7 Must-Have CMMS Features for Facility Maintenance
Facility maintenance managers have a lot on their plates with keeping buildings safe, systems running smoothly, and budgets under control. The tools used for maintenance have changed over the years. However, so has the technology behind them. That’s why more and more facility maintenance professionals are turning to cloud-based CMMS to simplify their daily tasks and gain better control over their operations. Cloud-Based CMMS for Facility Maintenance Cloud-based CMMS gives maintenance teams the ability to manage every aspect of their operations in one centralized platform. With a cloud CMMS, teams can create, assign, and track work orders, monitor asset performance, and access real-time maintenance data from any location. That means your team can stay up to date whether they’re in the office, on the production floor, or out in the field. This connectivity makes it easier to stay organized, respond quickly to issues, and make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency. Unlike older desktop systems that require manual updates and limit access to a single device, cloud CMMS software is faster, more flexible, and far more reliable. Users can log in from any internet-connected device, ensuring everyone always has the most current information. Modern facility maintenance software streamlines daily maintenance tasks, reduces downtime, and helps extend the lifespan of valuable assets. The result is a more productive team, lower operating costs, and a maintenance operation that runs smoothly and efficiently. Best of all, all your maintenance data is backed by the cloud. CMMS Features for Facility Maintenance If you’re thinking about upgrading, look for these seven must-have CMMS features for facility maintenance. 1. Mobile Work Order Management Paper work orders and clipboards are a thing of the past. With mobile maintenance tools, technicians can receive, update, and close work orders directly from their smartphones or tablets. A good cloud CMMS should allow your team to: Mobile work order management helps keep everyone on the same page, no matter where they are in the facility. It also cuts down on errors caused by lost paperwork or outdated information. 2. Asset Tracking & Barcode Scanning Keeping track of every piece of equipment across multiple buildings can be challenging. That’s where asset tracking comes in. Modern CMMS platforms include tools that let you record and monitor every asset, from HVAC systems to lighting controls and elevators. Barcode or QR code scanning makes this even easier. By scanning a code with a mobile device, technicians can instantly pull up the asset’s full history, including past repairs, manuals, and warranty details. This instant access to maintenance data saves time and reduces mistakes. With accurate asset tracking, facility managers can make better decisions about when to repair or replace equipment, helping extend asset life and reduce costs. 3. Preventive Maintenance Scheduling One of the biggest advantages of a CMMS is scheduling preventive maintenance to stop problems before they happen. A strong preventive maintenance feature automatically schedules inspections, filter changes, lubrication, and other routine tasks based on time, usage, or meter readings. Preventive maintenance ensures nothing slips through the cracks and helps avoid costly breakdowns. It also keeps facilities in compliance with safety and quality standards. With cloud CMMS, all this scheduling happens automatically, and reminders are sent to technicians through mobile alerts. That means less guesswork and fewer unexpected failures. 4. IoT and Software Integration Today’s facilities are becoming smarter thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT) and software integration tools. When your CMMS can connect to these systems, it unlocks powerful capabilities. For example, sensors can send real-time data to CMMS, such temperature, humidity, or vibration readings. The software can then generate alerts or even create work orders automatically when equipment is operating outside of normal conditions. This integration allows facility teams to move from reactive to predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending the life of equipment. It also helps optimize energy use and supports sustainability goals. 5. Reporting and Dashboards Data is only valuable when you can see and understand it. Modern facility maintenance software includes reporting tools and dashboards that turn maintenance data into actionable insights. With customizable dashboards, you can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as: These reports help facility managers identify trends, measure team performance, and justify budgets with solid data. In a cloud CMMS, dashboards update in real time, so you always know what’s happening in your buildings. 6. Offline Access and Data Sync Facilities don’t always have perfect Wi-Fi or cell service, particularly in remote sites. That’s why offline access is a critical CMMS feature. The best cloud CMMS solutions allow technicians to keep working even when they’re offline. Your team can update work orders, record notes, and capture photos while disconnected. Once the device reconnects to the internet, all data syncs automatically. Offline functionality ensures maintenance work never stops, no matter where your team is or what the network conditions are like. 7. Scalability and Security Finally, your CMMS should be built to grow with your organization. Whether you manage one building or a portfolio of properties, scalability ensures your system can handle more users, assets, and data without slowing down. At the same time, security must be top priority. Look for a provider that offers encrypted data storage, secure user logins, and regular system backups. Cloud vendors typically provide stronger security than most on-site servers, along with automatic software updates and uptime guarantees. By choosing a cloud CMMS that’s both scalable and secure, you protect your investment and ensure your system stays reliable for years to come. Smart CMMS Features for Facility Maintenance Managers Upgrading to a modern cloud CMMS is one of the smartest moves a facility maintenance manager can make. The right CMMS features can transform how your maintenance team operates. With the right system in place, you’ll reduce downtime, extend asset life, and make data-driven decisions that keep your facilities running efficiently. Ready to explore a cloud CMMS for your facility management needs? Start by listing the features that matter most to your team and look for a platform that helps you grow,
