Why you need CMMS
Top computerized maintenance management system suppliers update their systems to meet the growing needs of clients.
1. Increased functionality
Larger computerised maintenance systems now provide:
- Work schedules produced systematically
- asset type maintenance schedules
- Stock control enhanced over long time periods
- Equipment monitoring with alarm generating capability
- Flexible asset register creation with the ability to trace components
- Project management capabilities
- Shutdown planning capabilities
- Instant viewing of key documents, photographs and AV training aids
- Real-time distribution of information by email, text message and Internet
2. CMMS comes of age, enhancing ERP and EAM Maintenance Management is increasingly believed to hold the key to profitability and now features in most enterprise management tools. Maintenance management funtionality is included in EAM (enterprise asset management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CMMS systems. Computerized Maintenance Mangement Systems provide information to meet the specific requirements of a maintenance team. Combining a good maintenance management system with ERP and EAM systems results in greater visibility for managers across the business and effective maintenance management.
3. Enable maintenance on the move!
Maintenance engineers are stretched to cover wider areas on lower budgets. Recently the meteoric increased availability of wireless communications has made it possible for CMMS providers to enable remote electronic access to the computerised maintenance management system. PDA based maintenance systems allow more flexibility and movement. Mobile technology. Computerized maintenance system tend to give the biggest benefits in the following areas:
- Asset monitoring
- Work orders
- Stock lists and scheduling
- Text/email alerts for critical breakdowns minimise downtime
4. Greater flexibility, easier to use
As an important aid in the battle for lean manufacturing processes, a CMMS should be fully adopted by all relevent personel. We live in a diverse world where IT literacy amongst the workforce is not homogeneous.
Intuitive, simple dashboards encourage all employees to contribute to and “own” the system. There is considerably less need for training when the interface is “familiar” to staff. If extra data needs to be entered, editors and calendars make it easy to do manually. Modern maintenance systems save time, allowing bulk alterations to tasks.
Ease of seizing and sharing information is a significant part of a CMMS. With an aging workforce, documenting and collaborating on procedures for the next generation of maintenance engineers is critical. The more capable computerised maintenance management system packages allow users to find and attach multiple documents to both work orders and tasks and link multiple standard texts with a task. Some systems allow for multiple users to share the same PC, with user configurable desk-tops and reports.
5. Visible reporting
Being able to see at a glance the status of the key assets, the progress of your maintenance team and the current matters of concern is a new advantage for Maintenance Managers. Reports allow managers to analyse the value provided by the maintenance department. Shared ownership of data promotes effective improvements across the workplace. In the current business climate, the efficiency and effectiveness of the maintenance operation is more important than ever. Maintenance employees have the ability to increase productivity through reducing downtime, enhancing asset management and keeping an eye on expenditure.
CMMS investment is vital if asset management is to move in a proactive direction, driven by effective equipment maintenance.
