CMMS software has become an essential tool for asset maintenance and industrial infrastructure departments. We invite you to learn in-depth what they consist of, what their advantages are, and what you should take into account when choosing one of these solutions.
What is CMMS and what advantages does it offer?
The meaning of these acronyms is: Computer Aided Maintenance Management, and refers to a computer system that simplifies and automates the processes associated with the management of the different tasks and maintenance operations of assets involved in production work.
It is also known as a CMMS system, which stands for Computerized Maintenance Management System, and is mainly used for:
- Configure an efficient maintenance plan.
- Keep a centralized record of all assets in charge of the maintenance team.
- Monitor the conditions and states of the assets.
- Schedule and track maintenance activities.
- Automatically generate work orders and assign them to those responsible.
- Management of expenses for the type of maintenance that is carried out.
In this sense, a CMMS brings great value to companies, also highlighting the reduction of operating costs in the maintenance department, increasing the useful life of assets, improving processes, optimizing safety, enhancing productivity, and avoiding work stoppages, and production lines, among others.
Additionally, the CMMS system optimizes decision-making and facilitates preventive and predictive maintenance by collecting, monitoring, and analyzing critical data on the conditions and operation of assets, preventing damage from occurring that prevents the operation of certain equipment.
How to choose maintenance software?
According to Verified Market Research, the CMMS software market is forecast to reach $1.77 billion by 2027, involving a wide variety of vendors and solutions of varying quality and price. To choose the ideal we must take into account:
Needs of the company and transversally of the CMMS.
Defining the maintenance management needs and the critical processes to be covered with the CMMS is key to determining the functionalities that the system must have. By doing so, we avoid increasing costs on features we don’t need and ensure a successful implementation.
Maintenance software is comprehensive and transversal, that is, it allows the management of all types of maintenance in all classes of assets, as well as human resources for the planning and execution of work plans.
Implementation time and support.
Ideally, the implementation should be as quick and easy as possible. In addition, it is important that the supplier offers us, if necessary, training and consulting. In this regard, it is important to point out that -currently- there is CMMS software that operates in the cloud, simplifying its implementation and streamlining processes by enhancing mobility.
Mobility.
On average, 90% of adults in the world have a smartphone and 95% use it every day for both personal and work matters. If the CMMS system does not offer access from this type of device, it simply does not respond to the reality of the moment and will hinder the mobility of maintenance management.
Generation of reports in real-time.
The system must have the ability to generate automatic reports on asset performance metrics and maintenance results. With that knowledge, we optimize decision-making. In a practical context, the completeness of the manual for the equipment used is very important.
For example, when a company uses an Atlas Copco FD air dryer, details such as the Atlas Copco FD 220 and FD Series Air Dryer must be in place to enable the company to be prepared to deal with problems that may occur with the air dryer.
Integration with other software, Single Sign On (SSO), and Software as a Service (SaaS).
The system must have various integration APIs. In this way, we integrate its functionalities with other key management systems, with single sign-on (SSO) and hosting the data on servers via the Internet from any device.
Once it is clear what the CMMS is and the considerations for choosing it, it is recommended that it operate 100% in the cloud and have a multi-user system with their respective permissions and access. Are you now ready to get involved in the industry of the future? Of course, CMMS is one that you must master.
