How to Enable Print Functionality in IBM Maximo

How to enable the print button in Maximo.

 

By default, Maximo only allows the MAXADMIN group to have the Print icon visible throughout. However, there is a way for users that are not part of the MAXADMIN security group to gain access to the Print icon.

The following steps will explain how to enable the print icon in Maximo. Print capability can be enabled for specific security groups and applications.

 

  1. To make the Print icon visible, navigate to the Report Administration application.

Go To > Administration > Report Administration

  1. From the More Actions menu, select “Set Application Security”.
  1. The Report Application Security window will pop-up.
  1. Under the “Applications” table, filter the list to select which application the Print capability should be added to, for this example we will choose the Work Order Tracking application.
  1. Then, under the ApplicationLevel Security table select “New Row” to select which Security Group to enable the Print functionality for.
  1. In the new row, to the right of the Group field click the search button. An additional window will appear that allows you to select a specific group from the list. For this example we are going to add the Scheduling and Operations Manager groups.
  1. After selecting the group, under the Details sub-table make a selection from the listed prompts. You will need to do this for each new row.
  1. Click OK.
Note: Users will have to log out and then log back into Maximo to see the change.

MxMobile Update May 2023 Release

ibm_mxmobile_maximo mobile_app_application_suite_report_maintenance_reliability_industry_4_work_order_enterprise_asset_management_inventory_perform_count_log_time_create_meter_reading_shipping_and_recieving_mobility_admin_service_request_issue_parts_material_approve_task_job_plan_software_upgrade

As an IBM Maximo mobile solution provider, A3J Group consistently improves the functionality and features of MxMobile. Enriching the experience of MxMobile users is not only our passion, but necessary. Our users enjoy the freedom of Maximo mobility and are happy to report bugs and request interface features, and our team actively delivers on those requests. You can download MxMobile apps from the Apple App or Google Play store.

A3J Group is happy to announce the latest MxMobile releases below. The releases will be available on Monday, May 15, 2023.

May Release Updates

MxMobile:

    • Ability to show a generic change status option, and to show/hide specific status action options
    • Ability to specify custom business rules in MxWork for various work order transaction types
    • Ability to send push notifications to MxMobile for various record types from Maximo
    • General enhancements to the start/stop labor timer in MxWork
    • Ability to show/hide password toggle on the login screen
    • General bug fixes and performance improvements

What do you need to do?

  • Updates are available to current clients automatically by updating your apps via the appropriate app store.
  • If you would like to request a new feature or report a bug, please follow our new support ticket guidelines by submitting a video and a support form describing the request.
  • Subscribe to our newsletter by filling the in the form below.

 

MxMobile Update April 2023 Release

ibm_mxmobile_maximo mobile_app_application_suite_report_maintenance_reliability_industry_4_work_order_enterprise_asset_management_inventory_perform_count_log_time_create_meter_reading_shipping_and_recieving_mobility_admin_service_request_issue_parts_material_approve_task_job_plan_software_upgrade

A3J Group is happy to announce the latest MxMobile releases below. The releases will be available on Monday, April 17, 2023.

MxMobile:

    • Ability to use a Stop/Start timer for Labor Entries in MxWork
    • Ability to Modify Work Order Specifications in MxWork
    • General bug fixes and performance improvements

What do you need to do?

  • Updates are available to current clients automatically by updating your apps via the appropriate app store.
  • If you would like to request a new feature or report a bug, please follow our new support ticket guidelines submitting a video and a support form describing the request.
  • If you would like to opt out of receiving these communications in the future, please reply STOP to this email.

We hope you enjoy the new updates of A3J Group’s MxMobile suite of IBM Maximo mobile apps. If you have any suggestions, feature requests or need to report a bug, please contact support@a3jgroup.com. If you would like to be notified via email when A3J Group posts a new blog sign up in the form below.

MxMobile Update October 2022 Release

A3J Group is #AlwaysInnovating in order to bring state-of-the-art enhancements to the IBM Maximo community. Our 20+ years of experience in Maximo allows us to deliver end users the proper support and solutions needed to maximize efficiency. We strive to remain thought leaders in the community and we face common issues and challenges head-on. Our suite of mobile apps for IBM Maximo, MxMobile, gives users access to IBM Maximo in the palm of their hand. Our apps allow Maximo users the ability to create and edit work orders, generate meter readings, manage inventory, and more.

