What is Micro-Learning?
Micro-learning courses are an excellent way to learn content in quick and focused segments. These concise and informative courses enable learning when time is limited. The use of interactive components and other instructional techniques make this an engaging experience for the learner.
Introduction
This series of micro-learning courses discusses the components of the Facility Management Program, a program the NPS has adopted to manage its assets more effectively. The courses are intended for anyone working with the Facility Management Software System (FMSS) who want to learn more about using the FMSS to manage park inventory and resources.
The content of each micro-learning course corresponds to the Operations and Maintenance: Facility Management Software System (FMSS) Basic classroom course module(s). Like the classroom course, the content of the micro-learning courses will increase in complexity as students move sequentially though the material.
Students taking the micro-learning courses should not expect to become proficient in FMSS by participating in these courses alone. A blended learning approach combining micro-learning, webinar, classroom instruction, mentoring, and other instructional methods is strongly recommended and encouraged.

Course Modules
Introduction to the Facility Management Software System (FMSS)
This micro-learning course is the foundational record of the purpose and function of the FMSS in the National Park Service Facility Management Program (FMP).
Course Objective:
- Recognize the benefits of the Facility Management Software System (FMSS)
FMSS Basics 1: Introduction to Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)
Course Objectives:
- Describe the Facility Management Software System (FMSS) as a whole enterprise system made up of more than the Maximo System
- Recognize that the FMSS is a Servicewide system wherein a single change affects everyone in the system
- Explain the legal reasons behind the establishment of the FMSS
FMSS Basics 2: Terminology and Acronyms
Course Objectives:
- Define common asset management terms
FMSS Basics 3: Tenets of Asset Management
Course Objectives:
- Explain how the FMSS fits into the total cost of facility ownership (TCFO)
- Describe the Park Asset Management Plan (PAMP)
- Describe the Capital Investment Strategy (CIS)
- Explain optimizer bands and their purpose
FMSS Basics 4: The Hierarchy of a Park
Course Objectives:
- Define asset codes
- Describe the hierarchy of a park
FMSS Basic 5: Location Records
Course Objectives:
- Recognize how locations are established and what they are
FMSS Basic 6: Asset Records
- Describe what an asset record represents and how it corresponds with the Location Record
- Distinguish between an asset and an Asset Record
- Organize assets on a park hierarchy chart
FMSS Basics 7: Welcome to the Maximo Software
- Differentiate applications from modules
- Explain the function of the Start Center and how to customize it
- Identify icons and their functions
- Demonstrate how to move from one module to another
- Demonstrate how to log out of Maximo
FMSS Basics 8: Welcome to the Work Order
- Recognize that the work order is the cornerstone of the FMSS
- Summarize both required and important work order fields
- Explain how work orders are prioritized
FMSS Basics 9: Work Types and Sub-Work Types
Course Objectives:
- Identify examples of work types and sub-work types
FMSS Basics 10: Financial and Business Management System (FBMS)
- Describe the FBMS
- Differentiate between the FMSS and the FBMS
- Explain what the FMSS is used for in the FBMS
- Define RPSO and FOSP
- Identify how the RPSO and FOSP connect FMSS to FBMS
FMSS Basics 11: Life Cycle of a Work Order
- Define the statuses a work order can be placed in
- Explain the life cycle of a work order
FMSS Basics 12: Let’s Do a Few Simple Work Orders
Course Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to create a FM work order
- Demonstrate how to create a FO work order
- Distinguish between FM and FO work orders
FMSS Basics 13: Finding Work Orders
Course Objectives:
- Create a basic query
- Recall that queries are similar in all modules
FMSS Basics 14: Scheduling Work Orders
Course Objectives:
- Explain the PM module as a scheduling program where templates are created for work orders
- Demonstrate how to create a basic PM record
- Identify the basic fields in the PM Module
FMSS Basics 15: Safety Issues in Work Orders
Course Objectives:
- Explain when a Health, Life, and Safety Risk Assessment Code is use
- Define Resource Risk Assessment Code
FMSS Basic 16: Getting Credit for Work Accomplished
Course Objectives:
- Demonstrate how to record labor
- Demonstrate how to record materials
- Demonstrate how to record overtime
FMSS Basic 17: Finishing the Work Order
Course Objectives:
- Describe the difference between a closed work order and a completed work order
- Demonstrate how to find and correct errors in a closed work order
- Demonstrate how to close a work order
FMSS Basic 18: Evaluating Data
Course Objectives:
- Review the FMSS reporting process
- Articulate the importance of data
- Summarize the Quality Assurance/Quality Control process
When dealing with a topic as foreign as this one was to me, it was a relief to see some real thought had gone into the delivery method. I found the majority of this course easily understood, and absolutely applicable to my job. However, I was pretty disappointed when I got to a point that required access to a practice FMSS server, that no longer exists. This made learning through hands-on application a challenge. All-in-all, this course gave me a great deal of base knowledge, and skills that I can build upon. I would recommend this course to any new FMSS employees, or FMSS users.
Rating:
David – sorry for the frustration. So glad you enjoyed the micro-learnings and thanks for the feedback. As for the FMSS server, the database was down this week so we could refresh. It should be back up tomorrow(Friday, May 11) or early next week.