How To Use CMMS Software: 4 Tips

Attempting to manage equipment, assets, and work orders using manual recording methods is time-consuming and error-prone. It can obstruct visibility into your maintenance operations and your ability to implement the most effective management strategies. Because of these reasons, many organizations are starting to consider if there’s a better way to manage maintenance operations. 

If you’re currently in this situation, it’s important to know there is a better way, in fact, to manage maintenance. A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) can drastically reduce the challenges associated with the most inefficient and ineffective strategies. This article will introduce you to the basics of CMMS solutions and provide helpful tips on how to use CMMS software. 

What Is CMMS Software?

CMMS software acts as a centralized repository for all maintenance-related information and actions. It is a program that enables organizations to easily manage assets, equipment, and facilities. It can help organizations gain valuable insights into their daily operations, automate and streamline work orders, control inventory, and improve communication across departments. 

When a CMMS solution adds advanced features like condition-based monitoring, predictive analytics, mobile capabilities, and more, these capabilities will enable you to implement sophisticated maintenance strategies that significantly reduce unexpected downtime, predict when your equipment should be replaced and serviced, and deploy the right technicians to complete the most effective tasks at the right time. 

How Does A CMMS System Work?

A CMMS solution centralizes all maintenance-related data and activities,  and enables organizations to manage assets, equipment, and facilities. It accomplishes this with the use of several tools and features. For instance, LLumin’s CMMS+ includes the following:

• Asset Management: This feature enables organizations to improve how they manage company assets, employees, inter-departmental communication, and information flow between systems. 
• Work Order Management: This feature can help streamline your maintenance operations, enabling you to manage multiple teams, assignments, priorities, and other critical data. 
• Preventive Maintenance: With this capability, you can track the condition of your equipment and take proactive steps to improve equipment performance. 
• Inventory and Stockroom Management: This feature will enable you to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce costs, and optimize inventory replenishment. 
• Mobile Capabilities: This offers businesses a way to manage operations remotely with the convenience of a handheld mobile device. 
• OEE Utility: With this feature, you can make data-driven decisions supported by a high-level overview of equipment health, maintenance activities, and asset performance goals. 
• KPIs and Reports: The ability to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and run advanced reports will help optimize equipment performance and outcomes. 
• Condition Monitoring: Leverage real-time equipment monitoring to improve how you manage assets, equipment, and facilities. This feature collects data from machine-level sensors and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices.
• Integrations: Integrate your CMMS with your existing software and control systems to eliminate data silos and improve your understanding of your daily operations and equipment. 

To Learn More About This Topic, Read Our eBook: Here.  How to Use CMMS Software to Achieve Operations Excellence

Tips on How to Use CMMS Software

If you have honed in on a CMMS of choice, it will be necessary to prepare and plan for change before and after implementation. There are a few essential tips that can make this process easier. We have listed them below for your consideration:

1. Implementation Support: It is critical to assess your chosen CMMS provider’s ability to support your organization during the implementation phase and beyond. If your chosen CMMS provider is difficult to contact and does not mention the ability to customize your solution as your organization changes, you should look for another provider. 
2. Training: When implementing a new CMMS solution, training should be given top priority. Teams with the necessary information will excel at implementing your new solution. Inquiring about training before deploying and using your CMMS software is critical. 
3. Review and Analyze: It will be necessary to conduct regular reviews and analyses of the success of your CMMS deployment. This can be accomplished by tracking KPIs, creating reports, and getting a consensus among your employees about their experience with your new CMMS.
4. Continuous Improvement: When you’ve seen the benefits and advantages of your new CMMS solution, you may be tempted to stick with what’s working. However, fostering a company culture that values continuous improvement and strives to achieve gains in previously unattainable areas is critical. 

Choose LLumin’s CMMS+ Software

While CMMS solutions can provide several appealing features that can help you fully optimize your maintenance operations, implementing a new solution can be complex and challenging. This is why it’s critical to fully understand how to use CMMS software, plan for a smooth implementation process, and inquire about the software developer’s implementation, training, and ongoing support.

When you choose to work with LLumin, you will gain access to the tools and features you need to make dramatic improvements in your organization and the assurance that you will receive the necessary support during the initial implementation phases and beyond. We understand the importance of user adoption when deploying a new CMMS solution. Our implementation process, training programs, and customer support are fully optimized to provide your team with the resources they need to succeed.