Mobile CMMS: The Future Maintenance Team's BFF

This week's post comes to us courtesy of Ashley Halligan, an analyst at Software Advice.  Ashley focuses here on a topic that is important to all FM's, the adoption and deployment of CMMS solutions (and by extension all forms of FM technology) to speed response and improve quality of service.

By Ashley Halligan

Anyone who's worked in the maintenance management industry knows that maintenance is a constant task--the slightest oversight can result in costly asset malfunction, leading to expensive repairs or--worst case scenario--replacement. That said, having an around-the-clock maintenance team is a valuable addition to any facility --but having the appropriate staff available at pertinent times may be impossible. 

And in comes the true value of mobile CMMS and its impending trend--providing improved reaction time, resulting in immense cost-savings. 

Because of the sometimes hefty investment of CMMS systems, some organizations have been hesitant to move forward with such an investment. Additionally, some techs are intimidated by new technology--some feeling as though these systems and applications may eliminate the need for their jobs. 

However, these systems and apps help automate communication at an organizational level so that all people have access to synchronized data. 

Some of the core functionalities of these products are as follows: 

Paperless work order management: Managing work orders either on or off-site saves significant amounts of times, allowing data entry that's immediately synchronized into the CMMS organization-wide. This also alleviates the need to handwrite notes that can be miscommunicated, and also take time to reenter at a later time onsite. 

Inventory management: Having synchronized inventory management is another efficient tool in the field--allowing immediate access to available assets, as well as equipment that may be issued to other jobs or locations. At the touch of a finger, a maintenance technician can see if an asset is available and immediately disperse it to the needed location.

Asset management and QR codes: Having an asset's entire maintenance history available instantly helps with assigning jobs, or assessing potential issues. Quick Response or QR codes provide a tool to scan an asset's code, bringing up its entire history--including preventive maintenance, malfunctions, reactive maintenance, etc. 

Having these functions available by all maintenance personnel in all locations an organization may have--provides a platform for instant communication, immediate updates, and a more cohesive reactivity plan in the case of malfunction or emergency. 

Read Halligan's original story here.