users view complete work order history including communications?
Yes. Users can be configured with either full or partial access to work order history. This includes visibility into all communications, cost history, check-in and check-out records, notes, and any attachments. The system also retains a complete record of notifications and email replies.
Can I drag and drop files to upload?
Yes. Files can be uploaded from a file picker or by drag and drop.
Can incomplete work orders be reassigned to another vendor?
Yes. A work order can be reassigned to another vendor at any point in the work order cycle. A work order that starts with one vendor who fails to complete the repair can be assigned to a new vendor without having to create a new work order.
Can the system warn users about special considerations during work order creation?
Yes. The system can be configured to provide warnings and restrictions during work order creation and assignment. For example, trades can be restricted by location, dispatch approvals can be triggered based on location type, and alerts can be issued if an asset is under warranty. Configurable troubleshooting workflows can prompt users with questions and check for potential duplicate work orders.
Does the system support escalation hierarchies?
Yes. The platform supports configurable escalation paths that can assign ownership of escalated issues to specific users or roles and transition them through an escalation hierarchy. The system can be configured with multiple approval flows, such as dispatch approvals based on trades and issues, quote approvals tied to cost thresholds, and invoice approvals based on cost.
Can I access troubleshooting documentation when creating work orders?
Yes. The system allows company-configured troubleshooting workflows based on trade categories, trades, and sub-issues. These workflows can incorporate documentation, predefined tasks, and decision support to guide users during work order or PPM creation. As part of this process,
Can I add custom instructions for internal and external recipients?
Yes. The platform supports adding clear instructions and notes for both internal and external recipients. This ties directly to the troubleshooting feature and also allows for custom work order descriptions based on trade, location type, brand, and other criteria.
Can teams be notified of work order changes based on specific criteria?
Yes. Both internal and external teams can be notified of work order changes based on predefined criteria such as priority, NTE, general details, ETA, or user/role. Notification types can be configured for each user or group and delivered by email, text, or both.
Can multiple users view work order information simultaneously?
Yes. The platform allows multiple users to view work order information simultaneously without restriction.
Can NTE approval requests be assigned to specific users or roles?
Yes. NTE approval requests can be assigned to specific users or roles, with configurable approval thresholds to ensure users cannot approve amounts above their defined limit.
Are there audit trails for system actions?
Yes. The platform supports role- and user-based permissions that control system access and actions, with full audit trails captured through note history and workflow controls.
Can SLAs be assigned to NTE approval timelines?
Yes. SLAs can be assigned to NTE approval timelines and the system tracks any breaches. Performance can also be graded on a per-user basis through the internal scorecard feature.
Can work orders be routed for dispatch approval?
Yes. The system supports configurable control flows that allow work orders to be routed to internal leadership for dispatch approval based on predefined criteria such as self-maintenance or issue type.
Can invoices be auto-approved based on criteria?
Yes. Invoices, quotes, and NTE increases can be auto-approved based on pre-defined criteria such as approval levels, NTE amounts, and other configurable thresholds. These can be set up on a per-trade basis as well.
Can work orders automatically close as non-billable?
Yes. Work orders can automatically close as non-billable after a configurable number of days in pending vendor invoice status. If a work order is not billed within the set timeframe, it will automatically complete as closed with no charge.
Does the system automate work order prioritization?
Yes. SLAs can be configured and assigned to trades and sub-trade categories, with automated prioritization applied during work order creation. Sub-trade categories can be flagged as emergencies or marked as down locations automatically, ensuring the correct priority and associated SLA are communicated to the vendor.
Can stores be automatically tagged for R&R, New, or NTI status?
Yes. The system uses location type designations to trigger workflows and control flows, enabling stores to be automatically or manually tagged based on pre-configured scenarios.
Can field visibility be locked down by user or role?
Yes. Field visibility and task permissions can be configured by user or role, with group-level settings available for efficient management across multiple users.
Can work orders be automatically tagged based on criteria?
