What exactly is a CMMS, and who needs one?
If your company deals with equipment, it is likely that the equipment requires regular maintenance.
Do you keep a consistent maintenance schedule? Do you know for certain that you have every part you require when you require it? Do you know what technicians are working on right now?
If you’re not sure how to answer any of those questions, consider the advantages of CMMS software. In this section, we’ll look at what a CMMS is, what it can do for you, how much it costs, and why you should have one.
What Exactly Is a CMMS?
CMMS is an abbreviation for computerized maintenance management system.
CMMS is a simple and convenient way for businesses to keep track of their equipment’s maintenance. It allows them to prioritize work orders, allowing maintenance technicians to work more effectively.
Traditional CMMS relied on spreadsheets or bulky binders filled with handwritten records that were difficult to keep track of. Newer CMMS software takes advantage of technological advancements.
Companies that use CMMS can keep accurate maintenance records and save workers’ time through clear scheduling and prioritization. They also save money on production costs by performing routine maintenance before it becomes an emergency.
What Is the Process of CMMS?
To truly comprehend how CMMS works, it is necessary to dissect the term itself.
Because CMMS is computerized, all of your data is stored on a computer. This system is accessible via desktop computer, laptop, or portable tablet. This makes the data readily available to anyone who requires it.
CMMS is used by maintenance technicians to track work orders and scheduled services. The use of CMMS software ensures that tasks are prioritized and completed on time. CMMS ensures that no maintenance work falls between the cracks.
This software allows management to more easily access maintenance reports and gain insight into the condition of their equipment. This can aid in determining when to purchase new equipment.
Finally, the system is a combination of all the features within CMMS that make equipment maintenance easier and more efficient.
Work order management, inventory, labor resources, utility usage, and many other features are among them! The features of the CMMS will vary depending on which system you purchase.
Who Requires CMMS?
Every business that owns machinery will benefit from the use of CMMS software. However, there are a few basic indicators that a CMMS would greatly improve your company’s workflow and maintenance schedule.
After a breakdown, you routinely have equipment repaired.
This is a strong indication that you would benefit from CMMS software. Repairs are typically performed using traditional maintenance management techniques when something isn’t working properly.
Maintenance is completed before a machine shuts down using CMMS software. You can prevent more serious issues with the machine by changing the oil on time, just like you would change the oil in your car. In contrast to a car, you most likely have a number of machines with varying maintenance schedules that are difficult to keep up with.
CMMS software keeps track of each machine’s maintenance, what has been done and what needs to be done, so you don’t have to. The software will also prioritize work orders so that the most important maintenance is completed first and not put off until something goes wrong later.
You’re constantly waiting for repair parts.
With CMMS software in place, you’ll always have access to spare part inventory information. You won’t have to order new parts for repairs because the software will keep track of what you’re running low on.
This could save you weeks of production time that you would have otherwise spent waiting for a specific part. This makes ordering parts simple and efficient because you know exactly how much you need and how frequently you need it.
Do you find it difficult to keep track of what technicians are working on?
Keeping track of what technicians have completed and what work orders are still pending can be a difficult task for management. This is especially true if they continue to rely on spreadsheets or paper records, both of which may or may not be accurate.
A computerized maintenance management system has the advantage of allowing management to keep track of where technicians are working and on what. There will be no need to wonder, “Is this done?” or “What are they working on?”
Every aspect of maintenance will be precisely controlled by management
CMMS Software Helps You Save Money
Time is money, and squandered time is lost money. You save money on repair costs, energy consumption, and productivity by keeping your equipment in good working order. You also make better use of workers’ time and keep better inventory records.
Maintain the equipment’s proper operation.
Using CMMS software will prevent you from having to stop production to repair a machine. A faulty machine can cost a company thousands of dollars in lost production time.
In the worst-case scenario, you would be forced to replace costly machinery. This can be a very unfortunate, avoidable problem if it occurs unexpectedly.
CMMS can also be used to ensure that machinery and operations conform to industry standards. When it comes time for an inspection, management will not have to rush to ensure that operations meet safety and environmental standards. They will be able to see that it has already been completed thanks to CMMS records.
Use Worker Time Efficiently
Traditional maintenance management can make it difficult to keep track of workers’ time and productivity. The use of CMMS makes it easier to schedule worker tasks so that they are completed by specific deadlines.
This way, you can avoid the need for overtime and save money. It also provides a more efficient and organized working environment for your employees.
Keep Inventory Records
A CMMS system is the most convenient way to keep track of inventory and order supplies and parts in advance rather than when they are needed. This way, you can save money on expedited shipping and avoid having to halt production due to a missing part.
CMMS Is the Future
When CMMS first appeared on the market, it was simply a nice tool for maintenance teams. However, as businesses realized the benefits of using these systems, they evolved into something more.
Every year, the rate at which maintenance departments adopt CMMS software increases. CMMS is still used by only 39% of maintenance management teams.
This is not because it is ineffective. According to experts, using CMMS improves efficiency and production time significantly. Using CMMS software can put you miles ahead of your competitors in your industry.
If you want to use CMMS software for your maintenance team, think about which features are most important to you. Because CMMS is such a cutting-edge technology, there are numerous options with a wide range of features to choose from.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the options. You should also think about your budget. Because there are so many options now, there is a CMMS for almost any budget.
Cost and ROI of CMMS
The cost of CMMS will be determined by your requirements. A basic CMMS system will suffice if you are a smaller operation with a small maintenance team. These systems are usually priced per user, per month, plus a setup fee.
These systems typically cost between $30 and $80 per month per user. For small businesses, this can be a very cost-effective solution. However, the capabilities of these basic CMMS systems are unlikely to suit larger companies with a large number of users.
If a company has a large number of users, it can obtain a system price based on maintained equipment. Still, this can cost tens of thousands of dollars for a large corporation. It is a significant investment, which is why you must consider the ROI.
The use of CMMS has an impact on a variety of factors. The ROI will be determined by the number of CMMS features used by your maintenance team and the cost of the system purchased.
However, maintenance personnel can typically expect to see a consistent ROI within six to nine months.
What Is the Purpose of CMMS?
Buyers of CMMS want to be in control of their maintenance schedule and get things done as efficiently as possible. The majority of maintenance teams that have implemented CMMS have been pleased with their decision.
Data show that for every company looking for their first CMMS software, there is another that has already implemented CMMS and is looking to upgrade. Based on this data, it’s safe to say that once a company implements CMMS, they’re more than satisfied with the results.
By defining CMMS software, it is clear that CMMS is the best option for businesses that have equipment that is maintained by a team of technicians.
It is the single most effective way to stay current on all services and avoid unexpected repair costs. Using a CMMS to manage work time allows management and employees to collaborate more effectively and avoid squabbles between the two groups. CMMS facilitates collaboration among teams.
CMMS makes it simple to meet industry standards and avoid factory shutdowns. This, combined with the previously mentioned time and money savings factors, makes purchasing CMMS software an easy decision.
Shaon Shahnewz
is a seasoned digital marketer, tech enthusiast, and blogger who enjoys reading and spending time with his kid.
