cmmsadvice.com

January 12, 2012
by Brad Squires 0 Comments

Let’s face it; most business managers despise the software that runs the various aspects of their company. Executives are forced to accept the shortfalls of software that runs their internal processes because they don’t have much else in the way of choice. Business has to roll forward and implementing a new system can seem like a heady task. As a result, there are many that have thrown their hands up in disgust and simply settled on the idea of work order software being a necessary evil. That doesn’t have to be the case, though.

The headaches usually erupt from software controlling the synergy between groups of different systems. One kink in the line and the whole thing can go down. It can be challenging to turn everything into a well-oiled machine, but one element that you won’t have to worry about once you partner with Maintenance Connection is work order software. You don’t want ordering issues backing up production, preventing you from running your store or holding up projects/contracts.

We understand where you’re coming from, and that’s why we set out to create software that was effective, reliable and simple. You don’t need to be a computer software engineer in order to comprehend how our software works. And why should anyone have to be? We analyzed what was out there on the market and determined that most of the systems that were available were simply too convoluted for daily usage by facility managers. That’s not a slight against the managers; it’s the unfortunate reality of where work order software was before we got involved in the game.

Our comprehensive software will get your materials ordered and on their way. This allows you to put worries about low stock out of your mind and get back to focusing on plowing ahead. Give us a call for a full explanation of how you can cut out unnecessary distractions and get back to business.

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Article source: http://blog.maintenanceconnection.com/2012/01/12/work-order-software-made-easy/

Computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) is an essential tool to every Maintenance Manager. Many believe that the systems are a one trick pony, used exclusively for manufacturing plants but a wide range of industries can benefit from implementing a CMMS system. A CMMS is a facilities management system that can be tailored to achieve extraordinary results for hospitals, airports, banks, state agencies, churches, etc. Though there are dozens of advantages, here are five benefits of a CMMS for facilities managers to consider.

1. Efficiently manage work requests

A CMMS will allow any designated workers to submit work requests directly into the system. The requestors will receive automatic status updates via email, which will drastically reduce the volume of inbound phone calls that a facility maintenance manager would have to respond to. Work requests can also easily be prioritized based on type. For instance, at Slidell Memorial Hospital, the maintenance department gets over 200 work requests a month. However, they are readily prioritized and assigned through their CMMS so the the Facility Manager can complete safety requests first such as fixing patients beds or repairing fire alarms.

2. Plan and schedule recurring maintenance activities.

Facilities management systems allow maintenance departments to automatically schedule recurring activities by auto-generating PMs (preventive maintenance procedures) as work orders as they are due to be completed. These can include periodic inspections and preventive repairs (such as changing filters in HVAC equipment). The ability to store “checklists” and procedures are a feature of equipment tracking software that help ensure that the work is performed in a consistent and timely manner and the equipment is being properly maintained.

3. The ability to analyze data and trends to justify replace vs repair decisions.

Using facilities management systems to analyze historical data can help point out problem areas such as rising costs, constant repairs of the same equipment, and low productivity. Frequently, maintenance activities are seen as an expense in a company and Facility Managers face strict budgets. However, with a facilities management system, managers can track equipment breakdowns as well as costs and justify a replace vs repair decision. Backup data can prove that in the long run the company would save money by replacing an asset instead of constantly repairing it. A historical database can help any facilities maintenance department troubleshoot repairs by searching for similar failures.

4. Better manage spare parts inventory

Often Facility Managers face disorganized and undocumented storerooms and have difficulty finding the supplies they need when they need them. With equipment tracking software, managers can track Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE) that needs to be maintained and set up automatic reordering of parts based on the usage and need. A CMMS will also allow facilities to plan an effective budget for spare parts by monitoring current levels of inventory and common usage throughout the year. Orange County Container Group was able to save over $2 million in spare parts inventory by implementing a CMMS that allowed them to have visibility of spare parts across multiple facilities.

5. Meet safety and environmental regulations.

Regulatory compliance and periodic audits are tasks that all facilities managers face and often dread. A facilities maintenance management system can reduce the amount of paperwork and preparation needed when faced with an audit. Rather than unwieldy binders and filtering through papers, Facility Managers can easily generate a report or audit trail of work performed and when it was completed, making adhering to standards simpler. For example, each year Rapid City Regional Airport, must pass an FAA audit. Utilizing a CMMS they quickly take the regulator through historical data to demonstrate they have been monitoring and adhering to specific guidelines such as the length of the grass and the condition of the runway.

Facilities management systems have hundreds of benefits that can be tailored to any facility within any industry including manufacturing plants, hospitals, banks, airports, churches, hotels, resorts and state agencies. These are just a few of the immediate and ongoing benefits that can be achieved with a flexible and customizable maintenance management system.

