This article explores the differences between desktop and mobile CMMS, emphasizing their distinct features and when each should be used. It also explores some of the concerns maintenance teams may have about adopting CMMS mobile apps.
CMMS software is a tool used by maintenance teams to track maintenance activities like maintenance requests, work orders, preventive maintenance, and inspections. The software helps maintenance departments improve their operations by making their assets more productive while reducing downtime. This is true for organizations across various industries that are increasingly adopting CMMS to drive efficiency and bolster profitability.
CMMS software adoption has grown significantly over the past decade. Software Advice, a popular B2B software review site, has over 1,000 products under its CMMS category, while G2 Crowd, although not as many, lists over 300 different CMMS products. With this many options, its clear that the demand for maintenance software is high. One of the driving forces behind this increased demand is the availability of CMMS mobile apps. Today’s CMMS software can be accessed on desktop computers as well as mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
Optimizing Maintenance Anywhere with Mobile CMMS
A Mobile CMMS empowers maintenance technicians and managers to remain connected and efficient anywhere in the field. With mobile CMMS, users can access all their work orders and maintenance tasks from their phones or tablets and not be restricted to their personal computers in their offices or terminal stations. The most impactful features and benefits of Mobile CMMS are:
Real-time Communication
One major benefit of using mobile CMMS is its capability to facilitate immediate communication between everyone on the maintenance team. By allowing the submission of work orders, updates on task progress, and requests for assistance, mobile CMMS enables smooth communication, leading to quicker responses and improved efficiency. Mobile apps have push notifications that trigger real-time updates to requests, work orders, and other events. Some mobile CMMS apps include live chat, where users can collaborate on maintenance activities. With these apps, technicians can communicate with stakeholders in real-time, sharing images, comments, and other updates.
Scanning QR or Barcodes with Mobile CMMS
Many mobile CMMS apps incorporate the ability to scan QR or barcodes. This feature is a huge advantage as by scanning the code, users get instant information about the asset or item they are scanning. For example, by scanning a QR code associated with a rooftop unit, techs can instantly view details related to the equipment (images, manuals, history, parts), open work orders or requests, and create work orders or requests. Compare this to not having the ability to scan QR codes and working from a desktop remotely; there is plenty of opportunity to get the wrong asset, and accessing all the details is much more difficult. QR and bar code scanning bridges the gap by making almost any information related to the asset that is stored in the CMMS accessible to users instantly from their phone or other mobile device. Scanning extends to equipment, parts, locations (rooms and other spaces), work orders, and requests.
Capturing Photos from Cameras
One of the biggest benefits of mobile CMMS apps is the integration of mobile phone/tablet cameras. This feature allows technicians to take photos of equipment, parts, or problems encountered while carrying out their maintenance tasks. Photos can instantly be captured and associated with work orders providing additional context that text doesn’t do. Uploading images in real time to work orders, PM tasks, and maintenance requests is a significant benefit of using a mobile CMMS app. It allows for a deeper understanding of the condition of assets and facilities, which was previously not possible.
Other Mobile CMMS Features
The features of Mobile CMMS may vary between vendors and are tailored for maintenance work while being mobile. These features include GPS tracking for asset identification, voice-to-text for hands-free data entry (and folks who dislike texting), and the ability to work offline when maintenance is required in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. Let’s shift focus to the CMMS mobile counterpart, the desktop CMMS version.
Desktop CMMS Features that Cater to Administrators
The real advantage of mobile CMMS is its ability to manage work on the go. This primarily serves maintenance technicians and operators who have to carry out maintenance tasks in the field or while at the specific location or asset where they are performing the repair, preventive maintenance task, or inspection. Administrators also get great benefits from mobile CMMS apps as they can approve requests and assign and review work orders. However, much of the administrative work can be better performed from the desktop versions. Tasks like running reports, extracting and managing data, and making changes to configuration settings, although available to some degree with some mobile CMMS, can be better performed on desktop versions. According to ebuyer.com, 24” monitors are the standard for most users, and we see many using multiple monitors in the workplace. Mobile apps cannot accommodate so much real estate due to their size. The following are the main features that desktop CMMS outperform mobile versions.
