Are You Prepared for Emergency Management?
Emergency management is a huge part of maintenance. Whether it’s an equipment failure or a natural disaster—your team needs to be prepared. You never think an emergency is going to happen to you. But preparing for the unexpected not only helps during an emergency, it can likely prevent more damage. CMMS for Emergency Management Maintenance professionals are first responders when things go wrong. It’s easier to make good decisions under pressure when you can see how your operations are functioning and where you need to focus your attention. And that’s so much easier with CMMS software. Emergency management requires documentation and planning. CMMS software can help you with every aspect of your emergency management plan, such as… Creating an emergency plan with checklists Defining the roles and responsibilities of each staff person Ensuring safety measures are in place Managing resources, supplies, and personnel Storing documents and other information, including details for insurance purposes Identifying where things are located, including emergency supplies Accessing information remotely. Planning means your team knows what to do when an emergency happens, as well as prevent more damage. Information is power. With CMMS, you can act on the information you’ve gathered when you need it most. [related-content] CMMS for Emergency Recovery CMMS data also is vital during the recovery period—helping your team get things up and running much faster. That includes… Safe storage of critical information Emergency inspection checklists Vendors and contacts Asset and part information The combination of CMMS software and an emergency plan is the best way to prepare for when things go wrong. Don’t wait for a disaster to strike. CMMS software can help you reduce your risk when speed is of the essence. How can you use CMMS software to create an emergency management plan? Contact us. We’re happy to share the secrets we’ve learned over the years.
Preventive Maintenance vs. Predictive Maintenance: What’s the Difference?
When maintenance teams adopt proactive approaches to maintenance, two of the most common are preventive maintenance and predictive maintenance. But, what’s the difference? What is Preventive Maintenance? Preventive maintenance is triggered by time, meter, or event. This type of maintenance is based on average or expected life statistics (usually determined by the equipment manufacturer or vendor). The most common example is changing the oil in a car every X,000 miles or every X months. Preventive maintenance is one of the first steps to reduce run-to-failure maintenance in favor of a more proactive maintenance plan. Additionally, CMMS excels at helping maintenance shops schedule preventive maintenance tasks, preventing failure and prolonging asset life cycles. What is Predictive Maintenance? Predictive maintenance means different things to different people. Usually, maintenance professionals define it as gathering data on the actual condition of equipment to determine when maintenance is needed—sometimes called condition-based maintenance (CBM). CBM allows you to track meters and gauges on assets, and to trigger work orders at specific points. You can gather the data manually or automatically, and your CMMS software stores the data and alerts maintenance staff to take action. For example, condition-monitoring tools and CMMS software can analyze how the asset is working—maybe by measuring operating temperature or oil viscosity, etc. This data helps spot signs of potential problems. Then CMMS software sends alerts before breakdowns occur. CBM monitors an asset’s real-time condition. So, there’s a predictive element to it. But more advanced predictive maintenance analyzes how long an asset will last using one or many types of measurement. A classic example is electrical transmission grids. Engineers analyze detailed information about equipment failure rates, so they can program software to predict when similar assets will fail in the future. Long-Term Goals The long-term goal of predictive maintenance prevents both reactive maintenance and unplanned breakdowns, while at the same time reducing the costs of unnecessary preventive maintenance. MPulse CMMS software can capture, store, and organize data for reports and predictive analytical tools. Predictive maintenance is gaining more attention as organizations want sensors on key assets and use the power of the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect the data to feed into their CMMS software. CMMS combined with IoT is an excellent way to help maintenance teams to foresee asset failure and proactively perform maintenance. Have questions? We have answers. Contact us to see how we can help you improve your maintenance operations.
Improve Maintenance Management Program Efficiency
How do you make your maintenance management program more efficient? Maintenance professionals know that CMMS software is a tool. And while a successful maintenance management requires great software, you also need to well-trained people who know how to use it right—just like any other tool. Implementation services when you implement new software or upgrade are the best way to get off and running quickly. But what if you want to improve efficiency out of an already successful maintenance operation? Make Your Maintenance Management More Efficient It’s always important to start at the beginning. So, the first step should be a needs assessment of your current state. (Read our series on conducting a Needs Assessment.) Then, compare what’s happening now to what you want in the future. That tells you where you want your maintenance department to go. A good place to start is think about the information you don’t have, or you don’t have easily accessible. A few examples from MPulse customers… What are we spending on Asset X? How much time are my techs are spending on specific jobs? Does my team need to have faster access to information? How can I reduce our excess inventory? How long has Equipment Y been out of service during a given time period? Finally, determine what tools you need to go from where you are to where you want to be. By tools, we mean anything your team needs to do their jobs, which may include… Tools and equipment Informational resources Software Training You Don’t Have to Do It Alone If you’re feeling overwhelmed at this point, remember, you don’t have to do it alone. We developed the MPulse Assess, Adjust, and Implement (AAI) program to help you make your maintenance management program more efficient. It includes onsite implementation and training services, giving you hands-on support from our MPulse experts. AAI is for MPulse customers who want to get more out of their implementation. It’s an ideal option for “rebooting” a waning program or finding ways to squeeze more efficiency out of an already successful one. MPulse customers have found the following benefits with AAI… Improved results Optimized processes Renewed focus on maintenance management discipline Identifying new ways to use the full range of MPulse’s robust feature set Expand use of MPulse throughout the enterprise Make your maintenance management program more efficient with implementation and training services to get you where you want to go. Contact us today. We’re here to help.
