6 Reasons Why You Should Consider Investing in a CMMS

A CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) is a program that automates certain processes within a business. The concept is nothing new, as various systems have been in existence since the 1980’s. However, modern technology has made the software cheaper and more accessible than ever before.

If you run a business and are looking for new ways of streamlining your operation, a CMMS could be a worthwhile investment. Here are 6 reasons you should consider it:

1. Reduces Downtime

Downtime can be extremely damaging, particularly if you work within the manufacturing sector. By preempting potential problems and planning repairs in advance you can significantly reduce the risk of unexpected equipment breakdowns.

A preventative maintenance plan is far more effective than a corrective maintenance plan. The latter is more focused on damage control, rather than damage reduction. While it may seem counter-intuitive to spend money on problems that may—or may not—materialize, it will almost certainly be cheaper than dealing with downtime.

2. Reduces Workload

Approximately 8 in 10 companies still use manual tools, such as Excel spreadsheets, to file data and conduct work processes. This often causes workers to spend more time than they need to on mundane administrative tasks.

According to Limble CMMS, just two days per week of admin equates to almost 800 hours of lost time per year. Having a computerized maintenance management system in place can significantly reduce those lost hours. That’s because tracking hardware and software automatically calculate metrics such as stock levels, gross and net profit, and stock location in real time.

3. Prevents Human Error

Most problems that occur in a business are the result of human error. In other words, they could have been completely avoided with a little more attentiveness. Unfortunately, when people are working long hours, haven’t had adequate training, or simply lose focus for a brief moment, problems can occur.

Automation software is far more reliable than human intuition and memory. It can prevent many avoidable problems in the workplace, leaving your staff to focus solely on their job roles.

4. Provides Instant Reports

Whether it’s ledgers for the taxman or stock reports, a CMMS can present documentation on the fly. This can be highly beneficial if you get surprise visits from auditors and need to show them your company information on short notice.

In addition, when you need to process orders from suppliers, accurate reports that state exactly how much materials you will need can be extremely helpful. This will ensure you don’t over-order and end up with excess stock that you can’t sell.

5. Boosts Safety

As an employer, workplace safety should always be your number one priority. When you use a CMMS, compliance and safety protocols can be automatically processed into maintenance. Therefore, your staff will always remain safe and secure.

Health and safety violations can not only cause harm to your workers, but also to your company accounts. OSHA penalties often cost tens of thousands of dollars, which—depending on your turnover—could be enough to completely ruin your business. Relying on human intuition for such important tasks is rarely a good idea.

6. Enhances Productivity

One of the most powerful elements of using a CMMS is their ability to monitor Key Performance Indicators (also known as KPIs). This process tracks productivity and employee performance so you can pinpoint what your staff members are doing wrong—or right! The CMMS then quantifies this data and presents it in an easy-to-read report.

In addition, you can also track the average cost of maintaining equipment. This will allow you to quantify the data and determine how much money you are saving over time. You can then use this information to improve your business plan and make critical decisions about how and where to invest your money.

A CMMS will pay for itself many times over. In a recent study conducted by A.T. Kearney and Industry Week Magazine, the average company covered their costs within the first 14.5 months of investing. So while implementing a CMMS into your business may seem like a luxury, it could change your entire operation for the better and drive results that you never thought were possible.

About the Author

Adam Manuel is a driven writer from Cornwall, England, with a degree in creative writing and a passion for story. He is currently freelancing full time and looking for new ways to develop his craft.