Lisa Williams is the author of this article, and she is an industry expert on CMMS implementation and system maintenance software.

Author: Lisa Sa Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The ability to work from anywhere at anytime has revolutionized the workplace in the modern age. As we continue to reinvent and restructure the workplace, it will become increasingly important to manage and track the responsibilities and duties of those you work with. A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is the perfect solution for such a task.

A CMMS program need not be implemented to keep tabs on your employees as they shirk their duties. Hardly. Rather, CMMS software helps you know when projects are completed and when another team member can begin their portion of the project. Working in a group often involves stagnation and slow reaction time. CMMS programs can track the project’s progress and clearly exhibit when it is time to move on.

CMMS products keep costs low as you are allowed to work in a variety of areas efficiently. You may consider online CMMS products. This type of solution provides cost effectiveness on a few levels. There are web-versions of CMMS that allow businesses to rent the system on a month-to-month basis, keeping costs low and removing the need to take up room on the server for a downloaded program. This option is a great way to test the effectiveness of CMMS products for a business before signing into a contract agreement.

Whether you are a managing supervisor or a newly hired account representative, your team can work harder and faster with a CMMS solution. Integrating a managing system will keep project moving forward and communications at a highly visible level.

Ashcom Technologies provides knowledge-based business solutions to clients through a multitude of strategies and tools. In the process, clients receive a sustainable competitive advantage through the implementation of proactive strategies & technologies. CMMS plays a large role in this process.

3917 Research Park Drive
Ann Arbor MI 48108
Phone: 1800-366-0793

Author: Ashley Combs
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The decision whether to host your CMMS system on your own servers or use external servers and the cloud is an important one. There are pros and cons for each methods, from security to control and ease of use. Assessing your own needs and reviewing the options is the first step.

Having your CMMS and database in the cloud, hosted or as using SaaS (software as a service) all come with the same advantages and disadvantages.

Positive items for having your software hosted include: 

• Reduced burden on internal IT resources 
• State-of-the-art data security, automatic back-ups, and guaranteed connectivity 
• Support and training made easy with direct access to your database(s) 
• Hassle-free software updates and maintenance 

On the other hand, if you have the resources of an IT department and are desire the control of having your servers at your site, hosting the software is the best option. 

Some pluses for hosting internally would include: 

• More complete control 
• Servers located on-site  
• Can be accesed from intranet

MicroMain has solutions for both methods. 

• MicroMain Facilligence, our 100% web-based CMMS, ideal for multi-site organizations 
• MicroMain Maintenance Management, purchase-host (you buy the software, we supply the hosting) 
• MicroMain Maintenance Management, hosted software  (nothing to buy, pay monthly for software access) 

If you want help determining which option if best for your organization, contact a MicroMain expert.

Article source: http://www.micromain.com/2012/01/hosted-vs-locally-installed-cmms/

When it comes to maintaining your fleet, MicroMain Maintenance Management is the equivalent of cruise control. A fleet can mean anything from a tugboat to an apartment complex golf cart to your standard everyday diesel electric locomotive. If it takes fuel, has wheels, and needs the occasional part replacement or work request, it’s part of your fleet. MicroMain’s CMMS software is your automated preventive maintenance-generating pit crew.

The first step to getting full use out of MicroMain’s comprehensive fleet management feature set is to have all your vehicles, fluids, and tires entered into your database. Naturally, MicroMain can help with the collection and entry of this information.

The fleet management tools are easily accessible via the main screen. Just click on “Fleet” and all the vehicle assets in your database will appear.

Double clicking on each vehicle brings up a wealth of information. You can track its location, warranties, fuel, tires, who it’s assigned to, and more. You can even insert a picture of the vehicle.

Selecting “Fuel/Fluids” brings up a list of all the fuels and fluids used in your fleet. This includes oil, lubricants, gasoline, diesel fluids, etc. — any liquid you rely on to keep your fleet running. Selecting “Tires,” meanwhile, brings up all the tires in your fleet, as well as all the information you need to keep them up-to-date.

Fleet management is the solution for efficiently tracking the mileage, maintenance history, and fuel usage of your vehicles. And it’s more than just a great way to ensure you’re not missing a forklift. A good fleet management system will reduce repair and replacement costs, optimize usage of fleet-related consumables (fluids, tires, etc.), and extend the life expectancy of your vehicles.

If you want to know more about using surveys or MicroMain products, contact a MicroMain expert.

Article source: http://www.micromain.com/2012/01/fleet-management-cmms-system/

by Brad Squires

Maintenance issues can get pricy, especially when a mission critical piece of equipment goes down. It’s only sensible that companies would constantly be working to better their maintenance management system. After all, DuPont reported in the mid-nineties that “the largest, single controllable expenditure in a plant is maintenance, and in many plants the maintenance budget exceeds annual net profit.” A budget that spirals out of control is unacceptable, and that’s why we’ve worked so hard to help companies get their maintenance systems under control for years now.

