For those of you unfamiliar with CMMS, this refers to computer software, which has been created to help simplify maintenance management. CMMS stands for computerised maintenance management system or software. This can also be referred to as Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). To help you better understand this term, we’ll take a look at each individual component.
Computerised
Computerised refers to the fact that if you opt to use a CMMS, all of your maintenance data will be stored on a computer for safe-keeping. Before CMMS solutions became popular in the late 80’s and 90’s, all maintenance data was recorded with a pencil and paper. This meant that maintenance was largely reactive, rather than the proactive approach we take today. Another example would be Contract Management systems which you can check out on this website.
As soon as maintenance data became computerised, organisations were able to easily generate new and accurate reports, track different work orders, as well as easily determine which assets within the business required preventative maintenance. Ultimately, this helped to reduce costs and increase overall profits.
Maintenance
Typically, maintenance is what users of CMMS software does every single day, whether it is responding to a specific work order or carrying out a routine inspection. While we can all agree that computer software cannot accomplish the same work as a skilled technician, it can help to ensure that each task is prioritised correctly. The right CMMS solution gives employees the freedom to focus on carrying out essential maintenance, rather than being bogged down in myriads of paperwork.
Management
Managing maintenance is the essential role of any CMMS solution. Maintenance software was created to help provide users with immediate insight into the current state of their business’s maintenance needs. This involves accurate inventory forecasts, comprehensive work order schedules, as well as access to hundreds of useful reports. A CMMS solution makes day-to-day maintenance management at your company extremely easy, as it helps to empower managers with the vital information they need to make informed, on-the-spot decisions.
System
You can think of a system as the overall combination of capabilities and features offered in a CMMS. You will be able to access different systems depending on the type of CMMS solution you choose. The best type of CMMS solution is one that makes it possible for users to accomplish maintenance practices in the most efficient way possible. This is mainly done through the introduction of time-saving features that help to reduce time and costs.
Benefits of a CMMS
-
Better Accountability: You will quickly be able to see whether a technician has completed a work-order on time.
-
Savings on Purchases: With inventory planning, you will be able to shop around for the best price, instead of having to place a pricey last-minute order.
-
Less Overtime: A more effective and more accurate work schedule helps to ensure that your team is not sitting idle or completing overtime.
-
Information Capture: With a CMMS, technicians will be able to record both problems and solutions, so others can access this useful information in the future.
-
Fewer Work Outages: You will easily be able to carry out preventative maintenance, which means fewer surprise breakdowns.
If you would like more information on the top CMMS solutions available, click here.