Reporting Capabilities
One of the biggest features of a CMMS is the reporting capabilities it offers. CMMS software allows managers to run reports on maintenance history, downtime, maintenance costs, maintenance backlog, preventive maintenance compliance, asset total cost of ownership, inventory, technician performance, MTTR, MTBF and more. Although mobile CMMS apps offer some reporting capabilities in the form of KPIs and simple dashboards, due to their size and screen real estate, they do not offer the same capabilities for configuring custom reports and data analysis. Therefore, when it comes to CMMS reports, they are much better performed using desktop versions.
Data Import-Export Capabilities
Many CMMS platforms allow users to import and export data. Importing data is usually done when first configuring and setting up the CMMS and involves migrating data from other applications or uploading large asset and parts list files. For importing and data migration this is best done through desktop applications. This is also true for configuring and setting up integrations with other applications, whether it be SSO SAML, or integrating with an ERP.
Setting Configurations
Administrators can customize the Desktop CMMS to meet the specific needs of their organization through a wide range of configuration options.
Configuring maintenance procedures and workflows: Maintenance managers can customize maintenance workflows to fit their organization’s specific needs and adhere to industry norms. They can also modify workflows as necessary.
Setting up user permissions: Different user roles can have designated access levels and privileges to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
Configuration of asset hierarchy allows maintenance managers to organize and plan for asset management and maintenance more efficiently.
Manage notifications: Although this can be done with many mobile CMMS apps, if administrators want to configure notifications and standardize them at a global level, desktop CMMS versions are better.
Integrating with external systems: Data’s import-export capability can be customized to smoothly share information with other business applications like ERP or BMS.
Configuration and customization of reports: As already discussed with the CMMS desktop, CMMS admins can personalize report templates, parameters, and formats to produce specific insights and analyses.
Calibration management: Calibration schedules, tolerance thresholds, and procedures can be configured for measurement equipment and instruments.
Asset tagging and labeling: Customizable systems and labeling standards can be set up to aid in the identification and monitoring of assets.
Summing it Up
Mobile CMMS
Mobile CMMS is perfect for maintenance teams that need to be flexible and able to move around easily. It is particularly useful for field technicians, remote locations, and businesses with dispersed assets like facilities management, utilities, and telecommunications. This system enables instant communication, quick access to important data, and effective task management, resulting in increased productivity and responsiveness.
Desktop CMMS
Desktop CMMS is recommended for comprehensive reporting, data analysis, and system configuration.
Reena Sommer
Reena Sommer has written extensively about CMMS and maintenance management best practices since 2018. Reena has been a contributor for Hippo CMMS, Click Maint among others. She has her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Reena hails from Winnipeg, Canada and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Many smaller companies feel maintenance management software is overkill for their organizations. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, even a one-person maintenance department can reap the benefits of maintenance management software. The same benefits realized by the maintenance crew in larger companies are there for smaller maintenance departments also.
Many smaller companies feel maintenance management software is overkill for their organizations. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, even a one-person maintenance department can reap the benefits of maintenance management software. The same benefits realized by the maintenance crew in larger companies are there for smaller maintenance departments also.
We now have the ability to automate many of our standard maintenance processes, analyse in detail various parts of our businesses, and the performance of our equipment. We are able to plan shutdowns, technical change projects and operational maintenance procedures down to a very fine level of detail. As maintenance management generally makes up around 40 - 50 % of operational budgets, the savings made possible from increased efficiency and reduction of waste are staggering.
We now have the ability to automate many of our standard maintenance processes, analyse in detail various parts of our businesses, and the performance of our equipment. We are able to plan shutdowns, technical change projects and operational maintenance procedures down to a very fine level of detail. As maintenance management generally makes up around 40 - 50 % of operational budgets, the savings made possible from increased efficiency and reduction of waste are staggering.
Facility management personnel in all industries have waited a long time for computer technology to become applicable and affordable enough to implement in their respective maintenance efforts. In recent years, flexible, dependable and economical computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) have become available to help fight the never-ending struggle to operate and maintain buildings of all shapes, sizes and functions.
Facility management personnel in all industries have waited a long time for computer technology to become applicable and affordable enough to implement in their respective maintenance efforts. In recent years, flexible, dependable and economical computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) have become available to help fight the never-ending struggle to operate and maintain buildings of all shapes, sizes and functions.
Training for users of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a multiple-phase process. There are three areas of training needs: basic training, application (CMMS) training, and internal training.
Training for users of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is a multiple-phase process. There are three areas of training needs: basic training, application (CMMS) training, and internal training.