Top 5 Industries That Need CMMS Software
If your organization produces goods or provides a service, or if it operates out of a building, managing maintenance should be one of your top priorities. CMMS software provides tools that help many different types of industries keep everything working properly. Whether it’s machines, equipment, vehicles, buildings, or multiple facilities, CMMS software helps companies organize, plan, and keep track of all their maintenance work. CMMS can save companies time, cut down on costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns that can cause problems. These five industries rank at the top for CMMS software benefits. Industry #1: Manufacturing In manufacturing, every minute of downtime can translate into thousands of dollars lost. To keep production on schedule and operations efficient, machines must be maintained in peak condition. Strategic maintenance planning not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but also extends the lifespan of equipment, reducing costly repairs and replacements. Quick responses to emerging issues help avoid delays that could disrupt delivery timelines, while well-trained staff ensure safety and consistency on the factory floor. CMMS helps manufacturers with the following. With strong maintenance practices in place, manufacturers can protect their bottom line while ensuring smooth, reliable production. Industry #2: Construction In construction, heavy equipment is the backbone of progress, moving between job sites and powering each phase of a project. But without a solid maintenance strategy, tracking repairs manually can become chaotic and expensive. Scheduled upkeep and regular inspections help prevent equipment failures, ensure safety compliance, and keep timelines intact. Detailed service records support smarter budgeting and repair planning, while well-maintained machinery improves worker safety and reduces costly delays. CMMS also helps with the following. By organizing maintenance across all vehicles and machines, construction teams can reduce downtime, control costs, and keep every job site running smoothly. Industry #3: Healthcare Hospitals and healthcare facilities depend on a wide range of complex equipment to deliver safe, timely, and effective care. When systems fail, whether medical devices or building infrastructure, the consequences can include treatment delays, safety risks, and compliance issues. Regular maintenance ensures reliability, supports regulatory inspections, and helps prevent infections. Fast work order assignment and mobile access to maintenance data allow staff to respond quickly and stay informed across departments and locations. CMMS also helps healthcare organizations with the following. By proactively managing maintenance, healthcare organizations create safer environments and maintain the continuity and quality of patient care. Industry #4: Education Educational institutions from K-12 schools to sprawling university campuses are responsible for maintaining a wide range of facilities, including classrooms, labs, dormitories, and athletic centers. Without a reliable system in place, keeping everything running smoothly can be a major challenge. Regularly scheduled maintenance for HVAC, lighting, and other infrastructure helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. Fast issue reporting enables facility teams to resolve problems before they escalate, while centralized management tools streamline operations across multiple buildings. Maintenance reports also support smarter budgeting and long-term planning. CMMS also helps educational institutions with the following. By staying organized with maintenance, schools and universities can reduce downtime, control costs, and focus more fully on delivering quality education and student support. Industry #5: Government and Public Works Government agencies oversee a wide range of public assets from roads and parks to utilities and buildings, which makes maintenance a complex and critical responsibility. Relying on paper records can slow down operations and create confusion, especially when coordinating across departments. Digital tools in CMMS software streamline the process by enabling clear documentation of repairs, faster response to emergencies, and better visibility into ongoing maintenance. These systems also support transparency, improve budgeting decisions, and help agencies maintain safe, functional public spaces. By adopting modern maintenance systems, public agencies can reduce costs, prevent equipment failures, and deliver more reliable services to the communities they serve. Every Industry Needs CMMS Software Across every industry, good maintenance management helps teams stay organized, work efficiently, and be proactive. It replaces paper logs and spreadsheets with a digital system that tracks assets, schedules tasks, and sends alerts in real time. Whether managing construction equipment, maintaining school buildings, or ensuring hospital safety, good maintenance routines are essential. They help reduce costs, prevent delays, and keep operations running smoothly. Effective maintenance management software isn’t just a tool; it’s a smart solution that makes managing maintenance easier and better for every industry. Have questions? We have answers. Contact us.
