The role of a maintenance manager is extremely crucial. The success of a unit is dependent on the method adopted by the maintenance offices, to look after their equipment and facilities. This task can be even more overwhelming in big organisations, where the number of assets is uncountable; thus, tracking them can be an extremely challenging task. Therefore, to manage the humongous load of work, managers are today changing their methods from manual to the modern-day Computerised Maintenance Management System.
What is a CMMS?
CMMS stands for Computerised Maintenance Management System. The software comes with great features that automate processes and enable facility managers to track issues even before they become problems. The software is a storehouse of information and data; it holds every piece of information related to every asset, including their warranties, repair history, performance history and life expectancy. CMMS has replaced the traditional methods of using spreadsheets with a technologically enabled system.
Benefits of using a CMMS
Now, let’s look at the top benefits of using a CMMS:
1. Reduce Downtime
In any company, downtime is unavoidable, however, if downtime becomes a frequent affair, it can be harmful. The cost of such unplanned downtime can reach up to billions, so it is crucial to bring down these backlogs to an acceptable level.
The CMMS helps in managing these unpredicted costs and ensures that equipment is regularly serviced. Through this process, defects are identified in the early stages and, downtimes can be brought under control. The software records even the minor fixes that would otherwise go unnoticed.
2. Increase asset lifespan
Financially it is not viable to replace expensive equipment before they reach their optimum performance period. Small issues can be fixed with repairs but if the issue becomes critical, then the replacement will be the only option. Thus, to avoid these untimed expenditures the role of maintenance is crucial.
The CMMS can help in keeping the equipment in good condition. You can integrate the CMMS with the machine sensors and the MES systems and track the status of their health in real-time. This will allow facility officers to perform preventive maintenance. This way, technical issues can be addressed in their initial stages.
3. Eliminating rework
Defects in manufacturing can be a problem. Rework on these defective pieces, involve time, money, and energy. Additionally, to fulfil the order on time, labours need to work overtime and all this require a huge cost. Thus, to avoid rework, assets must be maintained in the best possible way. When machines are healthy, they will produce good stuff.
Thus, with the help of the CMMS software, maintenance teams can schedule regular asset inspection to optimise the performance of the pieces of equipment.
4. Save energy
With the help of CMMs, the facility managers can take care of their assets and reduce over time. When downtimes have reduced, the need for working overtime can also be controlled. This will not only save on labour cost but also save the overall energy expenses.
5. Better safety standards
The CMMS can facilitate managers to enhance the safety standards of their unit by maintaining a reliable database on the maintenance and repair history of assets. Most accidents occur due to unplanned breakdown or the presence of unattended explosive materials; the CMMS can take care of all the sick assets and reduce such accidents; further, it can also track the presence of dangerous materials present in the unit and alert the managers about the same.
Conclusion
Maintenance is a daunting task and, if you do not have a good team and the support of technology, it might be challenging to run the unit smoothly. Over the last few years, managers have realised the importance of the CMMS and have adapted it to improve their processes and optimise performance. CMMS is valuable software that can transform your maintenance processes and help you achieve profits in the long run.