The effectiveness of maintenance can make the difference between success and insolvency, between limping by financially and organizational excellence. Many companies and organizations consider their computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and processes as catalysts for achieving a competitive advantage. Yet, good intentions are only part of the recipe for success.
The effectiveness of maintenance can make the difference between success and insolvency, between limping by financially and organizational excellence. Many companies and organizations consider their computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and processes as catalysts for achieving a competitive advantage. Yet, good intentions are only part of the recipe for success.
The degree to which RCM analysis can contribute to profitability is directly variable with the quality and accuracy of the CMMS data on which the analysis is based. Because the technique is rigorous, its over-use will defeat the purpose and lead to cost overruns instead of savings. The way to optimize the RCM return is to apply the analysis strictly to the equipment and systems that will pay off from it, and to know this we must rely on the CMMS. This paper provides guidance for ensuring that the equipment data and history residing in a CMMS are complete and accurate; so that RCM analysis will be a success and positively impact a company’s bottom line, not hurt it.
The degree to which RCM analysis can contribute to profitability is directly variable with the quality and accuracy of the CMMS data on which the analysis is based. Because the technique is rigorous, its over-use will defeat the purpose and lead to cost overruns instead of savings. The way to optimize the RCM return is to apply the analysis strictly to the equipment and systems that will pay off from it, and to know this we must rely on the CMMS. This paper provides guidance for ensuring that the equipment data and history residing in a CMMS are complete and accurate; so that RCM analysis will be a success and positively impact a company’s bottom line, not hurt it.
Maintenance management is an around-the-clock challenge. Equipment failure can (and does) happen at inconvenient times–times when maintenance managers may be off-site and must rely on communication from technicians to convey problems and act efficiently. Mobile computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and applications provide live, synchronized status reports and other key features that can dramatically improve reaction time and efficiency.
Maintenance management is an around-the-clock challenge. Equipment failure can (and does) happen at inconvenient times–times when maintenance managers may be off-site and must rely on communication from technicians to convey problems and act efficiently. Mobile computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and applications provide live, synchronized status reports and other key features that can dramatically improve reaction time and efficiency.
The latest ARC Advisory Group study of the enterprise asset management (EAM/CMMS) software market profiles more than 80 maintenance application suppliers. This number of choices is enough to make any plant manager shudder. How can you pick the tool that is right for you? The tug-of-war between decision makers can make or break the success of an EAM/CMMS implementation. This article addresses the delicate balance of wants and needs, and how they apply in the application selection process.
The latest ARC Advisory Group study of the enterprise asset management (EAM/CMMS) software market profiles more than 80 maintenance application suppliers. This number of choices is enough to make any plant manager shudder. How can you pick the tool that is right for you? The tug-of-war between decision makers can make or break the success of an EAM/CMMS implementation. This article addresses the delicate balance of wants and needs, and how they apply in the application selection process.
Now that the best EAM/ CMMS application for your business has been selected, the deployment phase begins. But an EAM system is not a plug-and-play application. Will you miss out on some real operational savings? Will the data be clean enough to provide value in a production environment? Will processes be tailored to match the new system, or will they be optimized to improve business? Is the vendor knowledgeable about your specific industry or regulatory requirements?
Now that the best EAM/ CMMS application for your business has been selected, the deployment phase begins. But an EAM system is not a plug-and-play application. Will you miss out on some real operational savings? Will the data be clean enough to provide value in a production environment? Will processes be tailored to match the new system, or will they be optimized to improve business? Is the vendor knowledgeable about your specific industry or regulatory requirements?
A whopping 94.7 percent of plant maintenance managers feel they are not using their computerized maintenance management software system to its maximum capability, according to the results of a national CMMS survey conducted for Reliable Plant magazine by educator, consultant and author Kris Bagadia. “I knew that it was going to be a high percentage. I didn’t know it was going to be that high,” says Bagadia.
A whopping 94.7 percent of plant maintenance managers feel they are not using their computerized maintenance management software system to its maximum capability, according to the results of a national CMMS survey conducted for Reliable Plant magazine by educator, consultant and author Kris Bagadia. “I knew that it was going to be a high percentage. I didn’t know it was going to be that high,” says Bagadia.