As an IBM Maximo mobile solution provider, A3J Group consistently improves the functionality and features of MxMobile. Enriching the experience of MxMobile users is not only our passion, but necessary. Our users enjoy the freedom of Maximo mobility and are happy to report bugs and request interface features, and our team actively delivers on those requests. You can download MxMobile apps from the Apple App or Google Play store.

A3J Group is happy to announce the latest MxMobile news below. This release is available as of Monday, October 3, 2022.

Policy Update

We have a new MxMobile support ticket policy! Going forward we ask that all MxMobile support tickets be submitted the following way: 

By doing this we hope to expedite support issues and requests providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. As always, you can also email support@a3jgroup.com or call 877-235-4774 ext 1 with any questions regarding the new process. 

October Release Updates

A3J Group is happy to announce the latest MxMobile news below. The releases will be available on Monday, October 3, 2022.

MxWork 

  • Ability to create Follow Up Work Orders
  • Ability to enter Failure Reporting information
  • Conduct Inspections from a Work Order
  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxTicket 

  • Sending communications from a service request
    • Please note this requires some Maximo components, such as an automation script, to be installed.
  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxApprove 

  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxAsset 

  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxCount

  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxMeter 

  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

 

What do you need to do?

  • Updates are available to current clients automatically by updating your apps via the appropriate app store.  
  • If you would like to request a new feature or report a bug, please follow our new support ticket guidelines by submitting a video and a support form describing the request.  

We hope you enjoy the new updates of A3J Group’s MxMobile suite of IBM Maximo mobile apps. If you have any suggestions, feature requests or need to report a bug, please contact support@a3jgroup.com. If you would like to be notified via email when A3J Group posts a new blog sign up in the form below.

Renewing SSL Certificates for IBM WebSphere and Apache Tomcat

Renewing a certificate for IBM WebSphere or Apache Tomcat is a relatively straightforward process.  There are, however, some subtle differences between renewing and installing a fresh certificate that I would like to document here primarily so I make it easier on myself the next time I need to simply renew a certificate.  If you are looking for more advanced information please consider these articles on configuring IBM WebSphere for SSL and installing or importing certificates into a WebSphere Trust Store.

If an IBM WebSphere or Apache Tomcat application server is nearing the validation end of their SSL certificates you can follow these steps to ensure that your servers remain secure and your user’s experiences are not interrupted.

IBM WebSphere

Step 1: Backup the existing certificate in case you need to revert.

  • Connect to the server where IBM WebSphere HTTP Server is installed. Navigate to the folder [IBM_HTTPServer_Home]\.
  • Backup or move the existing SSL certificate to an expired_certs folder Ex: C:\IBM\HTTPServer

renewing_ssl_certificate_websphere_apache_tomcat_ibm_maximo_update_ugrade_support_blog_help_tip_troubleshoot

Step 2: Copy the new certificate to IBM WebSphere HTTP Server home folder.

  • Copy the new Maximo SSL certificate to the [IBM_HTTPServer_Home]\ folder. If you need help requesting a new certificate, please refer to our article configuring IBM WebSphere for SSL.

Step 3: Launch IBM Key Management application to import new certificate

  • Launch the IBM Key Management application.
  • Click Export/Import button from the right-side button menu.
  • Select the Import Key radio button.
  • Change the Key file type to PKCS S12 using the drop-down menu.
  • Browser to the file name of the certificate that was copied in Step 3

ibm_maximo_blog_updating_ssl_certificate_websphere_server_security_renew_maximosecrets

  • Click the OK button. Supply the password associated with this certificate.

ibm_maximo_blog_renew_ssl_certificate_security_update_credentials_managed_service_self_help_how to

  • Click the OK button.
  • Select the label under Select a label to change. In the Enter a new label textbox provide a new label for this certificate.

  • Click the OK button.
  • Double-click the certificate that was just added with the new label.

ibm_maximo_blog_supprt_troubleshoot_fix_security_renew_ssl_certificate_update_websphere_apache_tomcat

  • Click the Set the certificate as the default checkbox at the bottom left.

ibm_maximo_blog_validation_of_ssl_certificate_update_websphere_apache_tomcat_troubleshoot_security

  • Click the OK button.
  • The certificate that was just added with the new label should now have an * next to its name.

ibm_maximo_websphere_update_apache_tomcat_renew_ssl_certificate_blog_troubleshoot_support

  • Click the OK button.
  • The certificate that was just added with the new label should now have an * next to its name.

 

Apache Tomcat

Step 1: Backup the existing certificate in case you need to revert.