How to Choose the Right Work Order Management Software for Your Business
If your business relies on equipment, facilities, or other assets that need maintenance, it’s essential to keep them running smoothly. When machines break down or jobs fall through the cracks, it can cost time, money, and trust. That’s where work order management software can help. CMMS helps track maintenance tasks, manage assets, schedule work, and keep detailed records in one place. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business? This simple guide will help you make a smart, confident choice. What Work Order Management Software Does Work order management software is designed to help you plan, track, and complete maintenance tasks efficiently. Whether you’re managing a manufacturing line, a fleet of vehicles, or a public facility, work order management software ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. A good CMMS platform goes beyond tracking work orders. It also keeps a full history of repairs, tracks spare parts, manages schedules, and even generates reports that help you spot problems early. Instead of relying on paper forms or spreadsheets, everything is stored digitally. As a result, your team can find and update data easily. Seven Steps to Choose the Right Work Order Management Software Step 1: Identify Your Biggest Challenges Before shopping for software, think about your current pain points. Ask yourself: The right CMMS should solve your specific problems. For example, if downtime is your biggest issue, look for a system with strong preventive maintenance tools and automated reminders. If communication is a problem, find one with mobile access and real-time updates. Step 2: Look for the Must-Have Features Not every CMMS offers the same tools. When comparing options, make sure the work order management software includes the following key features: Step 3: Think About Ease of Use Even the most powerful CMMS won’t help if your team finds it confusing. Look for a system with a clean, intuitive interface. Many vendors offer free demos or trials. Take advantage of them. During your trial, test how easy it is to: If your technicians and managers can learn the basics quickly, that’s a great sign. Step 4: Consider Scalability and Support Your needs today may not be the same in a year or two. Choose a CMMS that can grow with your business. Scalable software should allow you to add more users, assets, or sites without major costs or downtime. Also, make sure the vendor offers strong customer support and training resources. Look for flexible help options, online tutorials, and quick response times. Good support can make a huge difference during setup and beyond. Step 5: Compare Pricing and Value Pricing for work order management software can vary widely. Some systems charge per user per month, while others charge a flat fee for unlimited users. There may also be extra costs for setup, training, or advanced features. When comparing prices, don’t just look for the cheapest option. Instead, think about value. How much time, money, and effort will the system save in the long run? A slightly higher cost may be worth it if it improves uptime, reduces waste, and helps your team work smarter. Step 6: Read Reviews and Ask for References Before making a final decision, read user reviews and ask the software vendor for customer references. Find out how other companies in your industry are using the system and what results they’ve seen. Reviews can reveal useful details about real-world performance, such as how reliable the mobile app is or how fast customer support responds. Step 7: Start Small, Then Expand Once you’ve chosen your CMMS, start with a pilot program. Test it in one department or location before rolling it out company-wide. This implementation process helps identify any issues early and gives your team time to adjust. Gather feedback from your technicians, managers, and administrators. Use what you learn to fine-tune your setup before expanding. Choose the Work Order Management Software that Fits Your Business Choosing the right work order management software is an investment in your business’s efficiency and reliability. A well-chosen CMMS can help you prevent breakdowns, lower costs, and keep your operations running smoothly. By taking time to understand your needs, compare features, and test your options, you’ll find a solution that fits your business perfectly. As a result, you can keep your equipment working, your team organized, and your customers happy. Get started today. Contact us.
What Is Pencil Whipping and Why Is It Happening in Your Organization?
