Why Choose a CMMS?

Comparing the hundred plus offerings of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) products, finding the system that’s right for you and your business can be challenging.

Should you go with a web-based program or a desktop-based system?  What features should you request, and which ones aren’t really worth your time?  Add in the initial prices plus start up costs, which can run from free to tens of thousands of dollars, and it’s not surprising that some organizations have failed to take the leap when it comes to the implementation of a quality system.  But maybe the potential CMMS user is beginning their quest with the wrong question.  Rather than “Which CMMS is right for us?” perhaps the better question is “Why should we get a system in the first place?”

Apparently, this question has been asked often; so often, in fact, that industry experts have come up with some answers of their own, after numerous studies and surveys of current users.  Here are some of the top reasons for acquiring CMMS software, and some of the ways a quality system can address these findings.

1. To improve maintenance:  Not surprisingly, one-quarter of companies surveyed cite this as their number one reason to purchase and implement CMMS.  After all, CMMS was initially developed to aid in maintenance, and it continues to be its top function.  Through the use of automated work orders, easily updated and adjusted maintenance schedules, plus faster and more efficient quality inspections, users have found a tremendous increase in equipment efficiency and reliability, leading to less breakdown and downtime.  In addition, with the use of such modern technologies as mobile access and barcode readers, the necessary maintenance and inspection times were cut down significantly while actually improving these practices.

2. To improve workflow:  When maintenance and work schedules are adhered to, and running at peak efficiency, there should be improvement in the general workflow.  But it takes much more than this to keep a company working at optimum level.  Fortunately, today’s CMMS handles all the details of the successful business.  Employee management components improve the relationship between supervisors and field technicians, and provides immediate access to vital information such as vacation times, medical leaves, certification and training, and evaluations.  Inventory management tools aid in monthly budgeting and supply consumption, as well as providing data for vendor evaluation.

3. To improve cost control:  It’s simple economics; the more efficiently an organization is run, the less it costs to run it.  Your CMMS can further provide you with the information you need to cut your overhead while providing the same quality service.  Through evaluation of repair reporting, you can quickly find route causes for repetitive service.  Human resources features can separate the good employee from the better employee.  Better quality inspections mean less emergency calls, saving resources and overtime expenditures.

If your company seeks improvement in any of the above examples, now is the time to look into CMMS.  The benefits of this type of system are many—but only if you have one.