The Best CMMS Software For Manufacturing: Key Factors to Consider

8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing CMMS Software

Choosing the right maintenance management software is an effective way for manufacturers to stay ahead of competitors. Here are eight important factors to examine to make an informed, business-driven decision.

1. Robust Features

A comprehensive CMMS should offer a range of features that address various maintenance needs, helping team members avoid potential issues or changes. Data and information are foundational for success in this department. 

Avoid any issues by confirming the CMMS software for manufacturing includes the following key features:

• Work Order Management: Track and manage all maintenance tasks to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

• Preventive Maintenance Software and Scheduling: Automate routine maintenance to prevent equipment failures and extend the lifespan of assets.

• Inventory Management: Monitor spare parts and supplies to maintain optimal inventory levels and avoid stockouts.

• Reporting and Analytics: Gain valuable insights through detailed reports and data analysis, helping to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Mobile Access: Enable maintenance staff to access the CMMS via mobile devices, to provide on-the-go updates and increased flexibility.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Track equipment status and performance as they occur to enable proactive maintenance and quick response to issues.

Automation technologies are increasingly used in the manufacturing industry to boost productivity, achieve consistent quality, reduce costs, and allow human workers to pursue more creative and higher skilled work.”

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2. User-Friendly Interface

At its core, the software should be intuitive and easy to navigate. An intuitive design reduces the learning curve for new users, making training and onboarding much more efficient. Look for simple features like dashboards, drag-and-drop functionality, and clear, concise menus. Reducing friction here for users will avoid future headaches and help users easily transition to the platform.

3. Configurability

CMMS software's customization allows it to adapt to specific manufacturing processes. Tailoring the software to meet requirements means it can perfectly align with a facility’s operations. For instance, if a manufacturing process involves specialized equipment or unique maintenance schedules, customizable CMMS software can accommodate these specificities. The result is more efficient and effective maintenance management. Further, the proper customization means it can integrate within current systems, avoiding any potential hiccups from adopting new technology.

4. Scalability

As a business expands, its software should grow with it. The right CMMS software should meet increased demands without performance issues, whether that’s data, users, or both.

For example, cloud-based solutions offer flexible storage and processing power that grow alongside a business's needs. Meanwhile, modular add-ons allow the expansion of functionalities without overhauling the entire system. These features provide a cost-effective approach to enhancing capabilities as operations scale up. The scalability feature means that the CMMS remains effective and reliable – regardless of how a business grows.

5. Cost Considerations

Budget drives business decisions and shouldn’t hinder them. Evaluating costs helps companies understand CMMS software's short- and long-term value. Important considerations are as follows:

• Initial Investment and Implementation Costs: Upfront costs for purchasing and setting up the CMMS.
• Ongoing Maintenance and Subscription Fees: These are recurring costs required to keep the software updated and operational.
• Long-Term ROI and Cost Savings: Potential savings through improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and regular updates.

6. Integration Capabilities

A CMMS’s effectiveness depends on its integration with other enterprise systems. When integrated correctly, the software encourages smooth data flow and coordination across various business functions. For instance, combining a document management system, IoT, and connected devices can create a centralized platform for maintenance teams. This integration allows easy access to asset documentation and real-time monitoring and encourages better decision-making.

For example, Accruent Maintenance Connection helped SSAB address challenges such as tracking asset health, organizing equipment details, and minimizing machine downtime. The solution provided quick access to asset specifications, automated preventive maintenance schedules, and improved visibility into asset performance. As a result, SSAB successfully reduced downtime, enhanced operational efficiency, and achieved more effective asset management across its global operations.

7. Support and Training

It’s crucial to establish a robust support and training framework to maximize the value of CMMS software. Addressing technical issues promptly through vendor support can help minimize disruptions and keep operations running smoothly. Providing comprehensive training resources, such as user guides, tutorials, and interactive sessions, ensures that teams can fully utilize the software’s capabilities. Ongoing support and continuous learning opportunities are essential for helping users adapt to updates, explore new features, and maintain productivity over time. By prioritizing these steps, organizations can fully unlock the potential of their CMMS system and drive greater efficiency.

8. Data Security

Data is only as valuable as it is secure. Robust security measures, such as encryption, safeguard data against unauthorized access and breaches. Look for controls and permissions allowing authorized personnel to access specific features and information. CMMS software should provide regular data backup and recovery plans in case of issues. When in place, this ensures business continuity and data integrity.

Accruent Maintenance Connection: CMMS Software for Manufacturing

Maintenance Connection is a trusted CMMS solution tailored to the unique demands of the manufacturing industry. Its advanced features and capabilities address critical maintenance challenges, empowering organizations to achieve operational excellence and meet performance goals.

Unmatched Features for Manufacturing Professionals

Maintenance Connection offers a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline maintenance operations and deliver measurable results.

Key features include:

• Work Order Management: Simplify the creation, tracking, and completion of maintenance tasks, ensuring efficiency and accountability across teams.
• Preventive Maintenance Scheduling: Reduce downtime and extend asset life with automated, proactive maintenance plans.
• Inventory Management: Optimize spare parts inventory to minimize delays while controlling costs.
• Reporting and Analytics: Users can leverage data-driven insights to make informed decisions and track key performance metrics.
• Mobile Access: Enable technicians to access work orders, asset details, and updates in real-time from any location.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Stay ahead of potential failures with real-time asset performance tracking and alerts.

Maintenance Connection offers flexibility and scalability that meet manufacturing’s complex needs, making it ideal for managing the intricate operations of manufacturing plants. Whether you're overseeing a single facility or a global network, the platform adapts to your needs, efficiently handling diverse asset types and maintenance strategies.

Proven Results That Drive Success

By integrating advanced features with an intuitive interface, Maintenance Connection empowers plant managers, production supervisors, and facility managers to reduce costs, improve productivity, and minimize downtime. Its robust capabilities allow organizations to:

• Achieve consistent preventive maintenance compliance.
• Improve asset reliability and reduce unexpected failures.
• Streamline communication between maintenance teams and operations staff.

Case Study: L'Oreal Decreases Asset Downtime with Maintenance Connection CMMS

Discover how L'Oréal leveraged CMMS solutions to transform its maintenance operations and reduce asset downtime across multiple facilities. Through the adoption of innovative tools, they improved operational efficiency and streamlined maintenance processes, setting a new standard for asset management success.

Read more about L'Oréal’s success story on our Case Studies page.