Busy maintenance professionals live by schedules. When those schedules feel overwhelming, pencil whipping becomes a common method to get things under control. But pencil whipping comes at a cost. What Does Pencil Whip Mean? Pencil whip means to sign off on a document or work order without performing the task or knowing that it has been performed appropriately. Why is Pencil Whipping a Problem? In the maintenance profession, documentation shows that something was done and when. And there are plenty of documents to approve—work orders, inventory forms, inspections, certifications, service requests, and more. Pencil whipping undermines the system. Suddenly, your records aren’t accurate, so your organization is at greater risk for injuries, accidents, and equipment failure. And as every maintenance professional knows, maintenance usually gets the first call when things go wrong. How To Prevent Pencil Whipping in Your Organization If your team is pencil whipping, you need to find the reason behind it. #1: Overburdened Team Members Maintenance departments are busy places, and it’s not uncommon for employees to get overwhelmed. While other departments may have a review process in place for finished tasks, that’s not always realistic for the maintenance field. It’s important to understand how much time tasks typically take, so you can set realistic expectations for the team and for managers. Tracking time in CMMS software is the first place to start. It’s not unusual for maintenance managers to discover they are understaffed for the amount of work they’re expected to complete. Solid data and reports from CMMS software are the first step to explaining the problem to management and finding solutions. #2: Low Value Tasks If a technician feels a task is pointless, pencil whipping becomes more likely. Inspections, for example, may continuously result in few or no issues. As a result, the temptation is to mark something as complete when it wasn’t done, thinking that the consequences are low, or no one is likely to find out. Of course, if something goes wrong, the maintenance team gets the blame. No one wants to be the center of an investigation of a failure or injury caused by cutting the inspection process short. Communication is key here–the maintenance team needs to understand why these tasks are vital. CMMS software can help streamline inspections to make them faster and easier. You can also adjust inspection schedules if the data shows a longer time period is warranted. Also, performing random checks helps ensure all workers are safe and that protocols are being followed. #3: Unrealistic Metrics Metrics run the maintenance field, but unrealistic metrics set your organization up for pencil whipping. Often metrics are the source of Reason 1 above because if a target is unobtainable, pencil whipping helps your team keep up. Data from CMMS software can help you define realistic metrics and adjust them frequently as necessary. Again, reports are the best way to show management what’s happening—and what changes are necessary. #4: Organizational Culture Organizational culture is often the cause of the first three reasons that pencil whipping occurs. It’s vital to communicate the importance of maintenance work and establish workflows that make achieving goals both possible and manageable. First, take steps to foster a culture of transparency and mutual respect between technicians and management. This means creating and sustaining an atmosphere where technicians feel comfortable asking questions and voicing concerns. It also means establishing an environment of trust where technicians feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed. It’s likely you’ll experience some resistance to changes in organization culture. That’s not an easy task. It can help to remind managers that cutting corners can cause serious injuries to employees, damage your company’s reputation, or even result in criminal charges. How Use CMMS Software to Prevent Pencil Whipping CMMS software can reduce the temptation of pencil whipping. Maintenance data serves multiple purposes to address the issues listed above. Realistic expectations supported by CMMS reports will help you address pencil whipping. Mobile CMMS also can reduce pencil whipping. By streamlining tedious paperwork with CMMS automation on a mobile device, your team can spend less time on mundane tasks like data entry, and more time doing maintenance. Plus, easy access to historical data, inventory information, user manuals, and more makes sure your team has the information they need while they’re in the field or on the plant floor. But, most importantly, CMMS software can help create accountability. That means all employees are responsible for their actions, behaviors, performance, and decisions. Often, accountability can increase commitment to work and employee morale, which leads to higher performance. How does your organization prevent pencil whipping? Start with a free trial of MPulse CMMS software and see for yourself.