What is a failure code? Quite simply, it is a code that illustrates why an asset failed or the reason that the asset failed. Codes can be a number which is cross referenced to a list of actual code descriptions or more conveniently a series of alphanumeric characters that are a logical abbreviation of their descriptions. However, with modern database technology and available disk space, the full descriptions are increasingly being used instead of alphanumeric codes.
What is a failure code? Quite simply, it is a code that illustrates why an asset failed or the reason that the asset failed. Codes can be a number which is cross referenced to a list of actual code descriptions or more conveniently a series of alphanumeric characters that are a logical abbreviation of their descriptions. However, with modern database technology and available disk space, the full descriptions are increasingly being used instead of alphanumeric codes.
An elephant is a large animal and it is doubtful anyone would want to eat one. But the old proverb, with a little twist, has a similar paradox to implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Not developing the proper steps to implementation may lead a company to failure.
An elephant is a large animal and it is doubtful anyone would want to eat one. But the old proverb, with a little twist, has a similar paradox to implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Not developing the proper steps to implementation may lead a company to failure.
Most, if not all, companies use CMMS systems to oversee their maintenance activities. From home-grown systems to complete ERP systems, leveraging technology allows companies to more efficiently and effectively manage their maintenance, repair and operations activities. So as a core maintenance function, surely routine, lubrication-related preventive and predictive activities such as regreasing motor bearings, taking oil samples, and executing oil top-offs and inspections belong in the CMMS system like any other maintenance task, right?
Most, if not all, companies use CMMS systems to oversee their maintenance activities. From home-grown systems to complete ERP systems, leveraging technology allows companies to more efficiently and effectively manage their maintenance, repair and operations activities. So as a core maintenance function, surely routine, lubrication-related preventive and predictive activities such as regreasing motor bearings, taking oil samples, and executing oil top-offs and inspections belong in the CMMS system like any other maintenance task, right?
In this year literally billions of dollars will be spent, in many different countries, on implementing CMMS and enterprise level systems. Some corporations, such as RIO TINTO and BHP, have attempted to circumvent a lot of this cost by developing implementation templates for use across their global operations.
In this year literally billions of dollars will be spent, in many different countries, on implementing CMMS and enterprise level systems. Some corporations, such as RIO TINTO and BHP, have attempted to circumvent a lot of this cost by developing implementation templates for use across their global operations.
Defining the real need for new software and staying focused is tricky. There are so many variables along the way to a good software implementation that falling off the track is easy. There has to be a central theme to guide the decisions that will be made during the process. Simple steps early in the project keep decisions simple when times get tough.
Defining the real need for new software and staying focused is tricky. There are so many variables along the way to a good software implementation that falling off the track is easy. There has to be a central theme to guide the decisions that will be made during the process. Simple steps early in the project keep decisions simple when times get tough.
Good Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) that schedules preventive maintenance work orders on your equipment is an integral component of any efficient maintenance department. Preventive and scheduled maintenance, efficiently scheduled, will not only reduce your maintenance costs, but will minimize emergency repairs and downtime, resulting in an increase in overall profitability.
Good Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) that schedules preventive maintenance work orders on your equipment is an integral component of any efficient maintenance department. Preventive and scheduled maintenance, efficiently scheduled, will not only reduce your maintenance costs, but will minimize emergency repairs and downtime, resulting in an increase in overall profitability.
Industry pacesetters use real-time equipment data to prioritize and optimize their maintenance resources. The process is straightforward in concept: use real-time data to determine the equipment health, but only inform the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) when maintenance is actually necessary. From there, the CMMS automatically produces the work order and uses the workflow that is already familiar to all maintenance personnel.
Industry pacesetters use real-time equipment data to prioritize and optimize their maintenance resources. The process is straightforward in concept: use real-time data to determine the equipment health, but only inform the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) when maintenance is actually necessary. From there, the CMMS automatically produces the work order and uses the workflow that is already familiar to all maintenance personnel.
CMMS systems, as we have come to know them, come basically from two distinct families. These are ERP systems such as SAP, JDE and the PRONTO system and EAM systems such as Epac, MIMS and a plethora of other systems. When most maintenance practitioners refer to CMMS systems they are in reality talking about EAM systems.
CMMS systems, as we have come to know them, come basically from two distinct families. These are ERP systems such as SAP, JDE and the PRONTO system and EAM systems such as Epac, MIMS and a plethora of other systems. When most maintenance practitioners refer to CMMS systems they are in reality talking about EAM systems.
