Brightly Asset Essentials™ vs. UpKeep Maintenance Management

SchoolDude has been great for us to easily submit maintenance requests, keep them organized for tracking, and simple for staff to view and respond to.

Incentivized

For companies that have larger facilities or multiple properties - this software is superb. You can track every maintenance plan - daily/weekly/monthly/annually - so nothing ever goes undone. I'm talking daily cleaning to refreshing the paint in the parking lot each year - you can easily schedule all of this maintenance within the app. Asset tracking - everything from machinery to tools to doors - you can tag and track all. Break/fix over time is huge - you can use the reporting function to see how many times something has broken over time - so now you can assess if it's more cost effective to replace rather than repair.

Incentivized

• For maintenance requests, Dude Solutions Help Desk documents the request and then allows the custodial staff to record updates for the staff member to see. So, the request and solution are available for all parties involved.
• For building use, I find some of the features helpful including the ability to see if what you are looking for is available before you book it.
• Overall, Dude Solutions Help Desk is not difficult to use.

Incentivized

• Tracking service issues - There's really no more excuses for not knowing when the machine was last serviced. Upkeep allows us to track that.
• Scheduling - Knowing in advance which machines will need maintenance in the future allows us to actively prepare for shut-down periods.
• General knowledge - Users can add their knowledge to the archives of each machine we have, helping to improve the trouble-shooting process.
• Easy to update, easy to make - It's almost too easy to create and update files for locations, assets, parts, and issues.

Incentivized

• The overall user interface is bland.
• Switching to the IT application takes opens in another tab.

Incentivized

• Periodic maintenance needs are still a little tricky keeping in the system without flooding the user with too many work orders.
• It does not immediately update all the time. For example, closing out work orders and the number of total work orders stays the same until it’s rebooted.
• Search functions need improving.

Incentivized

We love how organized it has made our processes.

Incentivized

I think the platform is user-friendly but there have been some issues that colleagues have been complaining about. For example, the program tends to run slow from time to time. Reporting could be better. We could use more fields for categories under parts and assets.

I find the basic concept and use of Dude Solutions Help Desk to be good, but I think it could use an update to look and work more smoothly. The maintenance aspect of Dude Solutions Help Desk is definitely better than the scheduling tool. The maintenance request does have a decent set-up and does offer clear communication between the staff member and custodial staff. The scheduling tool needs a calendar feature and the ability to receive a notification in your calendar. Both tools do have an email service that directly sends updates to your email.

Incentivized

I cannot say enough great things about their customer service. From the start of the purchase, Upkeep was extremely helpful and informative. They have been ongoingly keeping us informed and available to answer any of our questions as they arise. They ongoing learning portal is also helpful when new features and changes happen with the interface.

Incentivized

Everything went as planned.

Incentivized

I have used a ticketing system through FirstClass that does not come anywhere close to where SchoolDude is in ease of use and quality of a program.

Incentivized

Previously had MEX, though had not implemented it throughout the business. It was way too difficult for the techs to use on the fly and was just a nightmare to implement. UpKeep, on the other hand, is a walk in the park.

Incentivized

• We can calculate the need for IT workers based on work orders.
• We can track issues at buildings and what buildings may need more help.
• A simple approach where it makes it easy to get work order information rather than emails and phone calls.

Incentivized

• Compared to other task managers, the user cost for Upkeep is very high. But to the degree the staff are willing to work with you, it is completely justified.
• The concern with an organization my size are items slipping through the cracks whether that is internally or by our renter base. Upkeep minimizes this to a great degree.
• You need to get everyone within your organization to buy into upkeep. It can only be as good to the degree that it is utilized.