How CMMS Supports PFMEA Implementation
CMMS supports PFMEA by centralizing information, including data, real-time monitoring, and efficient maintenance processes. Because CMMS helps track equipment performance, spot patterns, and predict potential failures before they happen, PFMEA can identify and reduce risks more efficiently. CMMS sends real-time alerts when equipment is not performing as expected, allowing maintenance teams to address issues early and prevent larger problems. It also keeps a record of equipment usage, repairs, and inspections, which helps refine PFMEA assessments and prioritize critical maintenance tasks. By using CMMS with PFMEA, organizations can prevent failures, improve equipment reliability, ensure safety, and maintain smooth operations, reducing downtime and repair costs. This combination creates a strong system for managing maintenance and minimizing risks. What is PFMEA? Why Manufacturers Use PFMEA The Role of Maintenance in PFMEA Key Elements of PFMEA How CMMS Supports PFMEA The Benefits of PFMEA What Is PFMEA? Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) looks at each step of a process to determine possible failure points (failure modes), their causes, and their effects on the process or product. Next, manufacturers can assess the risks associated with failures and prioritize actions to reduce or eliminate them. The goal is to minimize the risk of failures and improve process reliability and quality. See how MPulse CMMS helped Siemens Building Technologies Group improve their lean manufacturing philosophy. Back to Top In short, combining CMMS with PFMEA helps manufacturers improve processes, predict and prevent equipment failures, and strengthen preventive maintenance. This approach optimizes resources, supports data-driven decisions, ensures safety, and boosts compliance, leading to a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective operation. Back to Top
6 Ways a CMMS Can Lower Education Operational Costs
Controlling education operational costs with CMMS software goes beyond mere task management; it serves as a safeguard for a community’s investment in education. Yet finances remain a primary concern, as always. With tightening budgets, many educational facilities have resorted to a reactive approach, fixing only what breaks in order to comply with financial constraints. But this approach often leads to significant repercussions, including increased downtime, higher repair costs, safety risks, reduced equipment lifespan, inefficient resource allocation, and decreased stakeholder satisfaction. Implementing CMMS software provides a more effective approach to optimizing education operational costs. Here’s how. CMMS Can Lower Education Operational Costs Preventive Maintenance CMMS software enables schools to implement proactive maintenance practices. By scheduling and tracking preventive maintenance tasks, such as equipment inspections and routine servicing, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they turn into major problems. This approach helps prevent costly breakdowns and repairs, thereby reducing overall maintenance expenses. Efficient Resource Utilization CMMS software allows schools, colleges, and universities to optimize the allocation of maintenance resources. It provides a centralized platform for managing work orders, assigning tasks, and tracking progress. By effectively scheduling and dispatching maintenance staff, schools can minimize downtime and improve productivity, leading to cost savings. Inventory Management Schools and educational facilities often have a wide range of equipment and supplies that require regular maintenance or replacement. CMMS software can help track inventory levels and generate automated alerts when stock levels are low. By having better control over inventory, schools can avoid overstocking or understocking, thereby reducing unnecessary expenses and ensuring that the necessary supplies are available when needed. Warranty and Service Contract Management CMMS software can store and manage warranty and service contract information for school equipment. That allows schools to track warranty periods, schedule maintenance covered under warranties, and ensure that contracted services are utilized effectively. By leveraging warranty coverage and service contracts, schools can avoid unnecessary repair costs and take advantage of services already paid for. Energy Management Some advanced CMMS software solutions integrate with building management systems, allowing schools to monitor and control energy usage. By identifying energy inefficiencies, education facilities can make adjustments to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. CMMS software also can provide insights into energy usage patterns, enabling schools to implement energy-saving initiatives and optimize operational expenses. Data-Driven Decision Making CMMS software provides comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities. Schools can generate maintenance cost reports, work order history, and equipment performance data, among other metrics. By analyzing these reports, you can identify trends, assess the effectiveness of maintenance strategies, and make data-driven decisions to optimize maintenance processes and allocate resources more efficiently. The benefits of CMMS software collectively contribute to significant cost savings in the long run. How can CMMS lower your facility’s operational costs? Contact us.
