Types of CMMS Software and How To Choose the Right One
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software can help organizations improve maintenance and asset management operations. Depending on the features and functionality, it can help create visibility and organization in facilities that manage business-critical equipment and expensive assets.
Choosing the right CMMS for your organization will significantly impact how easily you can perform various tasks, including tracking and issuing work orders, accessing historical maintenance data, scheduling preventive maintenance, managing inventory, and more.
There are a variety of CMMS software available on the market. To help you choose the right one for your organization, this article will provide you with a general overview of different types of CMMS software. We will also introduce LLumin’s on-premise, mobile-ready CMMS+.
Types of CMMS Software
Understanding the various types of CMMS software and how they are deployed can help you better understand and plan for a new solution. CMMS software can be on-premise, cloud-based, web-based, or mobile. Each can offer assistance in various technological environments and meet multiple operational requirements.
On-Premise CMMS
An on-premise software solution requires hardware and IT infrastructure to support it. This software is installed locally on a company’s computers and servers. There are usually upfront licensing fee requirements, but after this point, the software is fully licensed and in your control, enabling you to have greater customization and control over your software and data.
On-premise software offers:
- Complete Control: Businesses have full control over the software and data.
- Customization: Greater flexibility to customize according to specific needs.
- Security: Data is stored in-house, offering potentially higher security.
LLumin’s CMMS+ is an on-premise solution that can give you greater control over your maintenance operations and optimize your proactive maintenance management efforts.
Cloud-Based CMMS
Cloud-based computing requires less investment in IT infrastructure because it is hosted on the vendor’s servers and accessible via the Internet. How the software is hosted and supported may reduce the need to maintain an in-house IT support team. The software requires internet access and will incur ongoing subscription fees that you must budget for.
Cloud-based software offers:
- Accessibility: Access from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Scalability: Easily scalable to meet growing business needs.
- Cost-Effective: Lower initial costs with a subscription-based pricing model.
Web-Based CMMS
A web-based CMMS shares some similarities and limitations with cloud-based solutions. However, it’s important to note that while all cloud-based CMMSs are web-based, not all are cloud-based. A web-based CMMS can also be hosted on-premise, offering greater deployment options and flexibility.
Web-based CMMS software offers:
- Convenience: No need for local installations; accessible via browsers.
- Ease of Updates: Updates are handled by the vendor, ensuring the software is always up-to-date.
- Compatibility: Works on several devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
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Types of CMMS Software: Cloud Vs. Web-Based Comparison |
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Feature |
Cloud-Based CMMS |
Web-Based CMMS |
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Hosting |
Hosted on the vendor’s servers |
Can be hosted on vendor’s servers (cloud) or on-premise |
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Accessibility |
Accessed via the Internet from anywhere |
Accessed via a web browser from any device |
|
Scalability |
Highly scalable, managed by the vendor |
Can be scalable, depending on hosting (cloud or on-premise) |
|
Maintenance |
Vendor handles updates, security, and maintenance |
Updates are managed centrally and applied automatically |
|
Data Storage |
Data stored on vendor’s servers |
Data storage location varies: vendor’s servers or on-premise |
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Customization |
Generally less customizable due to shared environment |
It can be highly customizable if hosted on-premise |
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Security |
The vendor ensures data security |
Security depends on hosting: vendor or in-house |
Mobile CMMS
A mobile CMMS can improve on-the-go access and maintenance management, enabling maintenance teams to access the software from anywhere with a handheld mobile device. However, full capabilities will depend on the device itself and internet connectivity. Mobile CMMS software is generally designed to be compatible with most smartphones and tablets.
Mobile CMMS features include:
- Mobility: Technicians can access and update maintenance data from the field in real-time.
- Real-Time Communication: Instant updates and notifications improve coordination.
- Offline Access: Some mobile CMMS applications offer offline capabilities for areas with poor connectivity.
Considerations for Choosing the Right CMMS
Before signing on with any solution, you should evaluate your organizational goals and requirements upfront. By understanding those factors comprehensively, you can ensure that the CMMS solution you choose will effectively support your organization over the long term and provide a solid return on your investment.
We’ve listed some key factors below that will help guide you in making a more informed decision.
Types of CMMS Software: Key Considerations |
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Business Needs Assessment |
Start by assessing your organizational needs and goals. Evaluate current systems, processes, and pain points. Determine what features and functions you need in the CMMS. |
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Scalability and Flexibility |
Verify that your CMMS software can grow with your business. Look specifically for solutions that provide scalability and customization that can adapt to changing requirements. |
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User-Friendliness |
Look for user-friendly, intuitive, customizable interfaces to support implementation and user adoption. Also, consider if the vendor provides training and support to help your team get up to speed quickly. |
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Integration Capabilities |
Ensure the CMMS can integrate with your existing systems (ERP, IoT, etc.) for data synchronization and to avoid duplication of efforts. Evaluate compatibility with systems and software. |
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Cost and ROI |
Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), including initial investment, subscription fees, and maintenance costs. Analyze potential ROI considering efficiency gains and asset life extension. |
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Vendor Reputation and Support |
Research the vendor’s reputation and customer reviews for reliability and satisfaction. Consider the quality of ongoing support and frequency of software updates. |
LLumin’s Advanced CMMS+ Solution
Choosing the right CMMS software will take time and careful evaluation. The right choice for your organization will depend on your specific objectives. However, by evaluating different types of CMMS software and selecting the right one that aligns with your goals, you can achieve better results over the long term.
LLumin’s CMMS+ software is an on-premise and mobile-ready solution that can help completely optimize your maintenance management efforts. Its advanced features, customization options, and world-class customer support and training programs make it one of the best solutions today. Join the increasing number of happy customers using LLumin daily to support their maintenance and asset management needs.
Getting Started With LLumin
LLumin develops innovative CMMS software to manage and track assets for industrial plants, municipalities, utilities, fleets, and facilities. If you’d like to learn more about the total effective equipment performance KPI, we encourage you to schedule a free demo or contact the experts at LLumin to see how our CMMS+ software can help you reach maximum productivity and efficiency goals.
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Ed Garibian, founder, and CEO of LLumin Inc., is an experienced executive and entrepreneur with demonstrated success building award-winning, growth-focused software companies. He has an impressive track record with enterprise software and entrepreneurship and is an innovator in machine maintenance, asset management, and IoT technologies.