  • Connect to the server where Apache Tomcat server is installed. Navigate to the folder [Apache_Tomcat_Home]\conf. Ex: C:\Apache\Tomcat\conf
  • Backup or move the existing SSL certificate to a certs folder.
  • Open the server xml file using a text editor.

ibm_maximo_suppprt_renew_new_ssl_cerificate_server_security_validation_websphere_apache_tomcat_blog

 

Step 2: Edit the server.xml file.

  • Locate the section <Connector port=”443” scheme=”https” . Change the name of the certificate if necessary.  Update the keystorePass value to the new password for the certificate.
  • NOTE: This is an XML document. Consequently, any ampersand or quote characters will need to be replaced.  For example, if your password is 1234”& then the value for keystorePass would be keystorePass=”1234&quot;&amp;”

How_to_renew_ssl_certificate_websphere_apache_tomcat_ibm_maximo

  • Save the server xml document and restart the Apache Tomcat service.

MxMobile Update September 2022 Release

A3J Group is #AlwaysInnovating in order to bring state-of-the-art enhancements to the IBM Maximo community. Our 20+ years of experience in Maximo allows us to deliver end users the proper support and solutions needed to maximize efficiency. We strive to remain thought leaders in the community and we face common issues and challenges head-on. Our suite of mobile apps for IBM Maximo, MxMobile, gives users access to IBM Maximo in the palm of their hand. Our apps allow Maximo users the ability to create and edit work orders, generate meter readings, manage inventory, and more.

As an IBM Maximo mobile solution provider, A3J Group consistently improves the functionality and features of MxMobile. Enriching the experience of MxMobile users is not only our passion, but necessary. Our users enjoy the freedom of Maximo mobility and are happy to report bugs and request interface features, and our team actively delivers on those requests. You can download MxMobile apps from the Apple App or Google Play store.

A3J Group is happy to announce the latest MxMobile news below. The releases will be available on Monday, September 5, 2022.

Policy Update

We have a new MxMobile support ticket policy! Going forward we ask that all MxMobile support tickets be submitted the following way: 

By doing this we hope to expedite support issues and requests providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. As always, you can also email support@a3jgroup.com or call 877-235-4774 ext 1 with any questions regarding the new process. 

September Release Updates

MxApprove 

  • Push notifications are enabled in MxApprove, allowing proactive notifications when a new workflow assignment is received.
    • Please note this requires some Maximo components, such as an automation script, to be installed. The solution also comes with minor additional cost.
  • MxApprove is now available within the MxMobile app
  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxAsset 

  • Filter for historical work orders
  • Create a new asset
  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxWork 

  • Ability to create meter readings from a work order
  • Bug fix for Dark Mode on Android
  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

MxTicket 

  • New app available within MxMobile
  • This is a ticket management app for interacting with Service Requests and other ticket types

MxCount

  • General bug fixes and performance improvements

What do you need to do?

  • Updates are available to current clients automatically by updating your apps via the appropriate app store.  
  • If you would like to request a new feature or report a bug, please follow our new support ticket guidelines by submitting a video and a support form describing the request. 

We hope that you enjoy the new updates of A3J Group’s MxMobile suite of IBM Maximo mobile apps. If you have any suggestions, feature requests or need to report a bug, please contact support@a3jgroup.com. If you would like to be notified via email when A3J Group posts a new blog sign up in the form below.

How to Create a Conditional Expression That Prevents Work Orders From Closing Until All Tools Are Returned

Goal: Create a condition where a work order is not allowed to be closed or completed until all issued tools are returned.


By default, Maximo will allow you to close a work order that has a tool(s) that was issued but, has not yet been returned. This can cause a lot of headaches in Maximo. I have made a remarkable discovery down below on how to fix this issue.

First, you want to create a conditional expression to find any issued tools that have not been returned.

The condition expression should look like this:

ibm_maximo_maintenance_reliability_asset_management_close_work_order_with_open_tools

This expression will find work orders that have tools that are issued and still not returned. A user won’t be able to close or complete the work order until the tools are returned.

Next, go to the Domain application, search up WOSTATUS, and open up CLOSE & COMP Value:

ibm_maximo_blog_create_conditional_expression_on_work_order_open_tools_tool_not_returned_maintenance_reliability_asset_management

Click on View/Modify Condition, then add the new Condition created to the CLOSE and COMP value. 

The Condition has been applied to the WO Status Domain. Now, Maximo will check for a tool that is issued and not returned on statuses that are changed to CLOSE or COMP. You will get a Maximo Warning Message.

ibm_maximo_work_order_with_open_tools_tool_not_returned_create_conditional_expression_to_close_work_order_work order_status_blog

Once the tools are returned, the work order is able to close or be completed. If there is a work order workflow, the workflow must be adjusted to check the condition for tools that are still issued before closing or completing the work order.  This conditional expression is going to solve all those work orders that have been closed with open tools!

