Q-What is ePowerForms™?
A- Service Automation Technologies Inc. has created an industry standard set of test forms used in the electrical inspections, test and maintenance industry. The test forms have been integrated into a database management system called ePowerForms™. The forms along with an electronic reader are being distributed throughout the industry free of charge to promote industry standardization. The electronic reader allows anyone, anywhere to search, sort, view and print test data received in ePowerForms™ electronic format. The free demo CD provides an over view of the product and demonstrates the functionality of the various levels of the software. The newer versions of the demo CD also include the free reader and test forms.
Q-We are considering purchasing ePowerForms™ but we have invested allot of time and money on our customized system. Why should we buy ePowerForms™ rather than continue to invest in our own solution?
A- The biggest reason is that ePowerForms saves you time and money with an "out of the box" solution. There is no need for custom programming or customization.
Q- I'm an electrical contractor. I do some electrical testing myself and outsource some of the major testing to other companies as needed. What benefit is ePowerForms™ to me?
A- View the Demo CD or visit the Product section on this website for details on both Master Series and Select Series products including the Electrical Contractor Select.
Q-When I try to install the Free Reader and Test Forms from the Demo CD, I get a "ikernel.exe error". What can I do?
A- This error occurs if your system memory is low. The Demo CD will use a large amount of memory and attempting to install the Reader can exhaust any remaining memory. All you need to do is restart your computer. This will refresh the memory and it should work fine. If not, contact us immediately at info@epowerforms.com
If you have a question that has not been answered, please feel free to email us at anytime at info@epowerforms.com and we will get back to you very soon.
A-The second reason is the power of standardization. We ask the question on our registration forms: "What interests you most about ePowerForms™?" by far the most popular response is standardization. Our research shows that specifiers, equipment owners and end users want their data back in a useable electronic format that enables them to quickly search, sort, review and print data from multiple sources/vendors. They want data back in the same format no matter who performs the work. Specifying ePowerForms™ on testing and maintenance projects meets this criteria.
Q-We currently use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or enterprise wide system, how would ePowerForms™ work with what we have?
A-ePowerForms™ has been created in a Microsoft® Access open database format. As with any open database product you would have to identify which fields you would like to pull into your system. SAT has the capabilities to provide a customized solution to meet your wants and needs. What we have discovered with most users is that they envision using ePowerForms™ database as the front end collection and storage system and would pull in ID information, Date, Test Type, and perhaps comments and deficiencies into their enterprise system or CMMS.
Q- Is training available?
A- This question has been asked generally before people have purchased ePowerForms. In most cases, we have found that training is not necessary since ePowerForms product features and functionality are simple and easy to use in the field.
Q- We are preparing to buy ePowerForms™. What do you suggest would be the best way to integrate the program into our business?
A- Down Load the Free Test Forms and begin using the forms manually. Then purchase the ID Module and have 1-3 users start using.
Q – I attended the Doble Conference in Boston and received the demo CD. After I installed the reader and test forms I received an error message. What can I do?
A – There is an upgrade/fix available for download from our site. You can do one of three things; 1) download and install the upgrade to the directory that you originally installed the reader or 2) you can down load a new reader and test forms or 3) you can register for a new demo CD with the new Reader.
Q- We have a specific form we use that we do not see a match for on your list of forms. Can we have the form added to the ePowerForms™ program?
A – If you think your form has industry wide application, please submit it to us. Upon review we will get back to you as to whether the form is something we will look to incorporate as part of the standard set of forms. There is a form called "Misc. Forms".
Q – Does ePowerForms™ work with automated test sets?
A – Service Automation Technologies Inc.® is working towards having modules available that will allow users to populate fields from automated test sets. This will allow users to store all their test data in one central location rather than in various software packages.
Q – I am a specifying engineer and like the idea of being able to get test data back in a standardized format and would like to specify ePowerForms™ electronic media on all future testing jobs. I am concerned about smaller companies who may not be able to afford your program.
A – To avoid such a problem and help facilitate the specifying of the ePowerForms™ electronic media, Service Automation Technologies Inc. offers a transcription service that allow subscribers to the service to fax copies of completed ePowerForms™ test forms to be entered into ePowerForms™ electronic format. The cost of the service is about the same cost it would cost to have the test forms typed.