Yes. The platform supports automatic and manual tagging of work orders based on predefined criteria, with examples including warranty, location down, emergency, high-volume store, and custom-configured tags.
Can required parts lists be attached to dispatches?
Yes. The system can automatically attach parts and equipment lists to dispatches and invoices when provided, though the data itself must come from the customer.
Does the system automatically calculate priority levels?
Yes. The platform assigns and adjusts priority levels by linking trade categories, trades, and sub-trades to SLAs during onboarding. These configurations can be updated and overridden as needed based on user permissions.
Does work order status update automatically?
Yes. Work order status updates automatically based on user or contractor actions, with manual overrides available for users who have the proper permissions.
Can warranty vendor associations be removed automatically?
Yes. Vendors can be designated as warranty providers for assets, with associations automatically removed once the warranty period expires so they are no longer assigned to new work orders.
Does the system check for duplicate work orders?
Yes. The system uses the troubleshooting process during work order and ticket creation to detect duplicates, with configurable rules that can require acknowledgement or prevent creation.
Can I create multiple child tasks for a single work order?
Yes. The ticket feature supports grouping multiple work orders and tasks under a single parent, enabling child tasks to be created and managed together.
Can I create break-fix, project, and PPM work orders?
Yes. The platform supports break/fix, project, and PPM work orders through both manual and automated processes. It also allows bulk uploads, recurring schedules, and ticket or project structures for managing multi-step or large-scale initiatives.
Can I create vendor associations by category, store, or asset?
Yes. The platform supports vendor associations by category, subcategory, problem type, store, and asset. Contractors can also be assigned on a priority scale with configurable workflows for auto-rollover or auto-cancel if a vendor does not accept a work order in time.
Can I preview work orders before releasing them to vendors?
Yes. Vendors can view upcoming work orders in template form before release, while preventing them from accepting or starting until the preview is lifted. This visibility can be enabled or disabled based on customer preference.
Can I use custom work order numbers that include store numbers?
Yes. The platform supports custom work order numbering, including configurations that embed store numbers, set up during onboarding.
Does the system maintain full audit trails with timestamps?
Yes. The platform maintains full audit trails with user details and date/time stamps. Actions, approvals, rejections, and status changes are logged in the appropriate context, such as work order notes, location notes, or contractor notes.
Can I highlight high-risk issues on work orders?
Yes. The system uses predefined labels such as emergency, down location, high-volume store, and safety to highlight higher-risk issues, with additional flags configurable during onboarding.
Can I include images, photos, or videos on work orders?
Yes. The platform supports uploading images and videos to work orders, tickets, and locations. The web-based, mobile-first design makes it easy for users to capture and add media directly from their devices.
Can NTE requests be initiated at any status?
Yes. NTE requests can be initiated at any status prior to invoicing. Vendors can also submit NTE increases while checked in using a dedicated form for on-site repairs.
Can email links take users directly to work orders?
Yes. The platform includes direct links in all email and text notifications to take users to the relevant work order, quote, or invoice. Replies can be used to add notes, approve or reject dispatches, NTE increases, and invoices, with all responses stored in the ticket history.
Can multiple work orders be linked together?
Yes. Work orders can be linked together directly, with all linked orders cross-referenced for easy navigation. Multiple work orders can also be grouped under a parent ticket along with tasks for broader issue management.
Does the system flag potentially similar work orders?
Yes. The troubleshooting feature displays open or recently completed work orders that appear similar, prompting users to review them before creating a new one.
Can I choose who to notify when logging notes?
Yes. Users can select recipients when adding a note, including contractors, or save notes without notifications for personal reference. A private note option is also available for users with the proper permissions.
Can I notify internal teams of special conditions?
Yes. Notifications can be configured to send to specific roles based on defined criteria, with user settings allowing updates to be limited by location, trade, or a combination of both.
Can work orders be printed in a legible format?
Yes. The platform provides printable versions of work orders and histories for both customer and vendor users. Vendors can generate dispatch tickets or sign-offs that include check-in/out details, full work order history, and asset information.
Can I see a roll-up view of tasks and related work orders?
