Understanding the Importance of CMMS Software in Manufacturing
Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) software is used by a manufacturing company to manage the entire maintenance management process, from submitting work orders to running reports to identify trends. CMMS software can help manufacturing companies manage preventive maintenance tasks, work order management, inventory control, and reporting capabilities.
Enhancing Asset Management and Maintenance
To ensure manufacturing companies are running efficiently, having an enhanced asset management process and an efficient maintenance workflow are essential. Asset performance management capabilities enable manufacturers to perform asset tracking throughout the asset lifecycle, monitor asset health, perform preventive maintenance, perform predictive maintenance, and maximize asset utilization.
As a part of CMMS software, asset management improves maintenance operations by allowing multiple members of the maintenance team to work in tandem from the same solution. It also allows maintenance teams to access all of the necessary information to complete maintenance tasks from a single system, reducing the risk of human error and streamlining maintenance management.
Many manufacturers will abuse a separate enterprise asset management (EAM) system and integrate it with their CMMS software solution.
Streamlining Work Order Processing
With CMMS software solutions, manufacturing companies can build unique workflows for their maintenance teams that streamline maintenance management. By creating workflows that automate administrative tasks and reduce the risk of human error, manufacturers can ensure they integrate a CMMS software solution that will be used by the maintenance managers.
By switching maintenance operations management to a software solution, manufacturing management can also gain valuable insights into maintenance activities and identify trends for reducing maintenance costs.
Driving Efficiency with Detailed Analytics and Reports
One benefit of utilizing manufacturing software solutions is the ability to analyze the data the system is already collecting. When building a custom software solution, manufacturers can determine what data would offer valuable insights into their maintenance and operations. Data can be transformed and displayed in comprehensive charts and graphs using a dashboard or reporting tools.
By utilizing data analytics, manufacturers can identify trends in maintenance costs, operational efficiency, and maintenance history. With historical data, manufacturing companies can make informed decisions and predict future trends in maintenance requests and operations.
Top Features of the Best CMMS Software
CMMS software can automate and streamline operations across the manufacturing process, but there are two features that stand out. Let’s take a look at how inventory management and IoT technology can transform how a manufacturing company operates.
Inventory Management Features
Computerized maintenance management systems can include features to improve manufacturing inventory management, resulting in streamlined workflows and reduced overall maintenance costs.
Inventory management tools can track inventory levels in real time, allowing manufacturers to know what materials are stocked at any given moment. These systems can also include notifications when stock levels are running low, allowing manufacturers to order materials before they run out. This can reduce the risk of understocking and overstocking materials, ensuring manufacturers are not wasting money on rush orders or unnecessary materials.
When it comes to maintenance management, inventory control can streamline maintenance processes by allowing teams to find the materials needed quickly. Suppose the maintenance teams find the materials are not in stock. In that case, they can order the materials and move on to other maintenance tasks instead of spending unnecessary time searching for materials.
Integration with IoT Devices for Real-time Monitoring
In the manufacturing industry, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is being used to improve maintenance operations by using connected devices for asset management. IoT sensors can be used to monitor equipment, allowing manufacturing companies to enhance preventive maintenance scheduling, focusing outside of the production schedule and reducing downtime.
IoT technology and sensors can also identify what part of the equipment broke down, reducing the amount of time maintenance teams spend investigating the problem. This also allows for streamlining maintenance operations by noting what tools and parts are necessary to perform maintenance on the equipment.
How to Implement CMMS Software for Maximum Benefit
Simply having a CMMS system is not enough to verify the system will be used by maintenance teams at a manufacturing company. Properly implementing CMMS systems is essential to full utilization, from training to long-term maintenance and support.
Best Practices for Successful CMMS Implementation
When implementing CMMS software, it’s important to consider what you’re looking to get out of it. If you’re looking for a solution that’s quick to implement and covers all the standard functions, an off-the-shelf software solution could be the right fit for your company. However, if you’ve tried an off-the-shelf software solution and found yourself creating workarounds to complete simple processes, it’s time to consider building a custom CMMS solution.
When evaluating custom software development companies to build your CMMS solution, it’s important to outline every process you’ll perform in your solution and verify the company can build them out for you. Another thing to consider is if the software development company offers maintenance and support services after your software solution goes live, ensuring your software continues to grow with your manufacturing company.
Training Your Team on the New CMMS System
One way to ensure a good ROI for your CMMS system is to hold multiple training sessions for your team, allowing them to learn the ins and outs of using the system. In addition to the training sessions, offering users a manual on how to use the system and complete common workflows will also reduce user errors and frustrations in using the system.
Ensuring Regular System Updates and Maintenance
When building custom CMMS software solutions, it’s crucial to build a solution that is scalable. This ensures the system can be updated to grow with your manufacturing business, adding new workflows and checkpoints.
Additionally, as more users start using the system, bugs are more likely to be identified. By partnering with a custom software development company in the long term, manufacturing companies can ensure their CMMS system will be utilized for years to come.
Selecting Your Ideal CMMS Software
Your manufacturing company’s maintenance management can be transformed with a custom CMMS software system designed for your unique workflows. If you’re ready to take the next step and discuss the future of your maintenance operations, contact Geneca today! Meet with a member of our leadership team for a commitment-free consultation to discover if custom software is the right fit for your company.