Why You Need CMMS Maintenance and Support
If you’ve ever worked with outdated software, then you know the feeling of dread when there’s a glitch. Without access to technical and usability support, you end up paying for updates and services as you go. It’s inefficient—and also expensive. CMMS software needs its own preventive maintenance to keep it functioning properly—just like any asset. Service updates, software maintenance, and support programs are far more cost efficient when they’re part of a CMMS maintenance and support program. CMMS Maintenance and Support So, not all software support is equal. Here at MPulse, we want to keep the customers whose business we’ve worked so hard to earn. That’s why we’ll be here for you tomorrow, just like we are today. A subscription to the MPulse Maintenance and Support Program (MSP) partners you with our professional support team. Additionally, it gives you the latest tools, free training, and software updates to keep your software optimized, and your organization on track to reach its CMMS goals. The MPulse MSP is an annual subscription service that provides continued support, training, and updates. As a program subscriber, you’ll have access to a host of important features… In-house MPulse employees provide technical and training support via toll free phone number and email Exclusive access to new software versions as they’re released Hosting provided via our Application Hosting Service Online training through the MPulse Support Portal, including educational videos and informative articles One seat per year at the MPulse Training Center at our corporate office in Eugene, Oregon Better pricing on major software upgrades and modification options Exclusive invitations to monthly webinars on MPulse usage and maintenance best practices Special sale offers for MPulse products and services Advance email notification of new product introductions Timely, automated software updates Free assistance with software installation Software Preventive Maintenance The MPulse MSP offers extensive advantages over a fee-per-service model… Peace of mind—our goal is your success with our product Considerable cost savings Instant access to industry expertise Knowledge of current maintenance software developments Trained and prepared users Product flexibility Maintenance professionals get the call when things go wrong. So, they know the importance of getting the right person on the phone at the right time. [related-content] Take advantage of our expertise. We provide reliable, first-class support for your MPulse implementation, and the updates to keep it running at peak performance. With the MPulse MSP, you’re not just a customer—you’re our partner in CMMS success.
Five Signs your CMMS Program Needs a Reboot
Busy maintenance managers have a lot of their plate—and reviewing CMMS workflows usually isn’t at the top. But without taking a closer look, your team may be spending more time and wasting more money than you realize. Is It Time for a CMMS Reboot? You know it’s time for a CMMS reboot when you see one or more of these signs. Your team is doing too much data entry, or data reentry.Improved integration with external data sources means CMMS software can collect data from building automation systems as well as from meters, PLCs, and gauges on the factory floor. In fact, a modern CMMS, properly integrated, can use data from virtually any source to feed its alerts, alarms, and reports. You team is spending more time working around the software than working with the software.Maintenance techs usually excel at finding ways to work around problems—it’s a skill that comes in handy when making repairs. But it’s not good when they’re working around problems with your CMMS software Your CMMS software doesn’t collect the right data.Today’s maintenance managers are getting requests from senior managers, CFOs, COOs, and even CEOs who want detailed, accurate information from the maintenance department on what’s impacting productivity, profitability, and corporate progress. CMMS is the best tool you have for gathering, analyzing, and reporting data about your equipment and your team. You need reports that your software can’t provide.Your CMMS should be set up to answer the questions that matter to you—and to your boss. Those reports help you make decisions based on hard evidence, instead of perceptions or assumptions. Best of all, the cumulative nature of CMMS data means you can ask different questions in the future—ones you might not even think about today. Your maintenance team doesn’t have easy access to your software.Back in the day, it was common to limit software access to a few people. Today cloud computing helps organizations get applications up and running faster (often immediately) while reducing onsite implementation and management costs. It also virtually eliminates the need for highly skilled, expensive internal IT teams. [related-content] It’s time for CMMS reboot when your current system isn’t meeting your needs. A little time and energy spent now means your maintenance team can focus on what is really important—getting the job done. Contact us to learn more.