Yes. The ticket feature groups multiple work orders and tasks under a single parent, providing a roll-up view of all related records.
Can the system recommend NTE based on historical data?
Yes. The platform supports NTEs by trade category, trade, or sub-trade issue, with configurable increase limits that allow small NTE adjustments to be auto-approved.
Does call information automatically link to work orders?
Yes. The platform automatically incorporates location details such as address, phone numbers, and contacts into work orders once the store number is entered.
Can NTE approval requests be segmented by dollar value or priority?
Yes. Quote approval flows allow NTE requests to be segmented by dollar value, priority, trade, or location type, with configurable escalation paths to notify the appropriate stakeholders.
Can I select category/subcategory/problem type during creation?
Yes. The platform allows selection of trade category, trade, and sub-trade issue during work order creation, with options mapped to NTEs, SLA priorities, and configurable flags.
Can automated emails be sent to stores after work order creation?
Yes. Automated emails can be sent to stores after work order creation, including details such as number, issue, status, and vendor. Notifications can be segmented by conditions like unassigned, assigned, or emergency.
Can vendors sign off on work and initiate invoices from the platform?
Yes. Vendors can sign off on completed work at checkout by entering service details, adding inventory used, and submitting invoices directly within the platform.
Can invoice approval be stopped based on criteria?
Yes. Work orders can be flagged for billing issues, which prevents invoice approval and automatic approvals where configured.
Does the system prevent invoice submission when NTE is exceeded?
Yes. The system prevents invoice submission when the amount exceeds the approved NTE.
Can I use past work orders as templates?
Yes. Any past or current work order can be duplicated or recalled for future use, with recall work orders defaulting to an NTE of zero until the recall flag is removed. Ticket templates can also be created with predefined work orders and tasks.
Can I use web services for bulk operations?
Yes. The platform's API allows for bulk operations such as mass closing, tagging, and other administrative tasks.
Can I view all completed and scheduled tasks?
Yes. The platform provides visibility into all completed tasks within the application and supports custom reports with user-defined criteria. Users can also view all scheduled tasks, including upcoming instances of recurring work orders.
Can I see both original and current NTE amounts?
Yes. The platform displays both the original and current approved NTE on the work order page, with full timeline and note history tracking all changes, users, and timestamps.
Can I view work order history while creating new work orders?
Yes. The troubleshooting process displays currently open and recently completed work orders during new work order creation, helping users avoid duplicates and reference past activity.
Can I view work orders by store on any device?
Yes. The platform provides work order history at the location level, accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile. The mobile-first design ensures each view scales cleanly to the device without pinching or zooming.
Can the system automatically close work orders with no pending tasks?
Yes. The system can be configured to automatically close work orders once no outstanding tasks or related requests remain. The same automation can also be applied to tickets.
Does the system display timelines for work order components?
Yes. The platform uses SLA and custom SLA priority features to maintain and display timelines of expected work order components. These can be consolidated into internal or vendor scorecards that track various performance measures.
Can warranty information automatically update work orders?
Yes. The platform carries warranty information and asset-level flags into work orders, automatically designating them as warranty, billable, or non-billable for invoicing.
Can asset selection be required during work order creation?
Yes. The system can require asset selection during work order creation, while also allowing assets to be added or corrected after creation. Vendors can be required to complete missing asset details.
Can I add notes to work orders with automatic logging?
Yes. The platform logs all notes on a work order with automatic user identification and date/time stamps for full accountability.
Can NTE requests be submitted through multiple channels?
Yes. NTE requests are supported through mobile, desktop, or tablet, with a mobile-first responsive design that delivers the full feature set.
Can additional NTE requests be initiated after rejection or approval?
Yes. Vendors can resubmit or edit quotes prior to approval, and if a quote is rejected with a reason provided, a new NTE request can be initiated.
Can estimates be requested on PPM work orders?
Yes. Quotes can be submitted on any work order, including PPMs. Vendors can also submit quotes as suggested work items outside a work order, or create multiple quotes from issues identified during inspections.

