

eBook: What You Need to Know About CMMS Software
You've heard it all before. Get the real information you need on CMMS software with this guide explaining its total spectrum of benefits based on real statistics. Before you go looking at what's out there, get the 411 on how it can make your life easier and save your organization money.
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What is CMMS Software?The term CMMS software stands for computerized maintenance management system. These systems keep track of maintenance activities through a work order system that is facilitated by a local network or the internet, and are used by maintenance and facilities departments across all industries. CMMS systems that you do not download and install on to a computer are sold as cloud-based services also known as Software as a Service (SaaS) that can be accessed through web browsers.
CMMS software fits between complex enterprise level software and homegrown or paper systems. This makes it the perfect upgrade for maintenance departments whose organizations don't require software integration between departments and don't have the time or resources to develop and maintain their own system. CMMS software is not as robust as enterprise-level systems. Most enterprise level software has the ability to integrate with other interfaces, such as those used for accounting, human resources, and purchasing, which is their main differentiator over a CMMS platform. They are often very complicated to use because they try to cater to the needs of multiple departments versus the needs of one. CMMS software is tailored specifically for maintenance professionals providing work order processing, preventive maintenance scheduling, inventory management, and asset management solutions. There are a few key differences between CMMS software, enterprise asset management (EAM) software, and facilities management software (FMS). EAM software is used to manage assets and asset life-cycles across all departments of an organization where CMMS software is mainly used to manage only the assets that a particular maintenance department is responsible for. CMMS and EAM are often used interchangeably, and in most cases have the same features and functionality. |
Most small to mid-sized businesses are using paper, excel spreadsheets, or their own "homegrown" systems for managing maintenance work. Paper systems are the least efficient and offer very little insight into improvement opportunities. Excel spreadsheets can provide solid data, but require regular upkeep and auditing to keep them accurate. Home grown maintenance systems can work well if there is enough time for IT to maintain the data, and a standardized way of entering and tracking work orders is in place.
PAPER SYSTEMSPaper is the most basic system used to manage maintenance work requests. These systems are often paired with email to receive requests and are good for managing mainly emergency repairs. REASONS TO CONSIDER CMMS SOFTWARE OVER PAPER:
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IN-HOUSE SYSTEMSUsually, when an organization or maintenance department are looking to upgrade from paper and email work flows, Excel and in house homegrown systems are the first options that come to mind. REASONS TO CONSIDER CMMS SOFTWARE OVER IN HOUSE:
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CMMS/EAM/FMSThese software systems service different specific needs within an organization: CMMS serves maintenance management, EAM serves asset management, and FMS serves facility management. In some cases, features and functionality of these systems will cross over. EXAMPLE: A CMMS that offers space management, a main feature of FMS. DOWNLOAD FREE EBOOK |
ENTERPRISE SYSTEMSEnterprise-level software is an all encompasing and integrateable system used by multiple departments throughout an organization. REASONS TO CONSIDER CMMS SOFTWARE OVER ENTERPRISE:
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