At many organizations, the individuals who work in facility maintenance routinely have to operate in fire-fighting mode. They are constantly running around dealing with prioritized emergencies that must be dealt with in a hurry. The result is that they are left with virtually no free time with which to work on preventative maintenance. That’s no way to run things, but many managers and professionals are stuck in a never-ending cycle and it seems as though there is nothing they can do to break out of the rut and make time to prevent future disasters from occurring.

What they need is a streamlined maintenance management system — one that tracks all happenings relating to their firm’s facilities. The software we offer here at Maintenance Connection is designed to ease the flow of day-to-day management and keep you prepared for those inevitable emergencies that always seem to crop up at the worst time. Our professional maintenance management system will set you up with the tools you need to seemingly be everywhere at once and keep business running as usual. Forget about stomping out fires every time you turn around, and focus on preventing them from ever happening.

Listen, things are going to wrong on occasion and we know that; but it disaster recovery need not be a part of your everyday routine. Put our system into place and get back to being proactive.

Article source: http://blog.maintenanceconnection.com/2011/12/15/get-workplace-disasters-under-control-before-they-happen/

You’ve gone through the demos, selected the vendor, and negotiated the purchase of your new CMMS – now what? The truth is you are only getting started. Over the next weeks and months you’ll need to work closely with your vendor to ensure your CMMS is configured to work well with the way you do maintenance. Here are 8 things you can do to make sure your CMMS implementation is smooth and your new system meets your needs.

1. Take Inventory / Do Your Homework – this is a good time to take inventory by going through and listing your buildings, equipment, vehicles, and parts that you want to track in your CMMS. Consider any unique situations you may have – such as naming conventions for easy searching or determining how you will identify sections of linear assets. Many CMMS implementations fail because the database is improperly set up.

2. Pull Together your PMs – every equipment manufacturer has recommended maintenance schedules, but no one knows better than you what is necessary to keep your equipment up and running. Can’t afford unplanned downtime? Schedule PMs and inspections more frequently. Can’t access areas during peak use times? Schedule maintenance around holidays and breaks. Have major events at your facility? Schedule PMs 30-60 days prior to ensure you have time to take care of any issues. One of the main sources of cost savings from a CMMS is through managing PMs and inspections to reduce failures and emergencies and increase the usable life of your assets.

3. Consult your IT Department - even if you implement a hosted solution you may still need some support from IT to ensure your network can deliver good performance times at peak times. Are you using smartphones or other handheld devices? Who will provide support when issues arise? Understanding all the IT needs of your CMMS will help you isolate issues and avoid delays.

4. Prepare your Data – whether you are converting years of history from an existing CMMS or starting from scratch, the cleaner your incoming data is, the faster you will be up and running. Helping you prepare for, and then performing the data import is one area where you CMMS vendor can add significant value. Make sure you understand what is required of your new system before you promise a “go live” date. CMMS implementations are often delayed when parties don’t fully communicate data import requirements.

5. Test your Hardware and Software - the last thing you want to have happen is for your CMMS trainer to show up and have your new system not working, wasting valuable time. Every CMMS vendor has stories about arriving on site to train and having to start by taking the server out of the box. Make good use of your training dollars by having hardware in place and software installed prior to scheduled training.

6. Determine your Reporting Needs – before you start implementation and training for your new CMMS, sit down with your staff, managers, and accounting department and discuss the types of reports they would like to see out of the new system. Who will receive regularly scheduled reports? How often will you issue reports?  Which reports are the most critical to your organization? Thinking about reports ahead of time will help ensure that the system is set up, configured, and used in a way that will get you the information you need. This exercise will also help you determine if any customization is required. Set up your CMMS to automatically produce the reports you need.

7. Get Trained – when designing your training plan, make sure you consider both breadth and depth. You’ll want to get enough people trained so they can help each other with daily tasks and a few people trained on all aspects of the system and its administration. Also consider planning for future training, perhaps 6 months after you go-live, when you have experience actually using the system in your organization. Make sure you are getting the most out of your CMMS by adequately training all users.

8. Audit your CMMS – schedule a PM for your CMMS! Every six months plan to spend a few hours checking your CMMS. Use this time to make sure you have the latest version of the software, are getting the reports you need, and that you are taking full advantage of the your CMMS’s capabilities. This is also a good time to check in with users and see if anyone has questions or if there are new employees who would benefit from formal training. Performing periodic PMs on your CMMS protects your investment and maximizes the maintenance savings for the organization.