Asset Management

Can I track warranties on components?
Yes. Warranties can be associated with assets and their child components, with each component able to carry its own warranty and flag warranty work during escalations or estimate scenarios.
Can assets be tied to categories, subcategories, or problem types?
Yes. Each asset is tied to an asset type, which is linked to a trade, enabling association with categories, subcategories, and problem types.
Does the system support asset scanning?
No. The platform does not offer native scanning but supports mapping QR codes and UPCs to open associated asset records. This can be configured during onboarding.
Can I import historical platform data?
No. The platform does not import historical data directly but supports ingesting it into the business intelligence tool for reporting and analysis. AI-driven features are also being developed to allow users to query data across multiple repositories.
Can I store geographical and regulatory information for locations?
Yes. Geographical and regulatory information can be stored in location details, notes, and documents. For more advanced needs, the integrated environmental compliance module manages permits, regulatory data, and compliance tracking at a detailed level.
Can I assign documentation and media to assets and categories?
Yes. The system allows unlimited uploads of documents, media, and links to assets, categories, problem types, and site profiles. Vendors can access this information on work orders unless restricted by a customer user.

Vendor Management

Can vendors have and maintain detailed profiles?
Yes. The platform provides vendor profiles where required information such as contacts, rates, insurance, contracts, and escalation details are maintained. Vendors can add users within their account and receive reminders for expirations.
Can vendors provide itemized invoice details?
Yes. The platform supports both consolidated and itemized invoices, with vendors able to provide details split into charge blocks such as labor, travel, parts, tax, freight, and PPM.
Can I be alerted when vendor contracts are updated or expiring?
Yes. The platform sends alerts when contracts or insurance documents are updated, uploaded, or approaching expiration.
Can vendors propose rate adjustments that require approval?
Yes. Vendors can propose adjustments to labor, travel, or parts rates within contracts, but changes require client approval before taking effect, with existing rates remaining active until approved.
Can vendors pull outstanding work order reports?
Yes. Vendors can export their open work order lists at any time. Customers can also export from vendor profiles and send them directly, while the system automatically emails daily summaries of outstanding items to each vendor's service email.
Can vendors check in and out using smartphones?
Yes. The platform supports vendor check-in and check-out via smartphone with geolocation or through IVR. While there is no offline app, the platform's web-based design provides access when an internet connection is available.
Does the system automatically cycle through prioritized vendors?
Yes. The platform supports primary, secondary, and tertiary vendor assignments with auto rollover protocols based on SLA. If a vendor does not accept in time, the work order auto-cancels and rolls to the next contractor.
Can vendors offer early payment discounts?
Yes. Vendors can set early pay discount terms in their profiles, which are automatically flagged and visible to customers.
Can I dispatch to vendors based on predefined criteria?
Yes. The platform supports dispatching to internal or external vendors based on predefined criteria such as asset, category, problem type, store, or state.
Can I monitor vendor SLA performance?
Yes. The platform tracks on-time delivery and SLA performance through the vendor scorecard, measuring vendors on multiple criteria both overall and by specific SLA priority.
Can multiple vendors be scheduled in sequence?
Yes. Sequential work can be managed through the ticketing feature, which groups multiple work orders and ensures they are completed in sequence.
Are there SLA reports with vendor rankings?
Yes. The vendor scorecard tracks SLA performance with configurable filters, exportable results, and monthly contractor rankings, giving visibility into success rates and comparative performance.
Can vendor payment status be updated from external systems?
Yes. The platform can receive payment status updates from external financial systems through API or file-based integration. Work orders are updated with details like payment date and check number.
Can I view key vendor attributes to select appropriate labor?
Yes. The platform allows assignment of primary, secondary, and tertiary vendors, and users can also view metrics such as average invoice cost for first-time repair.
Can vendors update field values and content?
Yes. Vendors can update work order fields, manage their profiles, change associated assets, add notes, and upload attachments.
Do vendors have visibility to asset information?
Yes. Vendors have visibility into assets tied to their work orders, including details, repair history, service notes, and associated dates.
Can vendors view scorecards with filtering options?
Yes. Vendor scorecards can be filtered by date range, with customers able to configure grading criteria and weightings for each metric.
Can vendors create work orders during compliance testing?
Yes. The environmental compliance features allow vendors to create work orders or requests during compliance testing to flag additional service needs, with access restricted by role and vendor.
Can I add new vendors with duplicate prevention?
Yes. The vendor management and compliance features allow clients to add vendors while checking against predefined criteria to prevent duplicates.
Can vendors be assigned as warranty providers?
Yes. Vendors can be assigned as warranty providers at the asset or component level, with components able to have different providers than their parent assets.
Can vendors alert when parts are arriving?
Yes. The platform includes a parts arrival NTE feature with a tracking number field that generates a direct link for shipment status.
Can internal and external techs communicate?
Yes. Internal and external technicians can communicate directly through the work order notes feature, with all exchanges logged.