How to Disassemble an Item Kit for Material Usage Within IBM Maximo

In a previous blog we talked about the benefits of Configuring Item Kits in IBM Maximo in the Item application and how to assemble a Kit in the Inventory application. Kits are a great way to cut down on time needed to pull commonly paired items by grouping them together in a single bin. Kits also cut down on the number of items that need to be issued or requested on work orders. However, what happens when you only need one of the items that is part of a kit?

Let’s consider the following scenario in which a warehouse storeroom supports Fleet maintenance.

A pickup truck comes in for emergency maintenance and only needs a top-off of oil. When the warehouse clerk checks the bin for oil, they find no quarts of oil are in stock. There are 5 quarts of oil in another bin, but they are part of a kit. The clerk has a few options:

  • Issue an oil change kit to the work order even though only the oil is needed. This would cause the cost of the work order to include all parts of the kit and result in leftover items that are now unaccounted for.
  • Pull the quart of oil out of the kit and just don’t record any actions. This would mean the next time a kit is issued it will be missing the quart of oil, causing more questions and frustration down the line.
  • The kit is disassembled and only the quart of oil is issued to the work order. This is the most effective solution and prevents future discrepancies.

How to Disassemble a Kit in Maximo Inventory:

  1. Click into the Inventory application and open the item kit that needs to be disassembled.
  2. In the More Actions, menu click the Dissemble Kit option.ibm-maximo-blog-how-to-disassemble-item-kit-for-inventory-usage-a3j-group
  3. Enter the appropriate value in the Disassemble Quantity field. This will indicate how many item kits will be Disassembled. Next, click OK. how-to-disassemble-item-kits-ibm-maximo-update-material-usage-work-order-inventory
  4. Now, the Current Balance of your kit decreased while the items that make up the kit increased in balance.

By disassembling the item kit, we have not only insured that the actual cost of the work order does not exceed the necessary cost of the work performed related to inventory, and the actual inventory usage remains accurate for future purchase requests given the items used on the work performed. This not only prevents having excess inventory but also allows the item kit to remain intact when it needs to be issued for later usage.

Watch The Video Below For A Step-By-Step:

MxMobile Update April 2022 Release

A3J Group is #AlwaysInnovating in order to bring state-of-the-art enhancements to the IBM Maximo community. Our 20+ years of experience in Maximo allows us to deliver end users the proper support and solutions needed to maximize efficiency. We strive to remain thought leaders in the community and we face common issues and challenges head-on. Our suite of mobile apps for IBM Maximo, MxMobile, gives users access to IBM Maximo from their mobile device. Our apps allow Maximo users the ability to create and edit work orders, generate meter readings, manage inventory and more.

As an IBM Maximo mobile solution provider, A3J Group consistently improves the functionality and features of MxMobile. Enriching the experience of MxMobile users is not only our passion, but necessary. Our users enjoy the freedom of Maximo mobility and are happy to report bugs and request interface features, and our team actively delivers on those requests. You can download MxMobile apps from the Apple App or Google Play store and enjoy a 30-day trial.

Here are the improvements that the A3J Group developers have made to MxMobile as of Monday, April 4, 2022:

 MxReceive:

  • Print labels online or offline via a Bluetooth connected printer! Stay tuned for a video demonstration from the team…

MxWork:

  • Show data from the multiple assets, locations and CIs table on the work order.
  • Better handling of session token expiration.
  • Additional data type of duration has been added.
    • Users can now enter hours as 2.5 or 2:30

MxAsset:

  • Barcode scanning capability has been enhanced to support Bluetooth scanning devices
  • Bug Fixed – When entering a meter reading value of 0 it was not working properly. This has been fixed.
  • Additional API Key support added

MxCount:

  • Barcode scanning capability enhanced to support Bluetooth scanning devices

What do you need to do for this update?

  • If the MxMobile applications on your devices are set to auto update no action is needed.
  • If the MxMobile applications on your devices are set to update manually you can find the updates in the App Store or Play Store to download.

We hope that you enjoy the new updates of A3J Group’s MxMobile suite of IBM Maximo mobile apps. If you have any suggestions, feature requests or need to report a bug, please contact support@a3jgroup.com. If you would like to be notified via email when A3J Group posts a new blog sign up in the form below.