Less equipment downtime Unplanned equipment downtime can bring business to a standstill and drive good customers away. With a CMMS solution and a proactive maintenance plan, equipment should run more smoothly and break down less often. In addition, maintenance can be planned around important projects, during times when machines won't be in use. As a result, planned downtime won't delay services or interfere with production.

Increased asset lifespan and ROI When one part of a machine malfunctions, it can result in permanent damage to other parts. Preventing breakdowns entirely can greatly extend the lifespan of equipment. Purchasing equipment also requires a significant investment from the company. If the asset lasts longer, it can generate more profits, delay the need to buy more equipment and increase the return on investment.

Digitized maintenance records In the past, maintenance departments kept asset info on disorganized pen and paper records or error-prone spreadsheets. Hard copies of manuals, warranties and permits could be easily lost or destroyed. With a CMMS solution, companies can attach vital records and documents to specific assets in an electronic database. Assets can be assigned to particular departments or maintenance workers and viewed by categories, such as last service date or cost.

Scheduling tools and automated alerts Many maintenance programs rely on a schedule of routine inspections and repairs. However, busy employees or departments with frequent turnover can often lose track of essential maintenance tasks. CMMS software can alert users when maintenance is due based on various regulatory or manufacturer guidelines. In addition, monitoring devices can alert users when a piece of equipment is in danger of breakdown and even automatically generate a work order.

Predictive and preventive maintenance programs Proactive maintenance programs, such as predictive and preventive maintenance, require data and organization. For example, preventive maintenance needs tasks to be completed on a schedule. A CMMS offers calendar features, automated alerts and checklists to streamline the process. A predictive maintenance program needs to be integrated with condition-based monitoring devices. Without a CMMS solution, a company wouldn't be able to access and analyze the data from these devices.

Better inventory control Businesses need spare parts and tools on hand to maintain and repair their equipment. However, carrying too much inventory is inefficient, especially when supplies can be lost or stolen. CMMS solutions help companies balance inventory needs and keep only necessary quantities in stock. Maintenance employees can note when they use spare parts or consumable items like oil, and the software can automatically order new supplies when inventory gets low.

Streamlined work orders Work orders require coordination between the department that uses the equipment, managers in the maintenance department and service technicians who are responsible for inspections and repairs. With so many different groups, it's easy for the ball to get dropped. CMMS software streamlines the process to ensure that maintenance is completed on time and in the best order. Work orders can be automatically generated by monitoring devices, or submitted by customers or employees through an online form or mobile app. Managers can then prioritize which work orders should be completed first and assign them to specific technicians. Service technicians can record what repairs are made, mark the work order as complete, order more spare parts or supplies, and schedule future maintenance tasks.

Improved labor productivity Maintenance workers are valuable and their time shouldn't be wasted on administrative tasks. They should be able to quickly and easily get the info they need to do their main job—making sure equipment is working properly. A CMMS solution can improve maintenance worker productivity with several features. First, users can scan a QR code on a piece of equipment with a mobile app. The software will display previous work orders, maintenance history, the last inspection date, specifications, manuals and video guides for conducting maintenance. While at a jobsite, maintenance workers can attach photos of problem areas or finished repairs and complete work orders. With a tool to access info quickly and coordinate maintenance, companies can increase their labor productivity and reduce costs.

Simpler regulatory compliance Many businesses face safety, environmental or other government regulations when it comes to inspecting and repairing equipment. These companies can use a CMMS to stay compliant by keeping worker safety procedures readily available, tracking maintenance histories and documenting completed inspections. These automated processes create a permanent and easily auditable maintenance record.