Preventative Maintenance (PPM)

Can I define PPM costs by service, location, and vendor?
Yes. PPM costs can be defined by service, location, and vendor. These parameters can also be managed through bulk work order imports.
Can I define custom frequencies for PPMs?
Yes. The platform supports configurable cadences for CPPMs and PPMs, including daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual, annual, triannual, and custom intervals.

Invoicing & Financial Management

Can sales tax be recommended if missing from invoices?
Yes. The platform can recommend sales tax on invoices when data is provided through an external tax software integration. The tax rules must be supplied by your chosen provider via API.
Can invoices be batch uploaded and exported?
Yes. The platform supports batch invoice uploads and can export data in XML or other file types via direct API connection, file transfer to a customer-defined endpoint, or email delivery to designated users.
Can the system calculate accruals?
Yes. Accruals are calculated based on customer-defined rules, configured during onboarding and adjustable at any time by system administrators.
Can I capture written descriptions of issues?
Yes. The platform includes a description field on work order creation for capturing written issue details.
Can work orders be flagged for capitalization with AFE numbers?
Yes. Work orders or invoices can be flagged for capitalization, with AFE (or equivalent RFE/CapEx) numbers entered and submitted to accounting software in place of GL codes. Terminology is customer-defined.
Does the system check for duplicate invoices?
Yes. The platform detects duplicate invoices by comparing invoice numbers as well as price and service descriptions for the same vendor.
Can accounting periods be created from accounting software?
Yes. Accounting periods are supported in company settings and can be managed directly in the platform or set and updated by an external system via API.
Can AFE requests be created and approved through accounting software?
Yes. The platform supports creating AFE requests from work orders, with integration to send them to accounting software for approval and return approved numbers and GL codes for invoicing.
Can vendor contracts dictate rates?
Yes. The platform supports vendor rate management and contracts within the vendor management features, allowing rates to be defined by predefined criteria such as trades or trade issues.
Is GL coding tied to categories and problem types?
Yes. The platform provides robust GL coding tied to trade category, trade, and sub-trade issue. Multiple sets of GL codes can be supported for different store types or brands.
Can invoice approval be assigned to specific users or roles?
Yes. Invoice approval rights can be assigned or restricted by user or role, ensuring approvals are routed to the appropriate stakeholders.
Is there a mandatory field for subcontracted vs. self-performed work?
Yes. The platform supports a mandatory invoice field indicating whether work was subcontracted or self-performed, and this can also be managed through vendor rate settings.

User Access & Permissions

Can user access be managed through Active Directory groups?
Yes. The platform supports user management in-app or through SSO, SCIM, or API integration with a source- of-truth system.
Can roles be managed in groups with elevated access?
Yes. Users can be assigned to groups, inheriting group-level settings for simplified management. Roles such as store manager, district manager, vice president, or maintenance coordinator can each have defined permissions.

Notifications & Alerts

Can alerts and notifications be turned on or off by role?
Yes. The platform provides fully configurable alerts for each user or group, with options to send by email, text, both, or none. Notification types can be tailored to roles.
Can status-based email routing be configured?
Yes. Configurable email and text notifications can be routed based on work order status and tailored to specific users or scenarios.
Can vendors be alerted for SLA breaches?
Yes. Vendors are alerted when SLAs are breached or at risk of breach.

Reporting & Analytics

Are custom dashboards and KPIs available?
Yes. The platform provides configurable dashboards where users can view reports assigned to them. Custom reports are typically created during onboarding, with additional visualizations available through integrated data tools.
Can I create flexible drill-down reports?
Yes. The platform supports custom reporting within the platform and through integrated data visualization tools, enabling metrics and KPIs tailored to user roles, store associations, and organizational levels.
Can site details be exported and imported?
Yes. Site lists can be exported, updated, and re-imported, and can also integrate with a source-of-truth system via API to keep data synchronized.

