Bridging disconnected systems to keep finances in check
The City of Sainte-Thérèse in Quebec is committed to improving efficiency across its operations, from managing equipment for city maintenance to streamlining internal processes. One of the most impactful changes came with the integration of their Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and accounting system, which was made possible through FME. This transformation, led by Luc Châteauvert from the city’s IT department, has drastically improved processes and eliminated time-consuming manual work, making an impact during the short year he has been using FME.
One of the city’s most significant challenges was the disconnect between their CMMS, which tracks equipment and maintenance activities, and their accounting system, which manages budgets. The systems were lacking APIs or any native method of communication. As a result, some financial updates lagged, making it difficult for the city’s finance team to know exactly how much budget remained at any given time. This disconnection often led to the delayed synchronization between purchasing data and financial records.
The need for a solution became evident with the arrival of a new finance director, who emphasized the importance of up-to-date financial data. Luc and his team turned to FME, confident in the platform’s ability to connect and process data from various sources.
Easier budgeting through streamlined updates
FME’s flexibility allowed the IT team to connect directly to the CMMS database, extract critical financial data, and process and format it for the accounting system’s Excel-based import process. What once required hours of manual manipulation—exporting data, manually adjusting reports, and inputting information into the accounting system—now happens automatically.
“Previously, it could take up to two hours to generate, validate and import a report, and we only did it once or twice every few months. Now, with FME, it’s updated daily and takes just 10 minutes,” Luc shared. This daily update ensures that the maintenance and finance departments have real-time insights into the city’s budget, significantly reducing the risk of overspending.
Beyond improving data synchronization, the FME-powered process also helped the city identify errors in the old manual system. “We realized that the reports we used to generate were missing some financial transactions. FME has not only made things faster but also more accurate.”
Impact across departments
The benefits of FME extend beyond just financial synchronization. Luc’s team also uses FME to automate other city processes, including updating a callback list for union workers. What used to be a manually maintained Excel file is now an automated process that not only keeps the list updated but also generates callback notifications and sends them to the appropriate managers.
Additionally, the city uses FME to generate maps for residents, such as showing parking restrictions during winter months. “FME Flow generates a map with all the streets where you can park, which neighbourhoods are restricted, and more,” said Luc. These maps help citizens understand parking rules more clearly and avoid fines or towing.
FME: The all-data solution
For Luc, one of FME’s standout features is its versatility. Whether integrating two disparate systems, generating detailed reports, or automating internal processes, FME’s ability to handle all types of data and workflows has made it a critical tool for his team.
As the City of Sainte-Thérèse continues to innovate and improve its internal processes, FME remains at the centre of their data management strategy. With the ability to handle any data format, FME has proven invaluable in helping the city achieve its efficiency, accuracy, and operational success goals.
By using FME, the city has transformed its approach to data, ensuring that every department—from public works to finance—has the information they need to operate smoothly and make informed decisions.
