The term CMMS, which is the abbreviation for computerized maintenance management software, refers to a set of programs designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of maintenance activities. But what exactly does a CMMS do? The answer lies within CMMS features.
Typical CMMS Features
Improving maintenance efficiency and effectiveness can only occur when maintenance functions are planned, scheduled and monitored. Therefore, most CMMS solutions contain a variety of tools to help accomplish this including:
The collection of asset/equipment detail such as description, location, serial number, install date and cost.A work dashboard to understand the workload and schedule accordingly.Automated work requests (no paper).Inspections checklist organizer and generator.The ability to schedule rounds on a daily, weekly, monthly or other periodic basis.Computerized generation, scheduling and tracking of all work management including work orders, preventive maintenance and repairs.The use of mobile handheld devices to remove paperwork as well as increase mobility.
How Does a CMMS Work
For those of us not IT oriented, a CMMS system can be run on your company computers or be hosted (web-based). Each method has Pros and Cons but generally speaking a web-based CMMS offers a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
Once a CMMS solution is implemented with maintenance staff and management trained on how to use the program, work requests, work orders, inspections, preventive maintenance and repairs can be processed, scheduled and assigned.
Results are transmitted back to the CMMS using mobile handheld devices. Results are then stored and used to provide numerous management reports so that maintenance managers always know where their assets are and the condition they are in.
CMMS Financial Impact
By streamlining the work management process, maintenance staff efficiency and effectiveness are increased. when properly implemented, a 10-30% decrease in maintenance, repair and operational costs is common.
The decrease in costs using the tools featured above is because a CMMS solution essentially eliminates paperwork, organizes work management and enables maintenance management become increasingly proactive. Having a proactive maintenance operation enables facilities and maintenance managers to:
Lower labor cost by having fewer untimely emergency repairs.Lower energy bills as better maintained equipment requires less energy to operate (think HVAC and dirty filters).Increase useful lifecycle of assets through better preventive maintenance (think about how cars need oil changes).Lowers capital expenditures as assets need replacement or need major repairs less frequently.Establish standard maintenance procedures and accountability for the quality of work being done.
So what does a CMMS solution do? In short, it gives facility and maintenance managers the controls they need to make maintenance management a visible, well run function within their organization.
Stuart Smith writes about Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) Solutions for Mintek Mobile Data Solutions. Learn more about EAM/CMMS features that can help your business navigate through tough economic times.
View the original article here