Mobile & Accessibility

Is the platform easy to use?
Yes. The platform is designed for simplicity and configurability, with user views limited to their responsibilities and permissions. Features are built to be intuitive and obvious to use.
Can the platform be used on smartphones, tablets, and computers?
Yes. The platform is accessible on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs, with a mobile-first responsive design that provides the full feature set on any screen size without pinching or zooming.
Can vendors use standard invoices from the desktop application?
Yes. The platform provides a standardized invoice form within the desktop application, with the option for vendors to upload a PDF copy of their invoice.
Can field personnel and vendors upload documents and media?
Yes. Field personnel and vendors can upload documents, pictures, and videos to work orders and PPMs, with the same capabilities available to all users.

Integrations

Can the platform integrate with procurement software?
Yes. The platform can integrate with procurement software through its robust API, enabling vendor profiles to include rates, contacts, escalation paths, and related data.
Can data be sent to SQL servers for Power BI dashboards?
Yes. The platform can be configured to deliver platform data to SQL servers or a data staging endpoint, enabling Power BI dashboards.
Can the platform connect directly to Power BI?
Yes. The platform supports Power BI integration through follower databases, with access configured during onboarding.
Can the platform integrate with construction software?
Yes. The platform can integrate with construction software through its robust API, enabling visibility into documents, vendor information, dates, and other data.
Can the platform integrate with energy management systems?
Yes. The platform integrates with EMS, ATG, and other IoT systems to enable event-driven work order creation based on predefined categories, subcategories, and problems.
Can the platform integrate with environmental software?
Yes. The platform integrates with environmental software through its robust API to create work orders from alarms or issues. Additionally, a fully integrated environmental compliance module is available that manages inspections, testing schedules, permitting, and regulatory expirations.
Can the platform integrate with financial software?
Yes. The platform integrates with financial and accounting systems through API or file-based connections configured during onboarding. This supports vendor invoice submission, AFE creation and approval exchange, and payment data pushed back to work orders.
Can the platform integrate with other internal software?
Yes. The platform integrates with other internal systems through its API, enabling work orders to be triggered from external events and syncing data across platforms.
Can the platform integrate with property management software?
Yes. The platform integrates with property management systems through its robust API, enabling new stores to be added and data synchronized across departments.
Can the platform integrate with store bill payment systems?
Yes. The platform can integrate with store bill payment systems through its API to pull in utility usage and spend data. Access is permission-based and can be configured by user or role.
Can the platform integrate with tax software?
Yes. The platform can integrate with tax software through its API to validate invoice tax amounts and, when missing, recommend the appropriate tax by state, city, or county.
Does the platform integrate with part ordering systems?
No. The platform does not currently include integrated part ordering but is open to reviewing use cases and considering it for the development roadmap if applicable.
Can the platform integrate with call center phone systems?
No. The platform does not currently support direct integration with call center phone systems but is open to reviewing use cases and considering it for the development roadmap if appropriate.

Security & Authentication

Can the platform integrate with third-party identity providers?
Yes. The platform integrates with third-party Identity Providers such as Azure AD and Okta through SSO and SCIM, enabling centralized authentication, provisioning, and role management.
What authentication protocols are supported?
The platform supports SAML 2.0 and OpenID Connect for authentication.
Does the platform support IdP-initiated and SP-initiated SSO?
Yes. The platform supports both IdP-initiated and SP-initiated SSO.
Can MFA be enforced through the IdP?
Yes. The platform supports MFA enforcement through the IdP and passes through MFA status for authentication.
Does the platform support SCIM 2.0?
Yes. The platform supports SCIM 2.0 for automated user provisioning and deprovisioning. Our implementation follows the SCIM 2.0 specification.
Can the platform support group-based provisioning?

Yes. The platform supports group-based provisioning through SCIM or other methods by mapping external groups to platform user groups.

