Frequently Asked Question
CMMS Facility Management Software FAQS
- What is CMMS?
- Are there any legal necessities to have a CMMS or CAFM System?
- Why is it a good idea to get help from a CMMS consultant?
- Why is it significant that the CMMS consultant is independent?
- What's the problem with CMMS implementation? Isn't it quite straightforward?
- Will CMMS and CAFM Software co-exist with my existing processes?
1. What is CMMS?
A CMMS software package preserves a computer database of info about a business’s conservation operations, i.e. CMMIS – computerized maintenance management information system. This information is planned to assistance maintenance workers do their jobs more proficiently and towards help management make knowledgeable choices (for example, calculating the price of machine breakdown repair versus defensive conservation for every machine, maybe leading towards improved distribution of resources). CMMS data might also be used to confirm monitoring acquiescence.
2. Are there any legal necessities to have a CMMS or CAFM System?
There is no legal necessity to use a CAFM or CMMS system. These systems do however have one important function that can keep you legal. That is to control and issue work orders for mandatory maintenance and checks. These might include things like safety checks, machinery guarding checks, water tank and water tower inspections and portable appliance testing.
3. Why is it a good idea to get help from a CMMS consultant?
Numerous complex procedures are involved in CMMS implementation. It is important to look at the structure of a maintenance organization to make sure that the selected software package is the best match. During a normal career most maintenance managers have few if any opportunities to gain experience in this. It is however, extremely important that the person stipulating the system has a good understanding of maintenance management and the implementation procedure. It is usually accepted that around 70% of all implementations fail in the first 12 months and this is mostly due to wrongly specified systems being selected.
4. Why is it significant that the CMMS consultant is independent?
Most CMMS consultancies get their leads through alliances with a software vendor. This is a win/win situation since the vendors get the software sale and the consultancy might get the implementation work. Obviously however, it is not possible for a consultant who is allied to a vendor or vendors to be objective. They should try to sell the company product. This often leads to the purchase and implementation of packages that are not really suited to the necessities of the customer. Using an independent consultant means that you can get assistance throughout the procedure including the definition of your requirements. You can go to the vendors and tell them accurately what you require rather than them telling you what you want.
5. What's the problem with CMMS implementation? Isn't it quite straightforward?
Unless you are fortunate enough to be overstaffed and have the right people available to do this, implementation will generate a temporary but sizeable drain on your valuable maintenance resources. Don't undervalue the time it will take - this is not a routine task. Obviously it makes sense to use a temporary resource for a temporary problem. There are also tools and procedures that can be used to simplify the procedure. Most maintenance engineers just cannot devote the time that this type of project validates.
6. Will CMMS and CAFM Software co-exist with my existing processes?
The answer to this is, once again, dependent on the quality of the implementation. The necessity to maintain existing systems should be considered during the maintenance audit and software selection procedure. Providing your current processes is based on modern practices and not too preventive they might be able to be accommodated in the implementation.




