Computerized Maintenance Software Systems (CMMS) are specialized software tools that enable organizations to fully manage the many tasks involved with maintaining operational equipment, machines, and assets.
Put simply, the more an organization’s operations grow in complexity, the harder it becomes to maintain a bird’s eye view of what needs to get done, when, and by whom. CMMS platforms provide operational managers with a digital interface that allows them to keep track of important asset and maintenance details.
These digital interfaces provide businesses with the capabilities needed to assign work orders, monitor task progress, and assess equipment reliability. According to a 2016 Plant Maintenance Study, 51 percent of manufacturing facilities now use a CMMS platform of some type.
What Are the Capabilities of CMMS?
CMMS automates logistical operations through the use of an integrated central maintenance management system. The technology makes work order, preventive maintenance, supply chain information, and real-time data available to management in the time it takes to open a smartphone app.
As a result, maintenance teams are relieved from performing the tedious tasks associated with manual maintenance operations. Translation: No more confusing Excel spreadsheets, lost paper checklists, and cumbersome binders.
The best CMMS platforms provide the following functions:
- Assign, monitor, and troubleshoot work orders.
- Track resources, labor, and budget costs.
- View reports of ongoing maintenance activities in real-time.
- Document all technical procedures and information.
- Track records of historical work orders.
- Chat with workers in real-time.
- Generate procedures for preventive maintenance work orders.
Additionally, many CMMS programs can integrate existing organizational management systems with other systems such as energy management & control systems (EMCS).
The 6 Top Reasons Businesses Use CMMS
As previously mentioned, most businesses utilize CMMS to optimize their maintenance operations and make their work order management more efficient. However, the full list of benefits associated with CMMS usage is far-reaching.
Here are the top reasons why businesses use CMMS:
1. Reduces operational costs
A good CMMS program helps significantly reduce operating costs for a business. It is key to reducing equipment downtime and unplanned shutdowns, lowering overtime expenses, and minimizing the average repair time. It also prolongs the life of your equipment and reduces repair costs.
2. Improves asset and inventory management
Managing all your assets and inventories when they are scattered all over can be challenging. But CMMS organizes them into a central database and makes it easy for the management team to keep track of everything.
3. Improves workflow
CMMS makes work easier for maintenance managers who have to oversee multiple facilities at different locations. They can manage everything from a central base and improve productivity.
4. Identifies cost-savings opportunities
Manual tracking and excel spreadsheets cannot provide the amount of data and reports you will get with a CMMS. It will transform decision making with insightful data and reports for better results. The best CMMS programs also have real-time reporting capabilities.
5. Schedules recurring preventive maintenance tasks
CMMS automates the scheduling of inspection and maintenance services. This is key to preventing maintenance problems and minimizing repair costs. Proactive equipment maintenance prolongs the asset lifespan. This enhances productivity.
6. Provides audit trails
Uncle Sam is keeping tabs! Businesses need to prove compliance with regulatory standards. CMMS helps them avoid potential lawsuits, fines, and penalties.
Other benefits of CMMS to a business include enhancing equipment safety, reducing paperwork, and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Additionally, the software helps reduce costs over time.
Choose a Reliable CMMS for Your Company
The larger and faster a business grows, the more important it becomes to implement organized management systems and task-management solutions.
However, that doesn’t mean day-to-day operations should feel complex. According to HubSpot, 74 percent of businesses cite the simplicity of maintenance management systems as “extremely important” to business objectives. Translation: No one has time for cumbersome CMMS platforms.
Remember: when sourcing CMMS, prioritize a user-friendly interface, workflow customizations, and business-specific needs.
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