Using a CMMS for Management

Functional machinery and other supplies are essential to the effective day-to-day operations of all industries. Routine maintenance is sometimes not enough to stop a machinery problem before it has damaged the equipment, as these malfunctions often occur unexpectedly.


In order to monitor equipment between maintenance checks, facilities may want to look into CMMS software, which can perform a myriad of tasks. CMMS software programs can do everything from warn maintenance managers of low oil in one piece of machinery to check for changes in the vibrations of another. Preventative maintenance is perhaps the most major reason companies choose to purchase a CMMS program, though the software can also assist in a variety of other roles. More efficient inventory tracking and management of maintenance requests are two other significant uses of CMMS. Here, though, only the benefits to preventative maintenance will be discussed.

CMMS programs never claim to actually extend the lifespan of equipment; they will, though, end up as an indispensable factor to the maintenance department's workday. While CMMS cannot actually extend a machine's life, they do make sure maintenance personnel are quickly warned when something goes wrong. If the CMMS program detects any aberrations in a piece of equipment's functionality, it will alert maintenance managers so they can fix the machine promptly. CMMS software is able to monitor machines that fall throughout the spectrum, from common inkjet printers to intricate nuclear reactors.

Your vendor is a key component to choosing the right CMMS suite for your needs. There are a variety of options on the market, and it is important that your vendor understand the minute differences between the programs. Furthermore, your seller should have a working knowledge of your company's needs so they can match you with the most ideal software suite.

A useful feature of some CMMS suites is the ability for the maintenance department to create inspection lists. This is an attribute that can prove worthwhile in most types of companies.The entire process of preventative maintenance can be made vastly more efficient through the use of inspection lists.Inspection lists are used to maintain detailed records of every machine in a facility. They track any replacements, upgrades, or routine checks that a piece of equipment has had.

Prior to making your final choice of asset tracking software, it can be worthwhile to ask your vendor about the possibility of trying a few different demos. The demos give you the chance to play with the layouts and feature-set of each of your options before committing to one of them. Furthermore, you will be able to try the programs without the purchase pressure of a sales floor. Finally, trying the demos will give you a sense of whether you will require additional training to fully utilize the software's features.

Once you have determined which facilities management software suite is right for you, you will be prepared to experience the benefits your new program will bring to your business.