by Ali Kriscenski
Managing ongoing maintenance can be a highly time-intensive process that challenges administrative functions, employee workload and equipment optimization. Implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) can help improve operational efficiency and ensure the optimization of physical assets through a carefully planned and implemented maintenance program. This article covers the key features and benefits of CMMS and how it can improve overall maintenance management.
What Is a CMMS?
A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a software program that creates a central database for maintenance information, schedules and labor forecasting. A CMMS can integrate the management of equipment, fleet, buildings, facilities and business operations.
5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs CMMS
The responsibilities of facility managers have become increasingly complex as building, process and fleet management move towards digital systems. CMMS provides a streamlined system that can organize equipment maintenance schedules, capital investment planning and workforce capacity requirements.
In addition to creating administrative efficiencies, CMMS can provide measurable benefits to many aspects of facility management that impact performance, compliance and revenue.
1.Health & Safety
CMMS can help identify potentially faulty equipment and prevent operational disruptions and potential safety risks to employees such as exposure to contamination, electrical dangers or mechanical failures. In addition to acting as a defense mechanism, CMMS can also track and report on incidents, repairs, or changes to inform operational decisions.
2. Labor Forecasting
As organizations regroup from the workforce scheduling volatility of the pandemic years, consistent labor forecasting capability provides a tangible way to take control of labor estimating and planning. CMMS provides facility managers with the information they need to engage valued employees over longer time periods, ensuring project fulfillment and workforce reliability.
3. Inventory Management
CMMS can create opportunities for automating processes such as inventory management. With computerized tracking, supplies, equipment parts and end-of-life assets can be replaced in sync with regular maintenance schedules.
4. Preventative Maintenance
An integrated CMMS software platform can become an invaluable tool in preventative maintenance programs. By aggregating data on equipment condition, age and usage, CMMS can create real-time adjustments for maintenance to prevent equipment faults, costly repairs and operational disruptions.
5. Regulatory Compliance
As a central database, CMMS can track repairs, environmental conditions, calibrations and other information required to demonstrate regulatory compliance. The software can provide reports to satisfy audit requests for standards across industries including, among others, IT, healthcare and manufacturing.
CMMS Optimization
As an aggregate database for operational processes, CMMS optimization depends on a comprehensive survey of existing systems and assets. This initial step is critical to the effectiveness of the software and requires input from a wide group of leaders within an organization including asset managers, IT staff and equipment technicians.
The same staff resources can work together to establish maintenance schedules and related work orders for short- and long-term projections. With a thorough initial setup, CMMS software can start to integrate actual predictions for maintenance and labor requirements, making intelligent adjustments based on monitoring and tracking data.
As CMMS becomes part of your organization’s DNA, key staff can review the effectiveness of systems, assets, labor and operational efficiency driven by CMMS data and reporting. Empowered with information, employees can better contribute to managerial decisions and organizational goals.
Industry Expertise
CMMS integrates a wide variety of operational processes including mechanical systems, process systems, industrial controls, building automation and capital projects. Enlisting an industry professional with expertise across business functions can provide the needed guidance to select and implement the right CMMS configuration for your business. With a partner like Therma, you can rely on comprehensive expertise to maximize your investment. Contact Therma’s experts today.
Ali Kriscenski was trained in high-performance building design at Boston Architectural College. She has worked with leading architecture and construction firms in NYC and New England and served on the executive team at the Forest Stewardship Council International. She was the managing editor at Inhabitat and has worked pro bono for the Green Building Institute, ISEAL Alliance and Habitat for Humanity.
Sources
American Machinist – The Evolution of Affordability and Accessibility in CMMS Software
Maintenance Connection – Future Trends in Asset Management for 2021 and Beyond
24/7 Software – Advantages of Safety Maintenance Management in CMMS
Gartner – Workforce Planning for Competitive Advantage Post-COVID-19