Can flat file feeds be used for user provisioning?
Yes. The platform can support flat file feeds such as CSV or XML for user provisioning and deprovisioning.
Does the platform support just-in-time provisioning?
Yes. The platform supports just-in-time provisioning on first SSO login (SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect). Required attributes include unique user identifier (email/UPN), first name, last name, and one or more groups/roles mapped to platform user groups.
Can inactive users be automatically deprovisioned?
Yes. The platform honors IdP disablement (user cannot authenticate) and supports SCIM deprovisioning to disable or remove users. Flat-file feeds can also be used where SCIM isn't available.
How are returning users handled?
The platform supports account reactivation through IdP or SCIM by re-enabling the account or resending a provisioning event. The system matches on the unique identifier to prevent duplicates, restores prior roles and access, and preserves historical records.
Does the platform support role-based access control?
Yes. The platform supports RBAC, with group-based role mappings achieved by aligning external roles or groups to the platform's user group feature.
Are custom roles and permissions supported?
Yes. The platform supports custom roles and permissions through its user group feature, allowing clients to define and enforce least-privilege access models.
Are user access changes logged?
Yes. The platform logs all user access changes, including provisioning, role updates, and terminations, with records available in audit reports.
Is documentation provided for SSO and SCIM integration?
Yes. Documentation and support are provided for integrating SSO and SCIM with common IdPs.
What is the timeline for enabling SSO and SCIM?
SSO and SCIM are enabled during onboarding, with the team handling most of the setup to minimize effort for customer IT departments.
Is there a sandbox environment for integration testing?
Yes. A sandbox environment is provided during onboarding, allowing SSO and lifecycle integrations to be validated before deployment to production.
What support is available for troubleshooting SSO and provisioning?
Full support is provided for SSO and provisioning during onboarding and ongoing use. Logs and diagnostics are available to assist in troubleshooting, and the support team engages directly under standard SLAs.
Can logs be exported to a SIEM?
Yes. The platform supports exporting logs in customer-defined formats for ingestion into SIEM platforms such as Microsoft Sentinel.
Is there a customer-accessible API?
Yes. The platform provides a fully documented and fully featured customer-accessible API for administration. Vendors also receive a free API, allowing them to integrate fully with the platform.

AI & Advanced Features

Does the platform have AI integration?
Yes. The platform currently includes an AI-driven chat tool for querying data. Development is focused on innovative features like dynamic notes (where the system interprets note content and automatically updates work order attributes) and AI-powered invoice ingestion (allowing contractors to upload PDFs that are automatically parsed into structured invoice forms). AI-driven workflows are being developed to transform how users interact with the platform, making work faster, simpler, and less error-prone.

Support & Configuration

Is the platform highly configurable?
Yes. The platform offers a wide range of configurable fields, with customers choosing which to use. Additional fields or field name changes are set up during onboarding to match client requirements.
Is there a developer portal available?
No. The platform does not provide external developer access but delivers major releases every six weeks based on customer feedback, with over 480 feature requests completed in the last year.
Is there a software vendor call center or help desk?
Yes. Virtual Maintenance Coordinators (VMCs) are available as dedicated full-time coordinators trained in facilities management who act as a call center and help desk resource. Unlike traditional call centers, VMCs function as embedded team members with direct knowledge of your processes and priorities. They manage work orders, vendor communication, and approvals with process-specific training and a 99% retention rate.
Are contracted hours available for future platform changes?
Yes. Ongoing support includes access to weekly meetings with a product manager to scope new features or adjustments and schedule them into roadmap releases. Two six-week sprints per quarter deliver enhancements, with over 480 features and improvements completed in the past year.
Can I search work orders easily with limited information?
Yes. The platform includes global search across work orders, invoices, POs, and assets by number, name, or description. Tables also support predefined filters and on-the-fly type-in searches.
Can I view work orders in queue or backlog?
Yes. The platform provides a configurable work order table that can display queue or backlog views, with filters such as status, date range, state, and trade.
Can I use client-defined status values?
Yes. The platform includes predefined statuses that can be relabeled with customer-defined display names, allowing continuity with existing processes and reducing change management challenges.

Limitations & Clarifications

Does the system maintain work order number continuity for parent/child orders?
No. The platform generates work order numbers sequentially across the entire platform.
Can vendors select store callback times?
No. This is typically managed through work order notes, but we are open to reviewing use cases and considering it for the product roadmap.
Can vendors create associations with different branch dispatch emails?
No. However, the platform supports vendor associations at the branch level by creating separate contractor accounts, allowing dispatch emails to be directed to the appropriate branch.

Implementation Instructions for Your Assistant.

