CMMS = 
Computerized Maintenance Management Systems

To CMMS or not to CMMS… 

Enrique Mora

This is true in any environment and activity, though it has mostly been applied to Computer Systems. As we all probably know, the advancement in the capacity and sophistication of our computers has been phenomenal. Most of us can perfectly satisfy our needs by using only a minimal fraction of all those magnificent features, and even the most skilled users still are at risk of getting poor results.

In the Industrial Maintenance activity, the complexity and criticality of today’s machinery requires that we keep better track of parts, repairs and maintenance services all the time. CMMS – Computerized Maintenance Management Systems are now everywhere, helping our maintenance professionals keep the pace. These CMMS though can be useless, (as is happening in many companies today), if we do not get enough training and provide it to every individual in the maintenance organization, so they all can not only take advantages of all the wonderful features and information, but certainly feed the system back after each maintenance transaction. Some companies end up having only one "CMMS operator" that transfers all the information into the systems. Interestingly enough, many of those CMMS operators though, have little or no knowledge of what the maintenance people are talking about. This means that they may easily misinterpret the information provided by the technicians, with the consequent misinformation for every other user of the system.

If you decide to go CMMS, the recommendation here is to train very well each individual in the maintenance department. It is costly, yes, but costlier is to have the software and hardware investment not render the results it was intended for. Most software producers have the knowledge and will provide the training service so it really works for you. Training on CMMS is not a big deal. Most of these systems are friendlier all the time and in a few hours, the technicians will be able to key in the valuable information that can really contribute to bring your service to World Class Maintenance.

Secondary effect of this training is the boosted self-esteem of the maintenance workforce. Remember that self-esteem is the key to happiness, and happy people always perform better.

Most of these systems are modular, so you can keep adding features that will help grow the effectiveness of the service according to your needs. TPM – Total Productive Maintenance contributes to this evolution big time. The more we can take away the daily cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, minimal repairs from the maintenance personnel, the more dedication they can devote to become skilled in CMMS and become expert data providers to the system.

Keep good track of all the information, which eventually will keep your activity in line with other disciplines and the certifications (ISO for example) that may be needed.

In your CMMS you will have the advantage to keep easy access to current information of: 

Maintenance personnel: Their profiles, skills, etc.

Equipment: components, history, performance, uptime, design speed, pressures, temperatures, lubricants required.

Parts and Accessories:

Seals: sizes, materials, and types

Bearings, belts, couplings, etcétera

All this information will come handy when you need it, just at the stroke of a few keys in your computer terminal. One important piece of advice: Make sure everyone is trained to use the CMMS and make the information input a part of their job!

Our website: www.CMMSworld.com will welcome your comments and input and questions in this important subject

AT NO COST TO YOU you can 
support our websites when you 
visit our sponsors and advertisers
and get valuable information from them.
They make it possible for us to keep this 
free service up to date for you.

Thank you!