It is important for the success of a business to make sure that their assets are protected. If you want your business to have a future, you have to survive a very competitive environment. You need a computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) to be able to do that.
In today’s global economy, you have to comply with certain organization standards. A computerized maintenance management software ensures audit compliance. When a company fails to audit, it may have a negative impact on your business. The CMMS is where data is stored, the maintenance program is documented, and availability of spare parts and work history are recorded.
A computerized maintenance management software also maintains history to support improved manufacturing and engineering solutions, and analysis of root cause. The CMMS supports the cornerstone of operations, and provides data for improvement and failures that are trending.
Operational budgets are mostly made-up of 40-50% maintenance management. Reliability of equipment is increased and the management has a better workflow which leads to lower maintenance costs. There is also a gain in uptime of equipment that helps improve resource allocation and productivity.
A company can greatly strengthen the management of its assets with a CMMS. They will be able to maintain and capture meaningful and accurate historical information about their assets. Databases that provide interactive information are needed by any organization to be able to function. Changes are constantly implemented by organizations because of the increased competition in the international arena.
There are many trends such as changing personnel skills, information on critical asset conditions, decrease in cycle time, increase in organizational and individual capabilities, and competencies and rapid technological advances. A CMMS ensures that a business meets these needs by operating, evaluating, measuring, planning, and maintaining practices.
Wireless Approach to CMMS
There are a lot of commercial and institutional facilities today such as schools, universities and hospitals that are utilizing wireless technology. Managers are continuously developing and implementing strategies to address issues that undermine organizations.
Hand-held gadgets and devices equipped with wireless technology are beneficial for managers and technicians. Receiving and closing orders can be done real-time without having to leave the field. The business will be able to save up on costs.
However, mobile technology can still be challenging. Before introducing a technology into a business’ daily workflow, one must identify the challenges that come with it. You may need technicians with computer literacy and experience to be able to devise solutions for your problems.
Technicians are in-charge of the maintenance of facilities such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. They also perform an overall maintenance once in a while. There are major concerns to be addressed first before a wireless CMMS is implemented.
Wireless Connectivity Concerns
The cost of mobile applications can be discouraging especially for large organizations. Setting up a wireless network is always challenging particularly in tough economic conditions. It will require the purchase of new devices which can be used by technicians and shared by employees in your department.
Concerns such as security, coverage and cost need to be considered. That’s why establishing a wireless campus can be challenging for some institutions. There are special equipments involved in the installation of wireless connectivity. These can be costly especially if you are targeting 90-100 percent coverage.
There are CMMS solutions that still function even when not connected. Technicians can still perform essential tasks such as taking readings and recording data while offline. You can just upload the collected data when you are online. It is critical to have a mobile solution that focuses on the functions and features that technicians use every day.
The input of individuals from all levels of your organization helps lay the foundation for a CMMS solution that is not only efficient but will eventually pay for itself.
Wireless Data Entry
The CMMS offers a more compact approach to data entry. Since most of the work is done on mobile, certain features are sacrificed such as keyboards. However, it may be difficult for technicians to type on a small screen because they are used to handling equipment and machinery. Technicians who are used to the older method of data recording may still rely on paper.
Some technicians have this fear that the introduction of a new technology will cause them to lose their jobs. Sometimes it can be difficult for workers to adapt to a new system because they are so used to the old method that they are using. Managers may find it difficult to convince an employee to break his/her routine.
If a technician refuses to use a new technology, it may just end up sitting on a shelf. If an employee behaves in such a way, this could prevent the efficiency of a department from improving. It is useless and a total waste of money to spend on technology that will just be rejected and ignored by hard-headed and old-fashioned employees.
Before a manager considers purchasing a new technology, s/he may need to discuss it first with his/her team. It is best to explain to employees that a new technology’s purpose is to simplify and make their jobs easier especially for engineering and maintenance technicians. Most workers have this wrong idea that this new technology will eventually replace them.
The solution is to customize the software and try to avoid empty text fields as much as possible. A menu-based platform prevents errors because technicians are given the option to simply select from a drop-down list.
When technicians fully understand the long-term benefits of a new technology and how it will be able to help them, they are more likely to involve themselves in it. The input of your workers plays an important role in the success of your business. As long as you make them feel secure with their jobs, they will work with you in developing solutions to make this new technology usable and efficient.
Buffering of Employee Transitions
For every organization, there is a skilled personnel assigned to maintain assets. Whenever the key employee leaves, the information s/he is handling will be at risk. This may include critical and technical information that have been accumulated for years. This also does not guarantee that the position will be filled with someone who is as skilled.
A computerized maintenance management software offers a defense mechanism by ensuring that cultural and historical knowledge is kept in a standard repository. This information is also made available to the incoming key personnel.
Defining Key Skill Requirements
Skills required by organizations are always changing. Computer, math, and science are the skills with the greatest demand. However, only a few percentage of students are focusing on those fields. Skill requirements differ per occupation but almost all require a bit of technical expertise.
Employers are always looking for prospects that are skilled in today’s emerging technologies. Proficiency in a variety of computer software, online services, e-mail, intranets and the internet is also critical. This helps employers hire laborers that can be trained to meet the technical requirements of their business.
Asset Management Advantages
Almost all businesses are profit-based. Application of knowledge based on technology such as open source computerized maintenance management software is the key to drive wealth and success to your business.
The acquisition and utilization of new enabling and existing technologies offers a huge advantage for companies. It is vital to know when to invest, repair, replace and upgrade certain processes. These intensive actions need a database that would assist the process of decision-making. The CMMS is a reliable platform that can easily provide the needed information instantly.
Government Compliance and Regulatory Issues Alleviation
Safety and health liability are major factors in any business environment. A computerized maintenance management software allows you to provide and support compliance training and audit trails. It also allows you to monitor attendances and record scheduled employee trainings.
A CMMS greatly reduces accidents related to work and the company’s liability exposure is also lessened thru safe practices and proper documentation. It also lets you produce summary reports and documentation to be used in certifying compliances to meet standard requirements. This reduces lost opportunities resulting from claims of non-compliance.
Final Words
A computerized maintenance management software is not a tool that will just simply add sophistication to your business or organization. It is an investment that can be critical to the survival of your business. It provides tools that enhance workers’ productivity. This is not just a nice addition or an add-on; it is a requirement.
Whether your business is small or large, a computerized maintenance management software has definitely something to offer for your business. You never know if other competing businesses are already equipped with one. Make sure you are not losing the knowledge-based tool battle. Having a CMMS is always a win-win situation.
Do you want to hire a company that offers computerized maintenance management software? Go to CrowdReviews.com and read their reviews of the best computerized maintenance management software.
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