The task of overseeing the maintenance and operation of a facility, manufacturing unit, or fleet can seem daunting. The introduction of CMMS software (Computerized Maintenance Management Software) has, however, made maintenance easier and improved efficiency for both small and large service companies.
some of the ways in which a CMMS proves beneficial for a field service business—
It helps optimize the maintenance schedule
Planned maintenance programs save time, money, and resources. You can plan better when it’s possible for you to anticipate various aspects of maintenance such as production schedules, asset requirements, inventory, and so on.
To build a more efficient maintenance program, you need to understand your resources, and your assets better. Thankfully, you can use a CMMS tool for the tracking and analysis of your assets’ performance. This data can be used to adjust how frequently preventive maintenance tasks are performed and to ensure that staff resources are utilized as efficiently as possible.
Automating work requests
Earlier maintenance managers would use whiteboards and sticky notes for job scheduling. None of these methods are ideal; these old processes cause field service managers to waste a lot of time.
Popular CMMS software automates work request processing, eliminating all extra steps. Employees have the option to create PM triggers, log work requests, or connect with sensors that can generate work orders on the basis of your assets’ real-time condition. There is no need to track technicians, translate work orders, or do other unproductive work.
Standardize maintenance procedures
Using an automation tool is a proven way to improve maintenance efficiency. However, you will need a software program that you know will work for you. A CMMS is now a staple across field service businesses. So, you can get one for your company without doubts and apprehensions. This software will help you create workflows, maintenance checklists, reporting templates, and other tools to accomplish tasks faster and easier. CMMS makes all of these resources digitally available so that the exact same information is accessible by all— everyone can use the same best practices and complete tasks as swiftly as possible.
Maintenance resources can be accessed better
Without centralized knowledge, field service management is difficult. For every bit of information, managers might need to search through piles of papers. These small inefficiencies can result in more serious problems such as higher downtime or failed audits.
Field service software makes maintenance resources available to everyone at all times by creating a central hub of information. Attach manuals, videos, or word lists, as well as inventory needs and accident reports to any unit of equipment, and enable your technicians to complete their tasks better and faster.
Track trends with regard to maintenance metrics
Maintenance metrics make actions quantifiable so that you can monitor how the employees and departments in the company are performing. They enable you to find the connection between a cause and its effect to help make informed decisions, and ultimately improve your operations.
In the absence of the right processes and tools, you can’t track metrics. CMMS software represents ‘tools’ here. It tracks the metrics and records the numbers over time, so you can see the bigger picture of your company’s performance. It allows you to easily analyze and refine your strategies using available data.
Reporting gets easier than ever
Maintenance KPIs can help you spot equipment problems that are difficult to fix and allow you to assess your performance in comparison with industry standards. But, it can be tedious to compile KPI reports manually or by using Excel. This can also lead to errors.
CMMS software can be used to gather data from all aspects of maintenance and create reports using them. A CMMS will often send you reports on a scheduled basis. You can increase or reduce risks by understanding your KPIs better. What else? The tool helps you analyze trends quickly, spot recurring issues, track costs, etc.
Get updates on work orders on a real-time basis
For planning production and budget, reducing the backlog, and preparing efficient schedules, it is important to monitor the progress of work orders. Without having an insight into the work orders, you could have higher downtime, unnecessary expenses, and inefficient decision-making.
These nightmarish scenarios can be avoided with a CMMS. It gives real-time information about work orders such as priority status, whereabouts of technicians, and time taken on a job. This allows you to allocate extra resources when required. A CMMS can also notify production staff about the availability of assets, which allows them to get back to work immediately. The software can also identify the work orders that are causing downtime, delays, or additional expenses so that you can determine why, and fix them accordingly.
Get equipment history
Without knowing the history of an asset, managing it through its lifecycle is difficult. Even if you have the best knowledge about an asset’s history, high turnover rates and retirement rates could prevent you from accessing this information forever.
A CMMS prevents the loss of information with the loss of employees. Every asset is assigned a unique record that details all that has been done on it. To assist in troubleshooting problems or PMs, technicians can check these records quickly and work accordingly.
With a CMMS for small businesses, even startups and other small enterprises operating in the field service industry can manage fieldwork efficiently. And that is why you shouldn’t think twice before investing in a CMMS. It facilitates regularly scheduled maintenance and helps your business grow without you having to try too hard.