Angie Miller Trains MPulse Customers for Success
When MPulse customers want to jumpstart their new software implementation or update a current one, our software education services team is there to help them get the most out of MPulse. Angie Miller, MPulse software trainer and our MPloyee of the Quarter, travels to customer sites about twice a month. She also works in our on-site Training Center at MPulse headquarters the rest of the time. Angie’s job is to help customers find the best ways to use MPulse to make maintenance operations more efficient. It’s a job that she loves, partly because of the chance to meet and help MPulse customers on site. “I’ve traveled all over the country, from Boston to Washington State,” Angie said. “I’m not there to tell them how to do their job. I’m there to help them use the software to make their lives easier.” Fair Warning Angie joined MPulse in October 2018 after spending most of her career in technical training and employee development. She was attracted to the job after reading MPulse’s job posting, which included a taste of the company’s well-known wit: “Fair warning, our employees love working here so much, they almost never leave.” “I wanted to stay in education,” Angie said. “I loved the idea of connecting with customers and meeting new people all the time. MPulse is a great environment. I love my job, and I love the people who work here.” When she’s not traveling or working, Angie participates in a local kick boxing organization, which focuses on fitness and community service. The group holds events to raise money for Ophelia’s Place, a local organization that helps girls make healthy life choices by building skills around health, technology, art, and leadership. It’s an area where her work and personal life mesh, as MPulse provides three comp days a year for employees to give back to the community. Angie moved to Oregon from Utah when her husband received a job opportunity. The move has been a great fit for the Millers, who enjoy rock crawling and off roading in their Jeeps. They also spend weekends hiking and camping with their 9-year-old son. And it’s this work-life balance that Angela really appreciates. “MPulse understands that even though I travel a lot, when I’m home, I’m a mom,” she said. “It’s nice not to sacrifice my family for a career.” MPulse’s MPloyee of the Quarter honors our employees who are making a positive impact in the company by inspiring others and building engaging, long-lasting relationships with our customers.
MPloyee of the Quarter | Angela Guiley
The first interaction potential customers have with MPulse will most likely come from our sales development team. This group of hard-working individuals makes sure we’re putting our best foot forward from the beginning. They handle inbound calls, contacting potential customers, answering initial questions, and booking demos. Our MPloyee of the Quarter, Angela Guiley, tackles this job with gusto, making an extra effort to provide potential customers with the resources they need to learn more about MPulse. Angela spends her day contacting people via email and phone calls to learn more about their maintenance management needs. It’s a task that requires a lot of persistence, particularly because maintenance professionals are usually busy people with limited time. “A lot of our customers are on the plant floor,” she explained. “So, it’s noisy or they don’t pick up the phone if they don’t recognize the number,” Challenge = Fun But the challenge also is part of the fun. The MPulse sales development team is a close-knit group, and they aren’t afraid of a little friendly competition to keep things interesting. “I’m extremely competitive, so if someone has trouble getting ahold of a potential new customer, I love proving them wrong,” she laughed. Angela Guiley joined MPulse in 2018 after working out of her home for another company. Her previous experience in technology and customer service made the position a good fit. Plus, she was attracted by the bonus of working with a supportive team like our sales development group. An Oregon native who married her high school sweetheart, Angela spent five years in Arizona before returning to the Pacific Northwest. Now Angela and her family enjoy exploring regional events and participating in the many outdoor activities that Oregon offers. With two young boys who always on the go, the family’s weekends also include camping, sightseeing, hiking, and other activities. But it’s MPulse’s focus on this work-life balance that Angela really appreciates. “It’s really like a family here at MPulse,” she said. “They give back to our community, including giving all employees three comp days a year for community service. It’s just a good company.” MPulse’s MPloyee of the Quarter honors our employees who are making a positive impact in the company by inspiring others and building engaging, long-lasting relationships with our customers.
How A Strong CMMS Implementation Plan Boosts Your ROI
CMMS software is an investment. So, like any investment, you want to see a return on that money. The bean counters call this “return on investment” (ROI), which measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. Boosting your ROI takes more than great CMMS software, however. You need well-trained people who know how to use it, and you also need a solution set up right to work with your company’s assets and business processes. A strong CMMS implementation plan boosts your ROI with improvements in… Labor costs Parts and inventory management Equipment downtime and emergency repairs Equipment life cycle and replacement forecasting Manufacturing scrap and rework A Strong CMMS Implementation Plan An CMMS implementation plan has five steps: Planning Data migration Installation Training “Go-live” Start your CMMS implementation plan in a single department that stands to benefit the most in the short term. Then, follow with a company-wide roll-out. When others witness the initial success of the first department, bringing everyone on board will be much easier. [related-content] Expert Advice While you can develop your own CMMS implementation plan, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to hire the experts. After all, you don’t send your plumbing expert to fix and electrical issue. MPulse offers several onsite implementation services: Custom Launch Plan: We send an experienced senior MPulse trainer to your location for 4 days of intensive instruction. Typical curriculum is designed to cover what’s necessary to get your users up and running with MPulse. Assured Implementation Program (AIP): A software implementation program designed to take you from software purchase through successful implementation, without missing any critical steps along the way. Our most comprehensive program, AIP gets you through planning, data migration, installation, training, and “go-live” day. Assess, Adjust, and Implement Program (AAI): AAI is designed for existing MPulse customers who want to improve their maintenance program. It begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current state and concludes with training and services to assist you in implementing improvements. Whether you’ve got an experienced team spread across numerous locations or a small maintenance operation with a few employees, MPulse has a program for you. Contact us to learn more.