Step 1: Page Setup

  1. Create a new page in your CMS with the URL slug: /cmms-software-faq
  2. Set the page title to: "CMMS Software FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions | FM Dashboard"
  3. Set the meta description to: "Get answers to frequently asked questions about our CMMS software. Learn about work order management, asset tracking, vendor coordination, integrations, and more."

Step 2: Heading Structure

Use the following heading hierarchy for proper SEO and readability:
Page Title (H1): "CMMS Software FAQ" or "Frequently Asked Questions"
  • Use only ONE H1 tag per page at the very top
Category Headings (H2): Use for each section category
  • Examples: "Work Order Management", "Asset Management", "Vendor Management", etc.
Question Headings (H3): Use for each individual question
  • Examples: "Can the system automatically set NTE to $0 for assets under warranty?"
Answer Text: Use regular paragraph text (no heading tags)
  • The answer content should be plain paragraph text below each H3 question

Visual Example:

H1: CMMS Software FAQ

H2: Work Order Management

H3: Can the system automatically set NTE to $0 for assets under warranty?

[Answer paragraph text]

H3: Can I create parent/child relationships between assets?

[Answer paragraph text]

H2: Asset Management

H3: Can I track warranties on components?

[Answer paragraph text]

Step 3: Internal Linking

Add contextual internal links throughout the FAQ where relevant:
  • Link "CMMS platform" to your main product page
  • Link "Virtual Maintenance Coordinator" to your VMC service page
  • Link "environmental compliance" to your compliance module page
  • Link company references to your about page

Step 4: Navigation

Add this page to your main navigation under:
  • Resources → FAQ, or
  • Support → FAQ, or
  • Create a dedicated "Help Center" section

Step 5: Additional SEO Elements

  • Add a breadcrumb: Home > Resources > FAQ
  • Include a "Last Updated" date at the top of the page
  • Add a table of contents with anchor links to each category
  • Include a CTA at the bottom: "Still have questions? Contact our team" with a link to your contact page

Step 6: Mobile Optimization

Ensure:
  • Font sizes are readable on mobile (minimum 16px for body text)
  • Adequate spacing between questions (tap targets at least 44px)
  • Questions can be made collapsible/expandable on mobile if the page is very long

Step 7: Analytics & Testing

  1. Set up goal tracking for FAQ page visits
  2. Monitor scroll depth to see which categories get the most attention
  3. Track clicks on any CTA buttons
  4. Use Google Search Console to monitor which questions appear in search results

Step 8: Ongoing Maintenance

  1. Update the "Last Updated" date whenever changes are made
  2. Add new questions based on customer support inquiries
  3. Review quarterly to ensure all information remains accurate
  4. Monitor search console for "People also ask" questions to add


Best Practices Checklist

  • URL is clean and descriptive
  • Page title includes primary keyword "CMMS Software FAQ"
  • Meta description is compelling and under 160 characters
  • H1 tag is present and descriptive
  • Questions use H3 tags (or H2 if no category groupings)
  • Schema markup is properly implemented
  • Page is mobile-responsive
  • Images (if any) have alt text
  • Internal links use descriptive anchor text
  • Page loads quickly (under 3 seconds)
  • Content is original and not duplicated from other pages
  • FAQ is linked from main navigation or footer
  • Analytics tracking is set up
 

Technical Notes

  • Implement lazy loading for any images
  • Ensure HTTPS is enabled
  • Set canonical URL to prevent duplicate content issues
  • Add to your XML sitemap with appropriate priority
  • Consider implementing structured data testing using Google's Rich Results Test

 

Accessibility Requirements

Ensure color contrast ratios meet WCAG AA standards (4.5:1 minimum)
All interactive elements must be keyboard accessible
Use semantic HTML (article, section, header tags)
Provide skip navigation links if the FAQ is very long
Test with screen readers to ensure proper question/answer association

 

Optional Enhancements

  1. Search Functionality: Add a search bar at the top of the FAQ page
  2. Expandable Sections: Use JavaScript to make questions collapsible
  3. Related Questions: Link similar questions together
  4. Print Stylesheet: Create a clean print version
  5. Share Buttons: Allow users to share specific Q&A pairs
  6. Feedback Mechanism: Add "Was this helpful?" buttons to gather data