Criteria for Selecting a CMMS Software Solution

The functionality available from the leading computerized maintenance management software (CMMS software) vendors typically now includes::

* Management of assets including asset hierachy
* Document storage and control
* Control of inventory
* Maintenance scheduling, planning and work orders
* Integration with Microsoft Project
* Text messaging and email alerts

Any CMMS must be able to delivery process optimization, plant and process improvement and accurate reporting. A case study is available in this CMMS software whitepaper.

Any leading CMMS needs to be architecturally constructed using a range of software modules so that it can be tailored to meet the requirements of any particular installation.

Windows is the defacto standard operating system because of its familiarity, low cost of maintenance and security. Standard reports that can be customized to meet individual requirements are very helpful in ensuring that each member of the reporting hierachy is given exactly the information that they require.
Maintenance Management Software Modules.

Maintenance management requirements covered by these modules include:

* Plant management
* Scheduled Maintenance
* Register of assets
* Lubrication (and inspection of)
* Document management
* Analysis functions with reporting
* Stock Control & Purchasing
* Condition Tracking
* Portable devices communications

Maintenance on the Go
Few CMMS systems are implemented today without mobile maintenance functionality.
This enables mobile engineers to access real-time data over a secure connection through a PDA.
Communication is aided by being able to contact the maintenance technician or manager via SMS or email.

Software Security
Enterprise class means that the maintenance management software is able to meet the stringent requirements for multi-site use nationally and internationally.. If the platform is not based on Windows, then special measures may be required by the IT team to ensure a stable infrastrutures is available to support the CMMS. The CMMS software is fundemental to any business, so naturally, the security policy and its implentation is paramount.

Solution implementation
Never mind how good the software technology, it all comes down to the quality with which it is designed and installed. Experinced maintenance process engineers and project management are available from the vendors and external CMMS consultancies to help you implement the system and get the most benefit from it. Their costs are well worth paying for and normally quickly recovered.