Create a Realistic Budget for Your CMMS
To create a realistic budget for CMMS software, you need to consider more than just the price of the software itself. Typically, you’ll pay for the base software and then the number of user licenses you need. However, to ensure CMMS success, also consider five other costs… Startup training Integration services Data migration from legacy systems Hosting Maintenance/support agreements To create a realistic budget, next consider the right pricing model for your organization. Choose a Pricing Model Any CMMS budget should also include one of two ways to purchase CMMS software—Software as a Service (SaaS) or licensed purchase. SaaS If you choose subscription pricing via SaaS, you’re renting the software for a monthly or yearly fee. SaaS is a common option today—but it may not be the best one for you. Advantages of SaaS Easier on cash flow up front and over the first 2-3 years May be able to purchase it without a formal procurement process (i.e., you’re just signing up for a service) You can try the product and the vendor without fully committing Disadvantages of SaaS Higher total cost over the long term Vulnerability to price increases You never own the software Stop paying and you lose access Licensed Purchase The other option is a licensed purchase, where you purchase a license to use the software (in practical terms, forever) for a one-time fee. Typically, you will also have the option of purchasing or renewing a yearly maintenance agreement that includes software updates, tech support, hosting services, and access to training. It’s usually charged as a percentage of the software’s original price. Advantages of Licensed Purchase Less expensive over the long run than the never-ending subscription. Usually it’s a 2-3 year break even vs. SaaS pricing. You own it. If your company’s budget gets tight one year and you don’t get your yearly allotment, you will still be able to use your software because you own the software license. Disadvantage of Licensed Purchase Higher upfront cost If you’re leaning toward SaaS model, ask vendors if you can switch to a license purchase model if your situation changes. Also, make sure the method you choose works with your plans to host the application. Price-Range Estimates Once you’ve chosen the right pricing model for you, start by asking sales reps to provide price-range estimates that include training, integration, data migration, hosting, and maintenance/support. The more specific you are about your needs, the more accurate those estimates will be. [related-content] These price range estimates will tell you if their product is a good fit. Then you can move forward with the companies who sell software in your budget range. You can ask a sales rep to refine the pricing as you get more specific about your needs. Last, but not least, calculate the five-year total cost of ownership of all these things to get an accurate comparison between vendors. Have questions? Need help? Contact us. We’re here for you.
CMMS Training: How to Find the Right Fit
Finding the right training for your maintenance team is like finding the right CMMS software. You need options that fit your needs. MPulse offers various training options for exactly that reason—our customers need different types of training (or, sometimes, different combinations of training). CMMS Training Questions to Consider Here are five things to consider to find training that the right fit for you. Who: The first thing to consider is who needs to be trained. It’s not uncommon for organizations to choose different training based on who is doing what. For example, one MPulse customer sent a smaller team of lead workers to our classroom training, and those people returned to train other employees back at the plant. Where: Training can take place onsite, in a classroom, or online. Each one has its own advantages. Hands-on training from a trainer who travels to your site is great for getting answers to specific questions and scenarios. However, classroom training means your team isn’t distracted by other things. Online training, either live or recorded, offers a lot of flexibility and works well for self-directed employees. What: Different users will need to learn different things about your new CMMS software. Management will need more information about reporting functions, whereas technicians need to focus on work orders and parts information. Some may need a quick refresher, whereas others need more direction. When: You want to get your CMMS software up and running quickly, so consider your schedule when choosing the training options for you. You can schedule online training immediately or very quickly. However, you’ll need to make travel arrangements for onsite and sometimes classroom training. How much: Part of your initial research and your CMMS quotes should include training options at a variety of costs. But it’s more than a number—onsite training might be more expensive at first, but the rate of return will increase when you get people on board quickly. Online training, on the other hand, is cost effective for multiple people in different locations with different schedules. Investing in CMMS software without training your people to use it is penny-wise and pound-foolish. CMMS training directly impacts your CMMS success—and your bottom line. It’s the real secret to CMMS success. Think you can’t afford training? Contact us to find out how affordable it can be.