Choosing a Computerised Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) is an important job for every business whatever industry you are in. Therefore, ensuring that you choose a CMMS that suits your specific needs and fits right into your business is crucial!
We have compiled a list of the top 8 features we think are the most important to consider when choosing a CMMS.
1. Fault reporting
Fault reporting is the key reason that businesses use maintenance management systems. Being able to report faults digitally and not have to go through the process of writing them in logbooks or confusing spreadsheets can save businesses a lot of time. Also, using a CMMS allows the faults to be accessible anywhere and given to the correct person to deal with.
2. Planned preventative maintenance (PPM)
One of the most important features of a CMMS is having planned preventative maintenance. This is because it allows businesses to stay on top of the condition and quality of pieces of equipment or properties. Being able to schedule maintenance should prevent problems and unexpected maintenance issues from occurring as regular checks will be carried out.
3. Detailed asset registers
Being able to store information about all of your equipment and important assets is crucial for all businesses. It is important that this information is within easy reach and can be accessed at any time. Maintenance history such as warranty documents, repair records, meter readings and safety certificates are likely to be stored in your CMMS.4. In-app messaging
In-app messaging is extremely useful for maintenance teams because it allows teams to be notified and kept in the loop about any issues or tasks that need to be addressed. Being able to create group chats or individual messaging speeds up the communication and moves away from inefficient phone calls or emails.
5. Mobile & web app-based
It is important that the CMMS you choose to go with is available on any device: mobile, tablet or desktop. Also, it should be available on iOS (Apple) and Android.
6. Reporting & analytics
When you enter your data and information into your CMMS you will be able to create reports, identify trends and analyse any data in more depth. This feature will allow you to track your performance and measure your KPIs, in order to see what's working and what needs improvement.
7. Digital forms & checklists
Digital forms and checklists are an important feature for a CMMS because they allow you to stay on top of your maintenance, delegate tasks to team members and access important information anywhere. You can tick off tasks from your checklist when they have been completed and keep hold of important forms digitally with no risk of losing them.
8. Scheduling & task assignments
Being able to schedule tasks in advance and assign tasks across your workforce is an extremely useful feature in a CMMS. It will allow you to stay on top of the progress of tasks and be aware of who is responsible for them. In addition, it can help to balance each team member's workload and responsibilities.