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[1]Steps involved in a CMMS Plan
Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), also known as computerized maintenance management information system (CMMIS), is a software package that maintains a computer database of information about an organization's maintenance operations.[2] This information is intended to help maintenance workers do their jobs more effectively (for example, determining which machines require maintenance and which storerooms contain the spare parts they need) and to help management make informed decisions (for example, calculating the cost of machine breakdown repair versus preventive maintenance for each machine, possibly leading to better allocation of resources). CMMS data may also be used to verify regulatory compliance. To properly control the maintenance of a facility, information is required to analyze what is occurring. Manually this requires a tremendous amount of effort and time. A CMMS also allows for record keeping, to track completed and assigned tasks in a timely and cost-effective manner.[3] In recognition of this, companies have started using CMMS extensively to better control and organize maintenance management. The different steps of implementing a CMMS plan have been described in the diagram.
A CMMS offers multiple core maintenance functionalities. It is not limited to manufacturing but expands to facilities, utilities, fleet, hospitals, sports arenas and more where any type of equipment/assets are subject to repair and need maintenance. With improved technology and increasing competition, more and more companies are switching to CMMS vs using manual methods to track and organize information. The different components of a CMMS include but are not limited to:
- Equipment data management
- Preventive Maintenance
- Labor
- Work order system
- Scheduling/Planning
- Vendor Management
- Inventory Control
- Purchasing
- Budgeting
- Asset Tracking
CMMS packages may be used by any organization that must perform maintenance on equipment, assets and property. Some CMMS products focus on particular industry sectors (e.g. the maintenance of vehicle fleets or health care facilities). Other products aim to be more general.
CMMS packages can produce status reports and documents giving details or summaries of maintenance activities. The more sophisticated the package, the more extensive analysis facilities have available.
Many CMMS packages can be either web-based, meaning they are hosted by the company selling the product on an outside server, or LAN based, meaning that the company buying the software hosts the product on its own server.
See also[edit]
- Computer-aided facility management (CAFM)
- Enterprise asset management (EAM)
- Fixed assets register (FAR)
References[edit]
- ^Bagadia, Kishan (2010-07-19). Computerized Maintenance Management Systems Made Easy: How to Evaluate, Select, and Manage CMMS. McGraw Hill Professional. ISBN9780071491273.
- ^Cato, William; Mobley, Keith (2002). Computer-managed Maintenance Systems: A Step-by-step Guide to Effective Management of Maintenance, Labor, and Inventory. Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 33. ISBN0-7506-7473-3.
- ^Wireman, Terry (1994). Computerized Maintenance Management Systems. Industrial Press Inc. p. 7. ISBN9780831130541.
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Computerized_maintenance_management_system&oldid=911032051'
It’s already difficult to find the right CMMS software. What makes the search even more challenging is the small tech budget many maintenance teams are given to work with.
But, 75 percent of teams that call Software Advice use only manual methods (spreadsheets and paper)—or nothing at all—to track equipment and schedule preventive maintenance. That means there are hundreds of companies that need some kind of automation.
That’s where a free CMMS can help. Whether it’s the “lite” version of a system or an open source platform, there are several options for smaller teams that want to boost maintenance efficiency without a huge investment.
We’ll help you determine whether a free system works for your needs, and offer a list of three free systems that can help you manage maintenance effectively.
Free CMMS vs. Paid System: Which Is Right for You?
If you have the funding, you should invest in a fully featured maintenance system or enterprise asset management (EAM) system that provides all the functionality you need into the future. Unfortunately, many teams are making due with custom databases or spreadsheets that are prone to error.
But even smaller teams can afford a paid system that removes human error and automates daily maintenance tasks.
It can be difficult to know when to look for a free system or to make the investment and buy one, so take a look at our checklist below for help:
Some of these tasks can be performed with manual methods, but not efficiently. And trying to reduce reactive maintenance without a proactive software solution is nearly impossible.
If most of the items on the list describe your maintenance responsibilities, it’s time to invest—take a look at our Software Needs Cycle for Maintenance Management to see which features you need when you’re getting started.
If you don’t have most of the requirements listed above, you should look for a free system to get started.
Here are three free maintenance solutions:
3 Free CMMS Products
The following vendors are the three highest-rated maintenance vendors, based on our real-user reviews, that also offer a completely free open source system or a free version of a paid system.
1. UpKeep
UpKeep, a newer player in the maintenance software world, has gained a respectable customer base in a short time, offering a “mobile-first” CMMS focused on making the work order management process simpler.
The free system serves as a work order system for smaller teams that need a convenient way to manage tasks, with unlimited work orders and communication tools through the app, like direct messaging and email or mobile notifications.
UpKeep’s free version allows for integration with barcoding hardware to make scanning dozens of items much quicker. Though limited, it also lets users take photos of assets to add to work orders.
UpKeep Free lets an unlimited number of users create and track unlimited work orders, locations, assets and spare parts. Self-service support resources are included.
2. Fiix
Fiix offers paid systems, but also a free CMMS with plenty of functionality to help smaller teams get started with automated maintenance. Create, assign and track work orders; schedule and prioritize tasks on a drag-and-drop calendar; and track your assets for free.
Users can upgrade to enhance the tool’s capabilities, but the free system contains the core features to get started, including spare parts management to optimize inventory levels and reduce carrying costs.
Like the others, Fiix offers access to its mobile version of the CMMS with the free version, so technicians in the field can view their assignments and update asset information on-the-go, e.g., adding meter readings or images.
Fiix’s free work order software allows a single user, up to 20 assets, 25 work orders per month, 10 scheduled maintenance tasks and 500 spare parts.
3. ManWinWin
![Computerized Maintenance Management System Free Computerized Maintenance Management System Free](/uploads/1/2/5/7/125767654/889195509.png)
ManWinWin is a CMMS and asset tracking system designed to help any type of team manage maintenance for machinery, buildings or fleet vehicles. Schedule work orders, tie equipment profiles to each and review real-time data in dashboards.
Work orders are displayed on a calendar to drag-and-drop tasks easily, and the system will collect data on asset availability, downtime and maintenance costs to generate useful reports.
The company offers full on-premise and cloud-based systems in addition to the free software— All versions are available in multiple languages and include documentation to help with implementation.
ManWinWin’s free version includes the functionality to manage work orders and schedule tasks for up to 50 assets with a single user. The download also includes free online updates to the system.
Find the Right CMMS for Your Maintenance Needs, Paid or Free
Free software can offer a big boost in efficiency and convenience for smaller teams that don’t need advanced maintenance functionality, but you’ll likely find that growth and pressure to reduce costs will push you to scale your automation.
But today, even a fully featured CMMS is affordable for smaller teams. Carefully lay out the goals and technology needs of your department before evaluating software—This list can help you determine whether a free system is sufficient.
Here are some next steps that are also totally free of charge:
- For more help, you can call our advisors at (855) 998-8505 for a personalized consultation and a short list of products to meet your needs.
- If you know what you’re looking for, check out the reviews and descriptions of the top CMMS software even small companies can afford.