or Maintenance Tracking Software
"When you can measure what you are speaking about
and express it in numbers, you know something about it; but when you cannot
measure it, when you cannot express it in numbers, your knowledge is of
a meagre and unsatisfactory kind."
[Lord Kelvin, Scottish Physicist
- 1884]
or ... "If you can't measure it you can't control
it."
[Perspective CMMS Consultant 2005]
More on Maintenance Tracking Software and Predictive Maintenance with the "CMMS Insider's Guide" >
This section provides detailed information about the features and functions of CMMS and CAFM as maintenance tracking software.
What is a CMMS? (Maintenance Tracking Software Introduction)
Computerised
Maintenance Management Systems, Predictive Maintenance or maintenance
tracking software systems
are now a necessary part of managing and controlling assets, plant and
equipment maintenance in modern manufacturing, facilities and service
industries. Often perceived to be no more than a fancy means of scheduling
preventative maintenance work
they are capable of much more than this. [What is Maintenance
Management?]
Maintenance tracking is very important in most organisations and this section of the site provides you with information on this as well as a comprehensive description of the important functions that are available.
Comprehensive information on Maintenance Tracking and CMMS features is available through the "What is a CMMS Menu" on the right. This information will help to determine the requirements of both those who are considering CMMS for the first time, and those who are changing or upgrading their system.
The CMMS information here is provided free, for your personal use, and it should not be copied or used commercially. It is quite detailed and it may be that, as Winston Churchill once said, "This report, by its very length, defends itself against the very risk of being read". Of course you have the alternative of contacting us then we can do it for you.
CMMS and Maintenance Tracking Software Failure Rate
Many CMMS's and maintenance tracking software packages fail soon after
implementation (as many as 70%). This is generally 
because
they have been badly specified. Quite often it is not until after the implementation
is complete that users realise their new system does not meet their needs.
This is understandable. Typically, prospective CMM users may be consulted
about what they would like from the system, but quite often they are not
in a position to comment, as they are not fully aware of what is available. "You
can't provide the answer if you don't know the question!"
It is very important that prospective purchasers ask themselves a few questions before making a decision. Many companies spend thousands of pounds on complex, enterprise asset management systems (EAM's) for which they have little use. It is only after they are installed that it becomes apparent that perhaps only 5 to 10% of the functionality will be used. An early feasibility study will prevent this and you must be clear on the following:
- Do you have the resources and the commitment to implement the CMMS system? Remember that in even a medium sized company a significant amount of time will be required to collect and input data. Someone will be required to create a library of preventative maintenance software procedures where this does not already exist.
- Are you willing to provide support and administer the system on an ongoing basis? The extent of this support will clearly be dependent on the size of your system.
- Do you require the system to control your stores and/or purchasing?
- Can you commit the resources to input the data for this?
- Do you need it for accounting purposes or just maintenance control?
- Do you really need a multi-user CMMS system, and if so, how many people are likely to use it? Remember that this should be based on who is likely to use it, not who you would like to use it.
- On multi-user CMMS systems, are you willing to commit your personnel to the training, which is likely to be required?
In summary, much thought, planning and discussion must take place before you will be in a position to make any decision on your requirements. Top>
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