Article source: http://www.micromain.com/2012/01/8-steps-successful-cmms-implementation/

eMaint Enterprises presented at the 2011 SMRP (Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals) Conference in Greensboro, NC from October 17-20. They were joined by over 900 other Maintenance and Reliability Professionals and over 100 other companies. 

During the week, eMaint connected with partners, customers, and prospective clients. The conference included Workshops, Plant Tours, and Best Practices information sessions. Both Gene Pargas and Lisa Williams represented eMaint at the conference and enjoyed attending various Best Practices sessions as well as conversing with show attendees. 

Thank you to all who stopped by the eMaint booth. Visit our Facebook page to view pictures and videos from Greensboro, and check back next week for more updates from the 2011 SMRP conference. 

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/EmaintCustomerSuccessStories/~3/wAMeyaKj2_k/emaint-exhibits-at-19th-annual-smrp-conference.html

by Brad Squires

Does your company or facility have a need to grow in maintenance productivity? Managing maintenance operations more efficiently can help to lower your spending on maintenance costs. Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS Software) is designed to help businesses manage their maintenance operations more efficiently, enabling them to spend less on unnecessary costs.

CMMS software helps maintenance professionals get better connected to their operations, enabling them to improve upon how maintenance is being performed for their business. By improving how maintenance professionals are connected to their operations, they’re able to track maintenance costs, prevent equipment failures, improve upon labor productivity, minimize unnecessary inventory spending and overall, lower the total cost they’re spending on maintenance. CMMS software is beneficial for a wide range of businesses.

Facility management encompasses numerous tasks and responsibilities. From submitting requests and processing orders, to tracking costs and preventative maintenance, CMMS software can help you to improve upon them all. Implementing technology into your business infrastructure will not only increase your efficiency, but productivity as well.

Increasing efficiency and productivity translates into financial savings. The ability to prevent downtime by maintaining equipment allows your staff to continue working and meeting deadlines. By tracking inventory more efficiently you eliminate unnecessary spending on supplies.

There are a numerous benefits to CMMS software. If you’re looking to improve upon your maintenance productivity, implement a more efficient maintenance management system and start seeing the results for yourself.

Article source: http://blog.maintenanceconnection.com/2011/10/25/cmms-software-can-improve-maintenance-productivity/

I’ve been working in the maintenance industry for the past 22 years.  My first foray into this mechanized world of grease, wrenches, and safety shutoffs happened immediately after graduating as a mechanical engineer in the late 1980′s.

Since then I have migrated into the world of maintenance management consulting.  This journey succeeded due to my learning maintenance software early on (DOS, remember that?), applying its power to my real world surroundings, and showing results to upper management with pretty pie charts and numbers that made them smile.

So when the creators of this CMMS blog asked me for advice on how it should look, I advised them to somehow show people that maintenance professionals can also smile, and be  happy, just like those upper management people who are easily dazzled by pie charts and excellent numbers.

So they took my advice and made the first blog branding logo a “dancing maintenance guy”.

You can watch this happy dude dancing all day long at the top right corner of this blog.  Sure, it can be puzzling to see him rockin’ that tool belt.  Does such a creature actually exist?  Is there anything besides the lunch buzzer or breaking away from work that really makes a maintenance technician happy?  And what about their supervisors and managers?  Ever see them smile (let alone dance)?

By our nature, maintenance people are motivated by a challenge to solve technical, mechanical, electrical issues.  Fix things.  And fix them well.

Motivation, of course, is to feel that rush of accomplishment (which can lead to a smile, and when it happens repeatedly, will certainly lead to a quick jig).

Here is how it can work:

The maintenance team will many times need to troubleshoot an issue to find the root cause.  Other times, the cause is pretty obvious.  In either case, the maintenance team will only need a few simple things to achieve  that goal to “fix it well”.

• We need spare parts.
• We need authority to make decisions that help speed the process.
• We need efficient access to information to help define the problem clearly (equipment specifications, repair history, backup plans, safety plans, troubleshooting guides).

So, I hate to state the obvious, but knowing that all we need are these (and possibly a few other simple items) to help us stay on track and be motivated, wouldn’t you think that the answer is yes, happiness can be achieved, and maintained.  All we need is a simple process that is understood and followed by the whole team.

However, companies tend to under-support their maintenance staff, which is not only a problem with less dancing, but also lower productivity overall.

1. Start with looking at managing all your maintenance data with a maintenance software system.
2. Next, go through every single minute of a typical day and determine how you can reach the perfect world of all issues getting fixed, and less issues coming up (preventive maintenance).
3. Then give the technicians the chance to take ownership of success and failure.

Next time you see a frowning maintenance person, realize that turning that frown upside down, and possibly even seeing them dance, is achievable and probably desirable.  Find out what’s missing.

If you feel that seeing your people dance is unachievable, here is another place to learn about resources available to you: EAM University