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.
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.
When Is It Time to Call in the Experts?
Expert consulting services can jumpstart software implementation or reconfigure current workflows. Maintenance professionals know you don’t send a plumber to deal with an electrical issue. It’s the same when it comes to CMMS software. It’s also far more cost effective to get an expert to do it right the first time. Expert Consulting Services A successful maintenance management program requires a solution set up right to work with your company’s assets and business processes. So, MPulse expert consulting services can help. Dedicated Account Manager Your MPulse Dedicated Account Manager is your personal MPulse consultant. The combination of your Dedicated Account Manager’s detailed knowledge about your organization and MPulse expertise ensures the ongoing success of your CMMS software implementation. So, you are always working with someone who understands your organization and has the knowledge to implement our software to meet your needs. MPulse Reset Expert Consulting Services Our MPulse Reset service helps you reconfigure your workflows and benchmarks, and then determine where adjustments to your software can help. It’s great for existing MPulse customers who’ve already worked through any of our other MPulse Software training and implementation services. MPulse Assess, Adjust, and Implement (AAI) Program The MPulse Assess, Adjust, and Implement (AAI) program begins with a comprehensive assessment of your current state and then concludes with training and services to assist you in implementing improvements. AAI is for MPulse customers who want to get more out of their implementation. It’s also an ideal option for “rebooting” a waning program or finding ways to squeeze more efficiency out of an already successful one. Expert CMMS Implementation Services If you’re just getting started with CMMS software, then MPulse has a wide range of expert implementation services to help. Assured Implementation Program The MPulse Assured Implementation Program (AIP) takes 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. Multi-site Implementation Program This program also standardizes your workflow processes and reporting across locations. The MPulse Multi-site Implementation Program (MSIP) will take you from software purchase through successful implementation across two or more site locations, without missing any critical steps along the way. Data Migration Our data migration services will help you transfer your data safely and cost effectively, as well as reduce business disruption. Our data specialists perform data migration efficiently with minimal impact on your business operations. [related-content] Call in the experts! It keeps your maintenance staff doing what they do best—maintaining your critical assets to keep things running smoothly.
Cloud CMMS vs. Local Install: Which is a Better Fit?
Is a cloud or local CMMS software installation the best fit for your organization? The answer will depend on your needs. Cloud CMMS vs. Local CMMS Cloud CMMS software (sometimes called web-based CMMS software) is hosted by the vendor and accessible via any device with an Internet connection. Local installation (sometimes called on-premise or client-server software), however, requires your organization to host the software on its server and use its own network and hardware. Five Questions to Answer So, which one is right for you? Here’s five questions to answer. How much IT support do I have? Some organizations have extensive IT support options, but many do not. If you have an internal IT department, work with them to find the right option for your network. If you don’t, cloud CMMS software runs on external servers, so you don’t need IT support. Cloud CMMS also automates software updates, so you don’t have to worry about it. Do my users need to access the software via mobile devices? Mobile technology is a natural fit for the maintenance industry. Cloud CMMS enables maintainers to access data anytime and anywhere with Internet-enabled devices. However, whichever you choose, make sure it has an “any device” user interface that works on laptops, smartphones, or tablets. What’s the plan for data security and back-up? Your organization may already have a data security and back-up plan if you have an internal IT department with those skills. If you don’t, however, data is backed up and secured in a professionally managed environment with cloud CMMS. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about hard drive failures or data-loss catastrophes. How quickly will my needs change? The scalability of cloud CMMS means the software can accommodate changes in size or volume as your needs change. However, ask questions about scalability if you think a local install is right for you. What’s my budget? Every organization wants to maximize the budget. Web-based CMMS usually doesn’t require upgraded hardware in the office. Also, improved web-based and app-based user interfaces that mimic popular personal-use applications can minimize the learning curve on hardware and software, which reduces the cost of training. Options One option doesn’t fit all, so MPulse remains committed to giving our customers choices. Identify your organization’s needs to find what would work best for your maintenance team. Have questions? Leave a comment or contact us.
