The Essentials of CMMS

The integration of a top-notch computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) suite can be vital to the efficiency of a maintenance department. The program will allow maintenance managers to organize preventative maintenance schedules, as well as manage work requests.  CMMS  software often results in overall profit increases for a company. Utilizing the scheduling system reduces the chance that the maintenance department will have consistent, unexpected expenses and often lessens the need for overtime, as tasks are logically planned into a standard workday.


In years past, it was quite uncomplicated to select  CMMS suites. As there were only a few products on the market, and all functioned similarly, little to no investigation was needed. Fairly recently, though,  CMMS suites have become practically a necessity for businesses. This has resulted in a variety of new options hitting the market, complicating the decision process. The  CMMS purchase process now requires in-depth research and analysis of many software options. Before you make a final decision in your search for a  CMMS program you must consider such variables as price, availability of training and customer support, program features, and the option to try a demo.

Cost, when it comes down to the wire, is perhaps the key factor in your decision process. After all, the top CMMS program on the market is essentially useless to your company if your budget does not allow you to buy it. Maintenance managers on a stringent spending plan must look for the software that provides the best value within their financial allowance. An option that financially strapped companies may want to look at is a CMMS suite that offers add-on feature packs. These feature packs can be purchased at a future date, when the organization has funds available. In the long-run,  CMMS programs that have add-on software available will often provide the best value.

Obviously, the features that each  CMMS program offers must also be evaluated when making your selection; it is essential to buy a suite that offers the features your company needs. The basic functions you will want to look for are the ability to keep a detailed database of each piece of machinery your company owns, schedule preventative maintenance tasks, and issue work requests. Additional features in  CMMS programs may include inventory management and tracking employee records. These features are not available in every suite, and you will need to decide if they are necessary for your company.

Before buying, you should make sure to ask your vendor about the difficulty of integrating the software into your business's daily operations. Some suites offer the option to have a representative come into your office to formally train your staff in the use of the new CMMS program. If you go this route, your employees should be familiarized with the software by the time the representative leaves.

It can also be incredibly useful to try a demo of the final two or three facilities maintenance options you are choosing between. The demo will give you a chance to try the software in your office environment and see which option will actually work best for your needs. You will also be able to test the software without the pressure of a sales representative hovering nearby.

A good capital budgeting program can completely revitalize your company's maintenance processes. Be sure to take the necessary time to choose the software that is truly right for you!