10 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Maintenance Software
If you haven’t researched CMMS software lately, you might be surprised at how much things have changed. Maintenance software consistently gets more powerful—and more flexible—while also often becoming more affordable. So, how do you know when it’s time to upgrade your CMMS software? Look for one of these ten signs. Sign #1: Your Organization Has Grown When your organization grows, maintenance feels the impact. Suddenly you’ve got more equipment to maintain, additional production to support, new staff members to manage, extra inventory to store, and different safety procedures to perform. Software scalability means your CMMS can accommodate changes in size or volume as needs change. Whether it’s a larger staff, better internal efficiency, or better integration, you want software that can fit your needs today—and tomorrow. Sign #2: You Need More or Better Data CMMS software can help reduce operational costs by using detailed tracking tools for financial and business metrics. Some even offer cost center budgeting tools. If your current software is weak in this important area, that alone could justify an upgrade. CMMS software allows you to collect and report on data across your entire asset inventory, providing numerous measures to help you make better decisions and answer business-critical questions. That includes data on… Labor costs Parts costs Energy costs Purchase price and date Life expectancy Warranty information Replacement costs Other custom data Additionally, many contemporary CMMS solutions like MPulse allow you to connect to meters and gauges directly, eliminating the need for meter readings and manual data entry. Sign #3: You Need User-Friendly Software Time is money, so if it takes more than a few shifts for someone to learn the ropes on your current software, you’ll save big bucks with a modern, user-friendly CMMS. It’s all about the user interface (UI). With the right UI, all your users can get the job done faster. Look for these features: A simple, intuitive layout that maps data quickly. A “set it and forget it” scheduling feature. Comprehensive compatibility with other data stores. At the very least: Excel, .csv, .txt, SQL Server, and XML Web Services. Sign #4: Your Team Uses Mobile Devices Mobile technology is a natural fit for maintainers. With smartphones and tablets, you can capture information on the spot—instead of jotting it down on paper to be input later. The explosive growth of mobile technology is being matched by growing bandwidth and better access to it. You can now connect to the Internet, and virtually any business application, from almost anywhere, via Wi-Fi or cellular connection. CMMS allows you to access critical information easily without calling back to the office or getting “plugged in.” Imagine your staff being able to do these activities from anywhere: Open, access, and complete work orders Send or upload photographs of failed components View available parts inventory Access historical data on assets Get up-to-the minute alerts and reports Update inventory using barcode scanning and online ordering systems Access maintenance and repair manuals Record locations automatically with a GPS-enabled device. Sign #5: You Need to Keep Data Secure CMMS data is an organizational asset, and it needs to be protected like any other asset. You don’t hand the keys to your office over to just anyone—and you don’t want unauthorized access to your CMMS software either. Modern CMMS software can help you achieve that goal. For example, MPulse’s single sign-on (SSO) option extends an organization’s internal Microsoft Active Directory to the MPulse cloud environment. This feature supports multiple identity providers (including Microsoft ADFS and Okta) as well as user self-provisioning and custom claims for populating user data. MPulse supports SAML SSO, enabling its cloud-based CMMS software to integrate with security directories that determine who gets access to what computers, networks, applications, and services. No other third parties are required. Modern CMMS applications also incorporate easy-to-manage security controls to ensure the right people—and only the right people—have access to the right information. Features like MPulse Role-Based Access Control were designed for this purpose—enabling you to reduce errors in data entry, prevent unauthorized users from viewing or editing data, gain tighter control over data access, and eliminate the “data clutter” of unnecessary information. Sign #6: Your Customers Are Asking for New Features The service request management features in most modern CMMS applications allow requesters to monitor the progress of maintenance requests as you update and complete repairs. Empower them, and their trust and confidence in your team will grow. The approval system automatically filters maintenance requests based on your predetermined criteria. Then the software quickly routes them to the appropriate people for review and approval. It’s easy to configure and provides the powerful features you need: Directs maintenance requests to the approvers you designate Lets approvers take action, append notes, and make comments on requests Provides email notification of approval status Gives easy access to approval status and comments Includes multiple custom filters, fields, and options Saves a permanent record of request approval details. Sign #7: Your Preventive Maintenance Schedules are Complicated Preventive maintenance (PM) scheduling keeps your assets working and prevents expensive downtime. If your current system makes scheduling difficult, you’re missing PMs—count on it. A modern system will make scheduling easier and help you avoid costly failures. Setting up a PM tracking routine helps prevent the need for more costly repairs. Benefits include: Automated PM tasks schedules that make it simpler to follow the manufacturer’s guideline Reduced emergency maintenance issues and unexpected production stoppages Lower overtime costs for emergency repairs and production losses Decrease in more serious problems and more expensive maintenance that arise as a result of neglect Established schedules that ensure equipment is properly calibrated and lubricated Elimination of lost information between shifts, reducing confusion and errors Automated schedules for both employees and contract workers Improved equipment and asset reliability Streamlined compliance reporting Sign #8: You Need to Integrate with Other Business Software While CMMS software holds clear advantages for the maintenance team, other departments can benefit as well. And, expanding software across departments is probably easier than you