Lessons from a Reactive Maintenance Strategy
A reactive maintenance strategy is simple—when something breaks, fix it. And it’s still very common today in many maintenance departments. Replacing non-essential lightbulbs, fixing broken windows—a reactive approach works fine and makes sense for plenty of maintenance tasks. There’s a time, however, when it becomes more effective to move from reactive to proactive. That’s what happened to MPulse customer Gerry. The Value of Proactive Maintenance If you’ve ever had a day where something breaks at the wrong time (production equipment during the busy season or an HVAC failure during a heat wave), the value of proactive maintenance becomes clear. Gerry’s team had that day. They had six breakdowns on high-use assets that brought production to a screeching halt. His techs were trying to troubleshoot problems or find replacement parts, while Gerry and his foreman were on the phone with frustrated coworkers, angry bosses, and vendor reps. “We called it D-day,” he said. “The ‘D’ stands for dreadful—or for something else not suitable for polite conversation.” Afterwards, the team decompressed by talking about what they could do to prevent it from happening again. The first step was easy. Gerry explained, “We needed a proactive maintenance program that worked for us.” Getting a preventive maintenance program off the ground can feel intimidating at first. Gerry’s team started like many maintenance departments, with simple spreadsheets. But the limits of this manual system were soon evident. So, Gerry turned to CMMS software. CMMS Software for Preventive Maintenance CMMS software will generate a schedule of PM tasks, making it simpler to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Scheduling preventive maintenance (PM) tasks—replacing filters, conducting safety inspections, check oils and fluids—often prevents those stressful situations and emergency repairs, not to mention the expenses related to these types of breakdowns. You can schedule maintenance intervals based on time, usage, or on asset/part condition, which triggers a work order just before the point when system inefficiencies or failures begin to occur. Regular preventive maintenance tracking also ensures equipment is properly calibrated and lubricated. Ignoring preventive maintenance leads to more breakdowns. That translates into lost dollars and intense pressure on the maintenance team to get production running again. Proactive maintenance lowers costs, improves reliability, and helps with compliance reporting. Contact us to learn more.
Take Multisite Inventory to the Next Level
As maintenance managers know, inventory is one of the most challenging parts of any maintenance operation. But when you are trying to manage inventory across multiple sites, however, the challenges are exponentially larger. So, that’s where CMMS software can help. CMMS software is the best tool for tackling inventory management across multiple sites. MPulse Multisite Connector MPulse Multisite Connector provides a universal framework, which connects all the locations across your distributed enterprise. That means you can have truly global settings, global reporting, and—yes, that’s right—enterprise-wide inventory search and transfer. So, you’ll know what inventory is available across the company, not just in your local storeroom. Enterprise Inventory Transfer Manager is a feature of MPulse Multisite Connector. It allows you to do things like… Discover available inventory in other storerooms across the enterprise Issue an inter-office request to retrieve parts Track the fulfillment and transfer process Save Time & Money Across the Enterprise MPulse Enterprise Inventory Transfer Manager helps you prevent time- and money-wasting problems like… Running out of parts Searching for lost parts Duplicating inventory you didn’t know you had Plus, you ‘ll have all the standard capabilities of our Parts & Supplies Inventory Management feature—such as stocking levels, reorder points, storage locations, and supplier information. You can also track various units of measure for a single inventory item. For example, you might purchase oil by the barrel, but use it by the quart. In conclusion, Enterprise Inventory Transfer Manager can help quickly identify what you need for which piece of equipment, no matter where it’s located. Most importantly, when an emergency arises, this information provides critical data for making cost-efficient decisions. Additionally, it helps your organization save time and money by improving tracking, stocking, ordering, and inventory processes. As you know, many organizations have multiple locations—like storerooms, warehouses, offices, or buildings. So, managing inventory across the entire enterprise helps your entire organization maximize resources and minimize costs. What challenges could Enterprise Inventory Transfer Manager help you solve? Leave a comment or contact us. We’re here to help.