Understanding CMMS Software in Manufacturing
The Purpose of CMMS Software
A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is designed to store and analyze maintenance data, allowing manufacturers to take a data-driven approach to maintenance operations. Efficient maintenance management is essential to being a competitive industry leader, as the production lines rely on working equipment to avoid downtime.
By utilizing a software system that is designed for data analysis, manufacturing companies can gather valuable information, such as equipment performance data, allowing manufacturers to improve operational efficiency with data-driven decision-making.
Role of CMMS in Manufacturing Industries
CMMS software can facilitate various tasks throughout the maintenance process, offering a centralized location where maintenance teams can work. Some of these maintenance tasks include work order management, preventive maintenance, and resource allocation.
By performing maintenance tasks through a CMMS system, maintenance managers can access real-time data on all maintenance activities. This allows managers to pivot tasks quickly if a high-priority work order comes in, reducing equipment downtime.
Advantages of Deploying CMMS in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies can gain valuable insight from a CMMS solution. With access to historical and real-time data, manufacturers can utilize reports and dashboards to track the progress and success of maintenance initiatives.
Access to this advanced data can enable data-driven decision-making and the ability to measure key performance indicators effectively. This data can also lead to reduced maintenance costs and improve the overall operational efficiency of maintenance management.
Key Features of CMMS Software for Manufacturing
When developing a custom maintenance management software system, the features can be designed around a manufacturing company’s unique processes and workflows. However, there are some key features that typically appear in every CMMS solution, regardless of the manufacturer’s size or industry.
Asset Maintenance Schedules
By managing asset maintenance schedules in a CMMS system, manufacturers can effectively schedule routine maintenance tasks and preventive maintenance tasks without overextending maintenance teams. Scheduling out maintenance processes in a software system allows manufacturers to plan ahead and ensure all necessary staff, tools, and materials are available, improving maintenance efficiency.
Work Order Management
By managing work orders from a CMMS system, maintenance teams can view all the necessary information from a central location, streamlining the maintenance process.
In a CMMS solution, manufacturers can store maintenance records, preventive maintenance schedules, and asset data. Storing all of this information in a single solution will allow the maintenance department to access the current and historical data, which will streamline maintenance processes.
Inventory Control and Predictive Maintenance
Inventory management plays a big role in maintenance management, as inventory control can lead to cost savings, reduced downtime, and increased maintenance productivity. Maintenance tasks cannot be completed if required materials are out of stock, delaying the maintenance schedule and increasing downtime.
Inventory management also has its role in predictive maintenance management. Predictive maintenance uses historical and asset performance data to predict when maintenance tasks will be required and perform those tasks beforehand. This style of proactive maintenance practices is how manufacturers can achieve streamlined operational performance.
Reporting and Analytics Features
Computerized maintenance management system software gathers valuable maintenance and asset management data that can be utilized for reporting and analytics. Data analytics are valuable for manufacturing companies as they show clear areas for improvement, such as bottlenecks in the production line or the time maintenance technicians spend on manual maintenance processes.
Manufacturing companies will typically have clear key performance indicators and quarterly goals to meet. By utilizing a manufacturing software solution to measure growth and success with data analytics, manufacturers can turn their focus to innovative growth opportunities.
Implementation of CMMS Software in the Manufacturing Process
The implementation process for CMMS software will vary based on the software development company. Let’s take a look at the process Geneca uses to implement manufacturing maintenance software solutions.
Steps to Implement CMMS in Manufacturing
Here at Geneca, your software development team will include a combination of business leaders, business analysts, and software developers who will be included every step of the way. This ensures that all members of the team have a complete understanding of the project and your business.
Planning
During the planning phase, we will examine your current process to determine your unique workflows and business needs. Our software development team will always get a complete understanding of your current pain points and goals before we build a solution for your company. During this phase, all of the various functions and goals of the software solution will be defined.
Design
Once we have determined what should be included in the software solution, our team will create high-fidelity mockups of your CMMS solution. This will give your team the opportunity to see what the solution will look like, so if you notice a missing function that wasn’t defined during the planning phase, we can address that before our developers start building the solution.
Development
Once the design of the solution is confirmed, our software developers will start building out the CMMS system. At Geneca, we use a wide variety of technology, ranging from cutting-edge to evergreen, that leads to a scalable and reliable software solution.
Testing
We test the software throughout the development lifecycle, as the features are completed, and again before the software is launched. Our team of QA testers is prepared to identify and resolve any bugs or errors before we deliver the final product.
Launch & Maintenance
Once your software solution is live and being used by maintenance teams, we will still be here to help you maintain your software. From bugs to new features, we are here to help your software grow with your company.
Challenges in CMMS Implementation
A common challenge to implementing CMMS software includes integration capabilities. Many manufacturing companies currently utilize a software solution, which could include an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, a preventive maintenance program, or an inventory management solution. Manufacturers must work with their software development company to ensure a seamless integration with current systems.
Solutions and Best Practices
One best practice for implementing CMMS software that is often overlooked is the internal training required for effective use of the solution and a positive ROI. Manufacturers should offer multiple training sessions for employees, including in-person sessions, recorded walkthroughs, and an instruction manual. This will ensure employees understand the full capabilities of the solution and provide multiple resources when questions do arise.
How Geneca Can Help
If your manufacturing company is ready to streamline your maintenance management processes, reach out to Geneca today! Our software development team comes with experience in the manufacturing industry and understands the unique workflows and processes you must account for.