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Why should you change your CMMS?

Updated: Oct 25, 2022



Technologies in our lives influence the way we (will) use CMMS. If I told you that you can radically change the culture of maintenance in your company, achieve the highest rate of adoption of new software, continuously train your employees, promote inclusion between departments and be more efficient than ever before, why shouldn't you change your CMMS?



The history of CMMS


60's: The first generation of CMMS used "punched cards" running on early IBM mainframe computers.


70's: Computer terminals replaced punch cards. CMMS use is primitive and still had limited adoption (Heavy development)


80's: The “minicomputers” (green screen terminals) are raising and continued expansion of CMMS.


90's: The personal computer appeared along Windows 95, allowing a big boom in the use of CMMS. Microsoft Windows-based PCs allow almost any size organisation to install CMMS via CD-ROM. The maintenance planner is starting to be a profession and with Excel the data is analysed and visualised.


From 2010: The cloud has arrived. This is a huge game changer for industries. IT Resources can be used on demand by anybody who has access to the internet. CMMS Market size was valued at USD 913 Million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 1,7 Billion by 2028.



CMMS is technology



As presented in the history above, new technologies have made it possible to update applications that we all use daily: Google, Facebook, Uber... Nowadays, these technologies can be used for CMMS and allow users to manage much maintenance accessible and easily.


Start with the WHY


If:

  • Your workplace becomes a museum compared to your everyday life

  • Your CMMS is an obsolete and complicated locked mad machine

  • and if you think that human behavior is from now on linked to technologies


You need to change your CMMS right now! Most CMMS are aging badly and “you” need to stay competitive. Maintenance expenses and efficiency will make a difference in a near future.



6 main reasons to change your CMMS


The mobility


  • EVERYWHERE: CMMS is in all companies, departments and in all pockets

  • TEAMWORK: CMMS is associated with everyone and is rewarding

  • CULTURAL: Dramatically improve maintenance culture


The simplicity


  • UX/UI DESIGN: Provide positive experiences that keep users loyal to the product

  • TRAINING: With an unprecedented adoption rate, training is “free”

  • AUTOMATION: This allows processes to be integrated into daily work


The Rich Media


  • EDUCATION: CMMS is becoming the safe of your know-how

  • HISTORY: History is now documented and detailed as never before

  • KNOWLEDGE: Employees learn with diversity and with visual gestures


The integration


  • CONNECT: Save time and money by easily connecting sensors / PLCs

  • SOFTWARE: Integrate other tasks for all employees as they work

  • VISUAL: Develop awesome analytics to empower your team


The communication


  • CHAT: Improve the communication of your teams thanks to chats

  • NOTIFICATION: Always be aware of what is going on into your plant / facility

  • SHARE: Share work and information within or outside your organisation


The cost


  • USERS: User cost models are more expensive but justified

  • SECURITY: You have to admit that the cloud is now the safest way to store data

  • INVESTMENT: ROI affects all parts of the business (max 8 months)



But... there is some "small" down sides


  • START UP: Let's face it, the best current CMMS are proposed by start-ups

  • BIG JOB: Build a project, get some contractors, use your team…

  • DRIVE/VISION: Changing CMMS requires at least full management support



“Don’t show up to prove, show up to improve”- Simon Sinek



Will CMMS survive?


CMMS are threatened by...



Current issues



What's the future?




"Number one, cash is king; number two, communicate; number three, buy or bury the competition." - Jack Welch, General Electric



Conclusion


CMMS still has a bright future in a saturated market. BUT THINGS MUST CHANGE.


Whether through third-party platforms or integrated software, OEMs will provide Industrial Maintenance as a Service (#imaas) and charge monthly subscriptions in a close future.


Naturally, in order to reduce costs, Industry 4.0 will play an important role and impact CMMS space either on a good or a bad way.


Standardisation could finally, as usual, happen last (It will only depend on you!)...



“The only way to find out if it will work out, is to do it.”- Simon Sinek.


I hope this article sheds some light on the subject. Do not hesitate to leave your comments and raise questions. Thank you for your time.


This article is based on suggestions and personal studies aimed at generalizing information. Please be respectful in your comments.


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