December 10, 2024

Overcoming Maintenance Challenges with CMMS Solutions

Maintenance teams face challenges every day. Preventive maintenance (PM) tasks. General and emergency repairs. Inventory oversight. And so much more. How do supervisors and technicians keep everything under control?

Let's explore some of these challenges and show how a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) provides the answer.

The rising complexity of machinery and equipment demands meticulous maintenance operations. Many factors affect how workers complete repairs and PMs:

• Advanced technology.
• Labor availability.
• Inventory shortages.
• Environmental conditions.
• Deadlines.
• Production operations.

Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.

Asset Management: A Key Component of Maintenance Strategy

On the list of sub-categories under maintenance management, this probably leads the field. This doesn't dismiss the others or their importance. However, in many industries and companies, you'll be working on assets. Equipment, machines, vehicles, buildings, etc.

What comprises the oversight of these assets?

• Monitoring. In this, you have numerous readings to track. PSI, temperature, fluid levels, hours in operation, mileage, etc.
• Baseline functionality. Your team strives to keep equipment running at a certain level through PMs and other repairs.
• Lifecycle. One of the ways to accomplish this comes in the form of tracking depreciation values over time. Working with the following point, you determine when maintenance costs outweigh the expense for new.
• Costs. Not only how much for a new or replacement machine, but costs of labor and inventory.

CMMS Solution

Within the system, you'll create your list of assets. Look for the option to group them under keywords. Vehicles, Processors, Ovens, etc.

You input as much detailed information into the asset record as you need. Any changes should show in a revisions window. With a CMMS, you'll note which assets fall under regulatory control. This helps work order management.

Integration: Integrating CMMS into existing systems becomes seamless, addressing the challenge of dealing with legacy systems and data.

How CMMS Solutions Simplify Maintenance Scheduling

You have X amount of work to complete. You also have 24 hours per day and probably 8 hours per shift. You have x number of technicians on the team. See the challenge of scheduling.

First, remember you hired the team members because of their skills. You're working toward or at the optimal number of people under you.

Next, you'll have your list of work requests to process and work orders to schedule.

CMMS Solution

Look for a system with a scheduling calendar. There, you'll have the list of technicians. Drag and drop work orders onto the date for each worker.

The system can provide you with a list of open, closed, and backlogged work orders. You'll have time estimates and actual completion time.

Read on for PM challenges, but a quality CMMS converts PMs to work orders for more efficiency.

Ready to revolutionize your maintenance department? Schedule a live demo today.

Cost Management: Reducing Expenses Through CMMS Solutions

This challenge doesn't reside solely with a maintenance department. It lies near the top of the list for any company.

Don't think of this as one challenge. Similar to the overall maintenance management header, this has several sub-categories.

You might see the first as justifying a department's existence. Some companies cut costs by reducing or eliminating the maintenance department. This sets up the reactive mindset. This means you pay attention to repairs when assets fail or break down.

While maintenance activities constitutes an expense, the company needs to look at it as an investment.

You look to cut costs within your department. Efficiency in PMs. Less overhead in the stockroom. Wise purchasing decisions.

CMMS Solution

Once again, preventive maintenance tasks step in to help lower costs. They get you out of the reactive thinking. Routine inspections, cleanings, lubrications, etc., extend asset lifespan. They reduce unplanned downtime incidents.

The system helps a supervisor organize the stockroom. Every part has a location.

You note classifications of parts. You mark which are critical or repairable. You check for the dates last used.

Doing this reduces the incidents of stockout or low quantities.

You generate reports on labor stats and key performance indicators (KPIs). Having this information helps you make choices for improving operations.

Ensuring Safety with CMMS Solutions

In all things, safety first.

CMMS Solution

Checklists – Look for a system that allows you to attach checklists to work orders. These help ensure an ordered sequence of the job. No cutting corners. Some checklists require the worker to input data in order to move on.

Protocols/regulations – Do you have safety measures written? Attach those to work orders. These help prepare the technician for the job.

PPE material, special clothing, and other protection. Circumstances to look for before and during the job.

Master Maintenance Strategy with MAPCON's CMMS Solutions

While more maintenance challenges exist, the above runs throughout many companies.

A quality CMMS working for you provides so many benefits. Using a mobile app in the field extends the use and the range of value. Access information on assets, inventory, work orders, and more. Process work requests and generate work orders.

Remember, the CMMS won't create a maintenance strategy. It will show you areas for improvement on the existing strategy. You'll have better oversight of all aspects of the department.

Remember, too, that the CMMS extends to other departments. Purchasing and human resources can use the same system.

Overcome your maintenance challenges with MAPCON solutions. Call 800-922-4336 for a world-class system that will put you on the right path to maintenance management success.

Ask about a free demonstration, U.S.-based programming and support and three options for training.

MAPCON accepts those challenges you have and overcomes them with forty-plus years of experience.