Admin mode is a specific operational state in IBM Maximo designed to allow administrators to apply database configuration changes without requiring a full shutdown of the application server. When Admin mode is enabled, it prevents non-administrative users from logging in and halts background processes (cron tasks). This ensures a stable environment for modifying the database schema, such as adding new objects or attributes, thus preventing data corruption while maintaining server uptime for the administrative task.

A. System Properties changes are typically applied using the "Live Refresh" action within the System Properties application, not by enabling Admin mode.

C. Changes made in Application Designer, such as modifying the user interface, are saved and applied directly without requiring the system to enter Admin mode.

D. This option is too general. While applying database changes is an administrative function, many other administrative tasks (e.g., user management) are performed during normal operation.

1. IBM Maximo Manage 8.6 Documentation, "Admin mode". This document states, "Admin mode is a system setting that you can use to make administrative changes to your system. When admin mode is on, you can make changes to the database configuration, but regular users cannot log in to the system."

2. IBM Maximo Manage 8.6 Documentation, "Configuring the database". In the "Before you begin" section, the first step listed is: "Turn on administration mode and stop the cron tasks." This directly links Admin mode to the process of database configuration.