Easy to use. Powerful software. Priced right.

The Maintenance Management Blog

November 19, 2025

How Repairable Spare Parts Improve Maintenance Efficiency


A technician improves overall operations by working on repairable spare parts.One of the main goals of a maintenance department is to reduce costs in both labor and materials. You have to have workers to accomplish the jobs, but you want efficiency and productivity in those tasks. On the other hand, you can control the cost of materials in numerous ways. This article discusses the benefits of having repairable spare parts and how they benefit productivity and efficiency.

What Are Repairable Spare Parts and Why Do They Matter?

Repairable spare parts refer to components or equipment that technicians or mechanics can restore or repair to a usable state. Instead of regularly discarding and replacing, these parts undergo repair or maintenance procedures to extend their lifecycle. This helps to reduce purchasing costs and also the need for excessive inventory. Examples of repairable spare parts include motors, pumps, valves, gears, and circuit boards.


read more

Filed under: repairable spare parts; spare parts management; maintenance efficiency — Stephen Brayton on Wednesday, November 19, 2025

November 17, 2025

How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Modern Maintenance Management


 Illustration of AI in CMMS powering predictive maintenance dashboards and maintenance analytics.Let's explore how artificial intelligence shapes modern maintenance management systems today and where it may lead. We'll trace AI’s technical evolution, describe common AI roles in software, then examine general ways AI augments a computer maintenance management system's capabilities. Then we'll look to future scenarios for maintenance systems.

A Short Technical History of AI for Maintenance and CMMS

Early AI research targeted logical reasoning and symbolic systems in the 1950s and 1960s, then shifted through cycles of hype and recalibration during the so-called AI winters of the 1970s and 1980s.


read more

Filed under: AI in CMMS, predictive maintenance, computerized maintenance management system — Stephen Brayton on Monday, November 17, 2025

November 13, 2025

The Hidden Costs of Reactive Maintenance and How CMMS Transforms Asset Management


Maintenance technicians conducting both reactive and preventive maintenance.

Reactive maintenance dominates many industries despite its long-term drawbacks. Companies often wait for equipment failures before addressing issues, believing it saves money and simplifies operations. Yet this approach can lead to unexpected downtime, higher costs, and reduced equipment reliability. Let's explore the hidden costs of reactive maintenance and how a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) transforms asset management.

Understanding Reactive Maintenance and Its Impact on Asset Management

Reactive maintenance, sometimes called "run-to-failure" maintenance, occurs when organizations address equipment issues only after they become critical. Companies often skip inspections, routine checks, and minor repairs, assuming that equipment will function until a failure forces intervention.


read more

Filed under: reactive maintenance, preventive maintenance, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on Thursday, November 13, 2025

November 12, 2025

Understanding the Differences Between CMMS and ERP Systems


A representation showing the differences between a CMMS and and ERPThe comparison of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) versus an enterprise resource program (ERP) highlights two distinct approaches to managing enterprise operations. Both systems enhance efficiency, yet they serve different organizational needs. Understanding the differences between CMMS and ERP systems, their purposes, strengths, and applications helps determine which solution aligns with specific operational goals. This analysis examines the capabilities of each system in detail.


read more

Filed under: CMMS, ERP, asset management, preventive maintenance — Stephen Brayton on Wednesday, November 12, 2025

November 11, 2025

Mastering Asset Maintenance Scheduling for Long-Term Efficiency


A maintenance supervisor uses a CMMS for efficient maintenance scheduling.Every organization relies on assets to operate smoothly. Assets include everything from computers and machinery to vehicles, buildings, and specialized equipment. Understanding how to schedule maintenance for assets efficiently ensures these resources perform at peak levels and prevents unexpected failures. Understanding how to manage maintenance cycles, track work, and coordinate resources allows companies to extend asset lifespans and maintain operational efficiency.

Inventory Your Assets

The first step in maintenance scheduling involves creating a comprehensive inventory of all assets. This includes equipment, vehicles, tools, and property. Document details such as make, model, serial number, purchase date, and operational history. Organize assets based on criticality and usage frequency. High-priority items or equipment that operate continuously require closer attention than low-use assets.


read more

Filed under: asset maintenance scheduling, preventive maintenance, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on Tuesday, November 11, 2025

November 10, 2025

How CMMS Enhances Equipment Readings for Preventive Maintenance


A maintenance worker records equipment readings in a CMMS.Equipment readings form the heartbeat of every maintenance program. Whether measuring temperature, pressure, or vibration, these values provide insight into the health and performance of machines. Let's look at how a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) enhances equipment readings for preventive maintenance and how it takes those readings beyond simple recordkeeping, turning them into actionable intelligence.