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing a New CMMS
Managing your maintenance operations with a CMMS establishes visibility. You can learn what’s going right, when you need to make improvements, and where you’re spending your dollars. However, CMMS success requires careful planning. Here are five common mistakes that we’ve seen organizations make, and how to avoid them. #1: Fail to lead One of the biggest issues we’ve seen with CMMS implementation is a lack of leadership. Technical difficulties, management turnover, employee resistance, and adjustments in company direction are predictable. Managers need to stay on their toes and quickly address changes to maintain momentum. It’s your responsibility to maintain an open dialogue, set and manage expectations, and clearly communicate what you need from stakeholders. We recommend Including members of the production, planning, purchasing, operations, and IT departments on your CMMS implementation team, because these departments are most affected by a new solution. Let them tell you which business processes need improvement. Then hammer out agreeable objectives mapped to new business processes. #2: Choose the wrong vendor Whether you’re considering a large vendor or a small one, there are many ways to assess whether a company will be a good long-term partner. We recommend choosing a company you’re certain you’ll be happy with over the long haul. Shop for a financially secure vendor with proven ability to expand the solution as your company grows. Beware of providers that rely heavily on partners for key functionality. When considering industry-specific software, make sure to find out if it really delivers on its promise. Talk to other corporate users in your field. Try out the software. Choose enough functionality to meet your business needs without sending your IT department on endless quests for the Holy Grail. #3: Budget unrealistically 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 the costs of start-up training, integration services, data migration from legacy systems, hosting, and maintenance/support agreements. CMMS customization and integration with existing software are two big expenses that you should consider carefully. We also recommend calculating exactly how CMMS will benefit your business. Strive to answer this question in terms of measurable ROI (return on investment). What will really improve your bottom line is how your CMMS helps your employees use maintenance data more effectively. That can help with the budget approval process. #4: Implement too quickly Change is never easy. In the case of CMMS, employees especially may fear the accountability involved in posting data that exposes true performance. Start your CMMS initiative in a single department that stands to benefit the most in the short term; then follow with a zealous, company-wide CMMS proponent. When others witness the initial success of the first department, bringing everyone on board will be much easier. Market CMMS to employees and deliver ongoing training. It may sound obvious, but it’s important to remember that employees have to use the solution in order for it to work. Clearly communicate how it will help them succeed, and start CMMS training early on. This way, you’ll chip away faster at the 18 to 24 months it typically takes employees to adopt new business processes. #5: Import inaccurate or unnecessary data If you’ve decided to migrate to new software, it’s usually because key needs aren’t being met by your current system. Now is the time to make decisions about what you really need to keep. Or, another alternative is to simply start fresh. Your legacy data and old work orders can remain where they are for historical reference, and you simply add assets, parts, and preventive maintenance schedules to the new system. Maintenance data is the backbone of CMMS. Most companies store duplicate and outdated data in multiple locations. Putting this data in a unified database, scrubbing it, and making it available to the entire organization before implementation will make for a smooth rollout. If necessary, get help from vendors who offer data-cleansing services. Follow these guidelines to streamline that process and avoid the typical pitfalls that kill new CMMS initiatives. Start by contacting MPulse or try our ROI Calculator to find out how we can help you implement your new CMMS.
When to Use a CMMS App, Part 2
Last time we talked about why many users don’t need a CMMS app. However, sometimes a CMMS app is the best solution. If your job involves working off site or in areas with low connectivity, a CMMS app can make your job a lot easier. With smartphones and tablets, you can capture information on the spot—instead of jotting it down on paper to be input later. Maintenance happens in the field or on the plant floor. If you want to streamline workflows away from the office, a CMMS app works great if your team needs to… Open, access, and complete work orders Send or upload photographs of failed components View available parts inventory Access historical data on assets Get up-to-the minute alerts and reports Update inventory using barcode scanning and online ordering systems Access maintenance and repair manuals Record locations automatically with a GPS-enabled device. What to Look for in a CMMS App A CMMS app should give you everything you need to get the job done, even if you can’t connect to the Internet. That last bit is important, as most maintenance professionals work in environments where connectivity can be an issue. When looking at a CMMS app, consider these key features… Automatic syncing between the app and your CMMS software when online Reporting problems in the field Capturing