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What are CMMS Systems
Since the industrial revolution, the growth of businesses has continued on an upward trajectory. And this is still true today. As demand grows, so do the companies that fulfill their needs. This means that large companies require bigger manufacturing plants and factories. While the prospect is exciting, it also comes with its challenges, namely the maintenance and management of these facilities. However, this is where a computerized maintenance management system comes in.
First envisioned as a system used to schedule and log maintenance, CMMS systems have come a long way. CMMS systems are now capable of providing a centralized online platform to access information and conduct all relevant maintenance activities.
From assigning maintenance work orders to scheduling preventive maintenance and accessing information such as vendor warranties and equipment maintenance history, CMMS systems provide several useful functions that make them vital to many industries.
Challenges maintenance employees face
Two common trends noted in businesses are evolution and the uncertainty it brings, so while CMMS systems continue to advance, there are always new problems to be addressed. For example, within the last few years, steady demand and growth have led to larger worksites with a high number of assets that require maintenance. These assets are often situated far from the employee’s offices.
Maintenance employees cannot be bound to their desks at all times as part of their responsibility requires them to be on the move. It is also not ideal for these employees to be carrying their laptops and operating on the field, especially if the option of a makeshift worksite is not available.
With these challenges in mind, employees are still required to do their job, which means accessing information, sending out work orders, and informing departments of maintenance problems. Fortunately, many employees have mobile phones, so the idea of a CMMS system that is operable on a mobile phone is increasingly becoming more appealing to employers.
Benefits of a CMMS system with mobile capabilities
Easy access to information
The first advantage that many employees will enjoy is the ease of accessing information. This benefit is increased by the fact that it is done through a device that employees are already familiar with, a mobile phone.
All employees have a mobile phone. By simply downloading the app and logging on to the robust cloud-based systems, employees can access a wealth of information from maintenance schedules and equipment warranties to operational processes and work order history. The ease with which information is made accessible can lead to synergy as all employees are on the same page. There will also be an increase in efficiency that comes with data being available.
Increased return on investments
An important benefit of a mobile CMMS is the increased accuracy of the maintenance process and greater returns on the initial investment.
Having to create a written work order that must then be sent to the relevant employees leaves the process open to a wide margin of error. With a mobile CMMS, problems are raised as soon as they are found, work orders can be assigned immediately, and the relevant employees will receive the instructions on their phone. This streamlined system leads to increased efficiency and a machine and facility that runs at the optimum potential leading to increased returns.
Real-time monitoring
By leveraging a CMMS efficiently, businesses can monitor work orders in real-time.
Monitoring each phase of a work order assignment through a mobile phone and being notified once the task has been completed can be extremely useful for an employer.
Employers will also receive peace of mind from knowing that the work orders are assigned to the correct employee, who can upload further details upon completion almost immediately.
This information will be captured, maintained on the system, and accessible to managers whenever they are required.
Increased accuracy for reporting
An often mentioned and important part of a mobile CMMS system is the increased inaccuracy.
Through a CMMS, the employees with the most information on the problem can access and upload data personally. Leading to a reduction in miscommunication.
Employees outside of the offices also have access to the system, rather than employees trying to recall information from memory. The platform can store a vast range of in-depth information about the facilities, machinery, services history, and production, leading to more accurate reports. Written data is not the only source that can be stored accurately. Many CMMS systems on mobile devices store pictures and videos taken out on the phone. Visual data can also be used as will reinforce the points made in a report.
Accurate reporting can be used for decision-making, as well as creating performance indicators, and is vital in all businesses.
Mobility
One of the most beneficial features of them all, the previous benefits can all be gained on the go from a system that is mobile and accessible through mobile devices. In the future mobile capabilities should be prioritized by those looking for a CMMS system for their business, particularly, since the benefits available make it the smartest choice to make when seeking a platform.
You may also like: Why a Computerized Maintenance Management System is Not a Nice-to-Have But a Necessity
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