To manufacture products on such a large scale means stocking a lot of equipment to maintain the operation. Fort Saskatchewan plant in Alberta, Canada, Roy Lura, process leader, estimated an inventory of more than 15,000 pieces of equipment. Until recently, however, there was no way to adequately track the items. With the help of a barcode-driven tracking system, this has changed.
To manufacture products on such a large scale means stocking a lot of equipment to maintain the operation. Fort Saskatchewan plant in Alberta, Canada, Roy Lura, process leader, estimated an inventory of more than 15,000 pieces of equipment. Until recently, however, there was no way to adequately track the items. With the help of a barcode-driven tracking system, this has changed.
For most companies, gone are the days when users were forced to conform to a rigid framework dictated by the CMMS vendor and strictly controlled by the Information Systems department. Users today enjoy freedom to customise the content, look and feel of their CMMS environment on a variety of devices, from handhelds to desktops. With modern computers and software, users are overwhelmed with choices.
For most companies, gone are the days when users were forced to conform to a rigid framework dictated by the CMMS vendor and strictly controlled by the Information Systems department. Users today enjoy freedom to customise the content, look and feel of their CMMS environment on a variety of devices, from handhelds to desktops. With modern computers and software, users are overwhelmed with choices.
This paper presents an overview of an integrated process for system maintenance, fault diagnosis and support. The solution is based on Qualtech System, Inc.’s (QSI’s) TEAMS toolset for integrated diagnostics and involves several key innovations. As a showcase of the integrated solution, QSI, along with Antech Systems and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), have recently completed a research project for the Information Technology Branch at the Naval Air Warfare Center–Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) in St. Inigoes, MD. The entire system, termed ADAPTS (Adaptive Diagnostic And Personalized Technical Support), provides a comprehensive solution to integrated maintenance and training.
This paper presents an overview of an integrated process for system maintenance, fault diagnosis and support. The solution is based on Qualtech System, Inc.’s (QSI’s) TEAMS toolset for integrated diagnostics and involves several key innovations. As a showcase of the integrated solution, QSI, along with Antech Systems and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), have recently completed a research project for the Information Technology Branch at the Naval Air Warfare Center–Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD) in St. Inigoes, MD. The entire system, termed ADAPTS (Adaptive Diagnostic And Personalized Technical Support), provides a comprehensive solution to integrated maintenance and training.
Much has been written in the past about the implementation of maintenance software (CMMS systems). This article takes a slightly different approach in that it attempts to explain some of the pitfalls associated with first time implementation in SME's. It suggests a "try before you buy" approach, which stages the maintenance software implementation to reduce both risk and cost. Tales of failed implementations abound and failure rates of 40% to 80% are commonly quoted. Real statistics are hard to come by but the following data is both relevant and current.
Much has been written in the past about the implementation of maintenance software (CMMS systems). This article takes a slightly different approach in that it attempts to explain some of the pitfalls associated with first time implementation in SME's. It suggests a "try before you buy" approach, which stages the maintenance software implementation to reduce both risk and cost. Tales of failed implementations abound and failure rates of 40% to 80% are commonly quoted. Real statistics are hard to come by but the following data is both relevant and current.
Corrective Maintenance Task. Generation is best performed by the. same personnel who perform corrective maintenance. The normal. technician’s time schedule does not. allow the time to document tasks in. detail. Some companies rely on the maintenance supervisor to document. and implement new preventative and corrective maintenance tasks.
Corrective Maintenance Task. Generation is best performed by the. same personnel who perform corrective maintenance. The normal. technician’s time schedule does not. allow the time to document tasks in. detail. Some companies rely on the maintenance supervisor to document. and implement new preventative and corrective maintenance tasks.
When selecting pressure measurement transmitters, the first stage is whether to opt for a transducer or a transmitter. Although the terms are often confused, there are several differences between transducer and transmitter devices. A transducer creates a low-level electronic signal in response to changes in applied or differential pressure. As with transmitters, transducers feature an internal sensor that converts the applied force into an electrical signal, from which the measurement is derived.
When selecting pressure measurement transmitters, the first stage is whether to opt for a transducer or a transmitter. Although the terms are often confused, there are several differences between transducer and transmitter devices. A transducer creates a low-level electronic signal in response to changes in applied or differential pressure. As with transmitters, transducers feature an internal sensor that converts the applied force into an electrical signal, from which the measurement is derived.
