Choosing the right CMMS software can make a huge difference in getting your maintenance under control. For this reason, it is important to select a CMMS (computerized maintenance management systems) program that is well-suited for your operation.
However, with the number of CMMS software available in the market, you can be easily overwhelmed or confused with the options for your business. Depending on your needs, make sure to compare top CMMS software and keep the following 9 tips in mind to find the right one:
1. Know Your Priorities
Determine your goal and priorities when looking for the most ideal CMMS software for your business. Once you know what your business needs, it will be much easier for you to pick what is best for your current and future priorities. So, before you start your hunt, identify your unique computer requirements.
2. Evaluate Features
One of the tips you should take into consideration when finding CMMS software is to check if the included features will work for you. For example, if you have workers in a remote location, it would be best if the software has a mobile version to suit your needs.
Several vendors also designed CMMS software with reports and dashboards, which may come in handy in managing your maintenance efficiently and make your company organized. Aside from that, you should also check how functional the features are. If the extra features included are worth your investment, go for it. However, remember that extra features may mean additional costs.
3. Consider Your Company Size
The size of your company is one of the factors that you must consider when purchasing CMMS software. You don’t want to settle for a CMMS that is too complicated or big for your company. The reason behind it is that you might experience difficulties trying to figure everything out.
Moreover, you will just end up paying for the features you might not use or need. But, if you expect your company to grow exponentially, you will need a scalable CMMS that would grow with your company.
4. Keep The Costs In Mind
The prices of CMMS software may vary. Although there are free versions of CMMS software you can consider, most of them have restrictions on work orders, support, users, and functionality.
If you want to get the most affordable CMMS, understand the costs for setup, upgrades, planning, service, integrations, and the time needed to implement the system.
5. Assess The Vendor
Take note that the best CMMS vendors will want to be your partner and they will do their best efforts to provide help with training, ongoing support, and implementation.
Vendors must provide training in various forms that isn’t a one-time activity. Any suggested formal training must be outlined clearly in the initial discussions and must define the key details such as the number of users included in the session, materials provided, and duration.
If a vendor doesn’t provide this type of help, better look for another one that does.
6. Check The Usability
The CMMS must be easy to learn and come with documentation and training aids. The package must be menu- and icon-driven that contains screens to input information orderly. The best CMMS must also offer context-sensitive help and error handling features to avoid any inconvenience. So, don’t forget to check the software’s usability as it can make a difference in getting the results you desire.
7. Assess The Service Terms
While searching for the right CMMS software, make sure that you know what service terms are all about. Some vendors have contracts that include expensive consequences which, if broken, you have to pay for. However, others don’t require any contract and are happy to have you pay only for the services that your company uses.
8. Check If It Ensures A Seamless Integration
With today’s innovation in maintenance, you should choose a CMMS that allows seamless integration, especially if your company uses other tools. If the CMMS is easy to integrate, it ensures that you can start using the system with ease and that it saves you from the hassle of having to get information manually from some existing tools.
The best CMMS software also integrates with programs such as spreadsheets, computer-aided design, digital signing, data storage, calendars, developer tools, email, geographic information systems, and so on.
9. Know Your Budget
Because the costs of CMMS software vary widely, it’s important to know your budget. This will help you know how much you can afford to spend on the CMMS you need for your business. If you know your budget, it is also much easier for you to filter your computerized maintenance management systems software program options.
CMMS Conclusion
It is not an easy task to find the right CMMS software for your business, and it is something that you shouldn’t take lightly as well. With that said, make sure to spend time comparing as many CMMS software as possible, find a good vendor, keep your needs and budget in mind, and do the process with due diligence to find the best CMMS software that you won’t regret in the long run.
