Maximo Open Forum

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  • 1.  Tools in Maximo

    Posted 08-11-2026 09:16
    Edited by Stephanie Olson 08-11-2026 09:21

    Hello everyone,

    We're exploring the use of Maximo for tool tracking and would appreciate any insight from organizations currently using it for this purpose. We're particularly interested in whether anyone uses Maximo to manage tools in scenarios such as:

    • Check-in / Check-out: i.e. large test sets, large crimpers/cutters, etc.
    • Tools assigned to trucks or crews: i.e. chainsaws, pole saws, battery-operated tools, thermal cameras, etc.
    • Tools assigned to individuals: i.e harnesses, rubber gloves/sleeves, and other personal or safety-related equipment

    If you are using Maximo for any of the above, we'd like to hear more about your approach, including:

    • How you set the tools up in Maximo
    • Whether you track them as assets, inventory, rotating items, or another method
    • How you manage assignments, returns, transfers, and accountability
    • Whether you use barcodes, QR codes, mobile devices, or scanning
    • Any challenges, lessons learned, or best practices

    We're evaluating Maximo for these use cases and would really appreciate any feedback on what has worked well for your organization.

    Thank you!


    #EverythingMaximo
    #Inventory
    #MaximoApplicationSuite
    #Utilities
    #WorkManagement

    ------------------------------
    Stephanie Olson
    Minnesota Power
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  • 2.  RE: Tools in Maximo

    Posted 08-11-2026 14:49

    Hi @Stephanie Olson,

    Your use case matters. Drawing from your signature, I assume your Maximo implementation is the Utilities Industry solution. 

    From a Utilities Implementation perspective, clarity regarding your use case matters. It provides a focused response.

    What is the existing as-is business process related to tools? The existing defined processes would help drive the most fitting response to your specific questions.  
    How are CUs currently implemented?
    How are Crews currently implemented?  

    Tools are items of type 'TOOLS'. I recommend using the existing Materials and Services sub-tabs in Maximo Job Plans and Work Order applications as a template to drive your unique use case's requirements definition. 

    You've asked the right questions. However, the answers depend on your unique business use case and requirements. 

    Maximo Utilities Industry solution has an additional level of complexity that requires exposure to Utilities implementation for a grounded foundation. 

    I'll follow up with fitting examples with a focused context in the next week. 

    Best,  



    ------------------------------
    Fredrick Ndwaru
    Perpetual Ignition
    ------------------------------



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