data when and where it happens Documenting work with pictures and videos Receiving and updating work assigned to you Completing work orders with all required data Tracking hours worked with activity timer Finding and linking inventory using barcodes Working offline with seamless background synchronization Controlling access With any app, security is always a paramount concern. You’ll want to understand the app’s security features to ensure you can confidently control access even when you can’t physically control the location of your devices. Work with your CMMS vendor and IT team to identify the right security tools to keep your data safe. CMMS App Training Mobile device designers have focused heavily on improving ease of use, so it’s likely your employees will need minimal training on a CMMS app. Many will have already used smartphones and tablets in their personal lives, and increasingly standardized application interfaces mean that lessons learned navigating one app are easily transferable to new ones. CMMS apps can offer big benefits for maintenance professionals. Contact us to learn more about how MPulse can help your team get the job done. [related-content]
How to Use Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) to Build Efficiencies
Globalization and economic pressures are forcing companies to build efficiencies wherever possible. As a result, the reliability of assets will become even more important than ever. What is Reliability Centered Maintenance? Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) defines maintenance as the means to maintain an asset’s functions in a defined operating context. Therefore, companies can focus resources on equipment that would cause the most disruption if it failed. Learn more: What is Reliability Centered Maintenance? Building efficiency with RCM can result in cost savings and improved reliability of your assets. However, it takes tracking, monitoring, and auditing your maintenance program to reap the benefits of RCM. What Are the Benefits of CMMS Software for RCM? CMMS software offers the best tools to track and monitor your RCM program. Additionally, as CMMS automatically gathers data with every work order, you can see what’s working, and what needs more attention. As a result, you can quickly produce status reports and documents giving details or summaries of your team’s maintenance work, like… Who’s doing what and how long it takes them to do it How much that asset really costs, and when it’s more cost-effective to replace it Which parts are overstocked or understocked, and which parts need longer lead times What’s the inventory turn rate How much the department is spending and on what Which assets are pulling their weight, and which ones aren’t How much a breakdown really costs What to do to prevent those breakdowns before they happen Evaluation Criteria for Reliability Centered Maintenance Maintenance teams can set up their CMMS software to evaluate their RCM program. The technical standard SAE JA1011, Evaluation Criteria for RCM Processes outlines the evaluation criteria… What is the item supposed to do and its associated performance standards? In what ways can it fail to provide the required functions? What are the events that cause each failure? What happens when each failure occurs? In what way does each failure matter? What systematic task can be performed proactively to prevent, or to diminish to a satisfactory degree, the consequences of the failure? What must be done if a suitable preventive task cannot be found? Setting Up Audits for RCM Maintenance managers know their operations will change over time. Employees come and go. New equipment arrives. Vendors and suppliers change. Therefore, the auditing process for RCM enables organizations to determine how those changes impact operations. It’s also a chance to identify new areas to improve. An audit should analyze assets individually to identify potential issues. Next, identify the appropriate maintenance strategy to ensure the asset can function at its maximum capacity. Scheduled audits should also offer a chance review those decisions to make changes and updates as necessary. RCM and Condition-Based Maintenance Condition-based maintenance (CBM) is one tool that can augment an RCM program. CBM keeps tabs on the actual state of your critical assets by recording the output of any meters and gauges on that asset. For example, sensors attached to equipment will use methods like vibration, viscosity, ultrasound, thermography, and other technologies to determine any changes to the condition of that asset. In combination with CMMS software, maintenance teams can use that data to identify patterns that could lead to machine failure. When an asset’s condition changes outside of specified ranges, your software lets you know immediately with CBM assessments. As a result, you can react to prevent breakdowns before they happen. You also can use CMMS software to… Monitor multiple meters (e.g., revolutions, psi, hours) on a single asset Specify multiple conditions, triggers, and responses Automatically generate work orders based on specified triggers Use data analysis tools to identify potential problems Set up automatic notifications Produce status reports and documents That data goes a long way to set up an effective RCM. Therefore, you can continue to monitor and audit your program to build efficiencies. Data-Driven Decision Making Organizations can use RCM to reduce maintenance costs, minimize downtime, streamline and increase production, maintain safety standards, and improve profitability. CMMS and RCM also can help organizations by providing data-driven decision-making. Data-driven management simply means making management decisions backed by reliable data. Technological advances continue to make more and more detailed, relevant data available. Additionally, with that increased capability comes the opportunity to improve organizational performance at all levels, and in all departments. This type of maintenance management also helps organizations compete in increasingly complicated and competitive markets. Have questions about setting up an RCM program or improving your current one? Contact us to get started.