What is CMMS software?

CMMS, or Computerized Maintenance Management System, has become the software of choice for industrial maintenance. Born several years ago, it is increasingly used by companies in different sectors. The emergence and diversification of Computerized Maintenance Management solutions is transforming the way organizations maintain their equipment. Discover the history of this revolutionary solution, as well as its operating mode and benefits.

How CMMS software works

The use of CMMS software is fairly straightforward, although the tool may seem complex. It serves as a work support tool for the operators involved, and simplifies the task of the administrators.

Computerized Maintenance Management software has an easy-to-use interface, usually a series of dashboards. Dashboards allow you to quickly and precisely visualize the results of a maintenance status analysis. Depending on the software chosen, each table may be tailored to a specific user (technicians, managers, etc.).

Users can easily create service requests from the software interface. These requests can come from employees, field operators, etc. CMMS software enables requests to be managed and prioritized according to urgency and importance. It also improves stock management, facilitating equipment and parts inventories from an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.

The history of CMMS software

Maintenance used to be a manually managed process, requiring the use of paper records and oral communication. Then industrial expansion and the increasing complexity of machines made this task extremely difficult, due to the sheer volume of information to be managed. This led to the idea of computerizing maintenance management in the 1980s, giving rise to the CMMS.

With CMMS, it was now possible to centralize and digitize all maintenance documentation and information. Users equipped with this tool now have complete visibility of operations and equipment.

CMMS software has become an indispensable ally for companies seeking to modernize and optimize maintenance operations, and has improved over time. It is currently used in many sectors, from heavy industry to shopping centers.

EAM vs CMMS: identifying the differences

There is a difference between an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system and a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This difference lies mainly in their distinct scope and purpose.

EAM is used to manage the entire lifecycle of a company’s assets, from acquisition (or purchase) to disposal. The system therefore encompasses the management of physical assets (equipment, facilities, vehicles, etc.). The main aim of EAM is to optimize the value of assets over their entire life cycle. It serves to:

• maximize asset utilization
• minimize maintenance costs
• ensure regulatory compliance

CMMS, on the other hand, focuses on managing maintenance activities. Its main aim is to ensure equipment availability and reliability by planning, monitoring and optimizing corrective and preventive maintenance operations.

The key advantages of CMMS software

CMMS software available in web version or mobile application offers a series of key benefits that increase operational efficiency. First, it ensures optimal equipment visibility by generating automatic reports that promote intelligent and proactive technical management. It also improves traceability and planning of interventions, thus contributing to the reduction of maintenance costs.

The targeted management of interventions by CMMS solutions extends the lifespan of equipment and helps companies make significant savings. Data sharing functionalities (automatic email exchanges) strengthen internal communication. This type of software helps reduce supply costs thanks to automatic ordering and alarm features, also eliminating stock outs.

Key benefits of CMMS software

CMMS software, available as a web or mobile application, offers a series of key benefits that enhance operational efficiency. First and foremost, it ensures optimum visibility of equipment by generating automatic reports that promote intelligent, proactive technical management. It also improves traceability and scheduling of interventions, helping to reduce maintenance costs.

The targeted management of interventions by CMMS solutions extends the life of equipment and helps companies to make significant savings. Data-sharing functions (automatic e-mail exchanges) enhance internal communication. This type of software helps reduce procurement costs thanks to automatic ordering and alarm functions, and eliminates stock-outs.

The transition to SaaS in CMMS software

In recent years, CMMS solutions have become more and more numerous and diversified. Apart from traditional software, purchased and then installed on company premises, there are now SaaS CMMS solutions. The transition to these new tools is taking place gradually without impacting the progress of the company’s activity or its habits.

CMMS in SaaS mode results from considerable technological progress made in recent decades. Compared to a traditional solution, using a SaaS CMMS has many advantages. One of the main advantages is ultra-fast deployment compared to traditional options. The system is up and running in just a few clicks, requiring little to no training. In addition, unlike traditional software which is offered at a high price, SaaS CMMS eliminates the need to incur heavy expenses. Companies or service providers can therefore test and adjust the solution according to their needs at lower cost.

Frequent updates also characterize this model. This is the guarantee of constant performance and adaptation to technological developments and user feedback. Finally, unlimited accessibility from any connected device is an essential advantage. It optimizes the quality of maintenance interventions, planning and strategic analysis, particularly valuable in teleworking contexts.

The transition to SaaS in CMMS software

In recent years, CMMS solutions have become increasingly numerous and diversified. In addition to traditional software, purchased and installed on the company’s premises, there are now SaaS CMMS solutions. The transition to these new tools can be made gradually, without impacting on the company’s workflow or habits.

CMMS in SaaS mode is the result of considerable technological progress over the last few decades. Compared with a conventional solution, SaaS CMMS offers a number of advantages. One of the main advantages is ultra-fast deployment compared with conventional options. The system is up and running in just a few clicks, requiring little or no training. What’s more, unlike conventional software, which comes with a hefty price tag, SaaS CMMS eliminates the need for heavy expenditure. Companies or service providers can therefore test and adjust the solution according to their needs at lower cost.

Frequent updates also characterize this model. This guarantees constant performance and adaptation to technological developments and user feedback. Finally, unlimited accessibility from any connected device is an essential advantage. It optimizes the quality of maintenance interventions, planning and strategic analysis, particularly valuable in telecommuting contexts.

Conclusion: why adopt CMMS software now?

The adoption of CMMS software is an essential strategic decision for modern companies. Whether deployed traditionally or in SaaS mode, CMMS offers optimized management of preventive or corrective maintenance. It means greater visibility of equipment, lower costs, longer asset life and improved internal communication.