Every piece of equipment tells a story through numbers. Those numbers—whether mileage on a truck or pressure in a line—signal normal operation or early signs of trouble. Ignoring them risks unsafe conditions, wasted resources, and shortened machine life.

A CMMS strengthens this process by:

  • Logging and centralizing data from multiple machines.
  • Providing automated reminders for inspections.
  • Comparing current readings with historical trends.
  • Generating reports for compliance or audits.

The true benefit comes from connecting raw data to scheduled action.


read more

Filed under: CMMS, equipment readings, preventive maintenance, asset management — Stephen Brayton on Monday, November 10, 2025

November 06, 2025

Preventive Maintenance Inspections That Keep Assets Performing


Maintenance technician using CMMS software to log preventive maintenance inspections.Preventive maintenance inspections that keep assets performing play a critical role in protecting and extending equipment life, and reducing costly breakdowns. Across industries, organizations rely on inspections to maintain safety, compliance, and consistent output. A computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) strengthens these inspections by organizing schedules, storing data, and creating accountability. The following discussion highlights 20 essential inspections, industry applications, and the benefits of using a CMMS to support these tasks.

Why Preventive Maintenance Inspections Are Vital for Equipment Reliability

Unplanned downtime often costs far more than scheduled inspections. Consider a single conveyor breakdown in a distribution center. Not only does productivity grind to a halt, but customer deliveries suffer, overtime rises, and replacement parts may carry premium prices. Preventive maintenance inspections reduce these risks. When paired with a CMMS, inspections transform into documented, trackable tasks that provide transparency for management and auditors.


read more

Filed under: preventive maintenance inspections, CMMS preventive maintenance, equipment maintenance checks — Stephen Brayton on Thursday, November 06, 2025

November 05, 2025

How CMMS Safety Strategies Reduce Downtime and Improve Workplace Reliability


Technicians conduct maintenance inspections from CMMS work orders for safer operations.The principle of safety-first maintenance strategies with CMMS support applies across industries. Downtime, whether caused by equipment breakdowns or safety incidents, disrupts productivity and drains resources. Preventive maintenance reduces these risks, and modern tools like a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) enhance the process. By blending proactive inspections with digital management, organizations can create safer environments and more reliable operations.

The Hidden Costs of Downtime and How CMMS Prevents Them

Downtime extends beyond broken machines. A production line may halt because a conveyor motor fails, but operations can also stop when employees face injuries or unsafe conditions. For example, in the food processing industry, a slip caused by an unaddressed spill can pause work in an entire area while safety teams respond. Both scenarios waste time, increase costs, and damage trust with customers.


read more

Filed under: CMMS safety, preventive maintenance, downtime prevention — Stephen Brayton on Wednesday, November 05, 2025

November 04, 2025

Mastering Inventory Management for Facilities and Operations


Warehouse workers use a CMMS for better inventory management.Mastering inventory management for facilities and operations serves as a critical function for successful operations. Organizations face constant pressure to maintain equipment reliability, prevent downtime, and ensure materials and parts are available when needed. A structured approach to managing inventory not only keeps operations flowing but also improves cost control and productivity. This article explores sixteen essentials for managing inventory efficiently and examines how a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) can enhance these practices.

Understanding Inventory in Facility Management

Accurate inventory management begins with a clear understanding of what exists in stock. Facilities often encounter situations where they believe they have a particular item, only to find it unavailable when required. This gap can result in production delays or emergency repair issues. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory list prevents such errors.


read more

Filed under: inventory management, CMMS benefits, facility management — Stephen Brayton on Tuesday, November 04, 2025

November 03, 2025

The Strategic Value of Time-Based Maintenance


Manufacturing equipment using time-based maintenance metrics.Time-Based Maintenance (TBM) represents a foundational principle in proactive asset management. This strategy moves beyond simply reacting to equipment failures; it dictates a maintenance schedule based on fixed intervals of time or usage. By performing service tasks before a potential failure occurs, organizations protect their assets and ensure continuous operation. This approach gives maintenance teams a structured roadmap for asset care, turning unpredictable breakdowns into manageable, scheduled activities. The shift from reactive chaos to methodical planning significantly impacts operational efficiency and asset longevity. Read on for the strategic value of time-based maintenance.


read more

Filed under: time-based maintenance, TBM, scheduled maintenance — Stephen Brayton on Monday, November 03, 2025