CMMS Integration Can be Easy as 1-2-3

1. Choose the Right Vendor

Often, the toughest part of managing a CMMS system is integrating it with your other systems.

For instance, how much time, money, and aggravation could your company save if your CMMS could easily exchange data with any Excel, .txt, .csv, SQL Server, or XML Web Services data store? What if it could do all of that without having to involve consultants or IT personnel?

In the past, system integrations like these were practically impossible—and extremely expensive. Leading CMMS vendors should provide tools that make short work of integration challenges. Seamlessly connecting your CMMS with other data stores should be quick and easy—if you choose a vendor with the right tools for the job.

Make sure your vendor’s solution can

• Import and export from your other files, databases, and applications.
• Schedule imports and exports (based on time, file changes, or other “triggers”).
• Save mapping profiles between your CMMS and your data sources and targets.

Do your research; find a vendor with the latest technology to eliminate “silos” of information.

2. Get User-Friendly

Do you want CMMS integration without a big learning curve? It’s all about the user interface (UI).

With the right UI, all your users—not just IT gurus—can easily create data connections between your CMMS and accounting, ERP, building automation, PLCs, or other electronic systems.

If you want a UI that gets the job done, 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.

An efficient user interface gives your team the ability to get things done without waiting for an “IT expert” to turn his attention your way.

3. Let Your Systems Work Together

Once you find a vendor equipped with the tools your company needs, don’t be afraid to make the leap toward data integration. You’ll want to start collecting the benefits that come with well integrated systems as soon as you can; the differences you’ll notice can be striking.

When your company can instantly share data, you’ll find:

• Reduced manual entry—fewer errors and redundant entries.
• Critical data, in near-real time—faster response times to maintenance issues.
• Reports on a regular schedule—automatically run with updates/changes to records.

Are you inspired enough to want optimum results from CMMS integration? Take the initiative, and follow the three simple steps outlined above. Then, sit back a moment and let your CMMS system work—really work, for you and your company.