Chris Lee was a "hands-on" engineer for 23 years, an airframe/engine fitter by trade and in the later years, a field service manager for a major fork lift truck manufacturer. Joining one of the leading maintenance software companies (Shire Systems Ltd) in 1999. During his time with Shire he had a strong involvement with the commercial side of the business as well as advising on new product development, implementations, training and system assessment all of which was complemented by his broad engineering background and interpersonal skills.

"SystemQuest" was established by Chris in 2008 providing maintenance software consultancy and training services, helping customers with implementation, training, product selection, data entry etc.

Many people will recognise Chris from the roadshows/seminars that he delivered on; Implementing systems, product use and mobile hand held/PDA (paperless solutions). These 1 day seminars spanned an 8 year period and put him in front of more than 2000 maintenance professionals from 100’s of companies - many of which are now using his services to help them develop their systems and train staff.

Since leaving Shire to start SystemQuest, Chris has attended other software product training courses to enhance his knowledge and understanding. One of these products that may be familar to many of you is from the Softsols Group and there flagship product "Agility".

In the past Chris has run a workshop at the "Maintec" exhibition (NEC, Birmingham) on "Simple Maintenance Systems", to a packed audiance he ran through the process of system selection, implmentation, highlighting the common mistakes and pitfalls that people make. A copy of his presentation can be found via this link; (Simple Maintenance Systems) - other supporting information can be provided by emailing your details or using the contact form, including a comprehensive guide (Helping you to Understanding Maintenance Management Software) covering; selecting, purchasing and implementing a CMMS/CAFM system, this guide goes through the whole process outlining the differences in products, pitfals, tips, selection, procurement and implementation planning etc. Requirements gathering template and vendor questionnaire are also available on request.

In general Chris’s approach to maintenance software is very much one of “simplicity for success”. He can be heard at seminars telling people that the key to success is in the “planning and data structure”. It seems that one of the hardest decision that people have to make is “what they want out of the system" (requirements) and then how best to structure the data to achieve their goals - a service which is provided by him in a friendly and pragmatic manner.

He always considers the end users (engineers/administrators) as they are the key to success of a system; one of the biggest hurdles that a company will face is the cultural acceptance of a new system and a change in working practices, hence his simple approach, following a philosophy of “system evolution not revolution”.

If you have any questions for Chris on maintenance management systems, would like to know more about how Systemquest can assist you or to discuss your requirements. Please use the contact form or call on 07817 848756: email chris@systemquest.co.uk.