A Computerized Maintenance Management System or CMMS is a software program that has been designed and developed so that the process of maintenance management is simplified. The other name for this CMMS is EAM or Enterprise Asset Management.

In this write up, let us find out the basic meaning of the term CMMS. For better understanding, the term has been individually explained in the paragraphs that follow. So, check out the information below.

The term CMMS is made up of 3 words, namely, Computerized, Maintenance, and Management. So, let us find out what each term denotes.

Computerized

When we refer to any process as computerized, it means that the procedure in question is not taken care of manually, but it is automated and that the data related to maintenance is stored on a computer.

Although, storing maintenance data on a computer is not a new concept, however, in the yesteryears, data used to be stored manually by maintaining a record with pencil and pen. In other words, the entire process of maintenance was “reactive” and not “proactive” unlike today.

As such, maintenance work used to be taken care of only when something went wrong and it was then that the need to fix the problem was thought of.

However, these days, preventive maintenance is the mantra and before anything goes wrong in the system, you act beforehand so that the cost incurred is less to repair a damaged system.

However, with the advent of computerized maintenance systems that were introduced way back in the later part of the 1980s, more and more companies migrated to computerized systems from pencil and paper or manual processes of maintenance operations.

Meaning of the term Maintenance

Maintenance is basically the work that the professionals handling the CMMS software perform on a daily basis. In other words, it is not when the need arises that the professionals jump into action and carry out the maintenance work, but carry out inspection on a regular basis that is part and parcel of the package and the system.

When the question of maintenance comes, it is also seen that the individuals working on the system are able to “prioritize” the work orders and maintenance schedule aside from taking care of the inventory. One of the main benefits that the professionals working on CMMS software enjoy is that their manual work is reduced greatly and they eventually migrate away from extensive paperwork and rather focus on computerized maintenance schedules and processes.

Management

Now that we are well aware of the meaning of the terms computerized, maintenance, management is the next term that requires explanation and understanding. When management is being talked about, it is basically maintenance management or managing the maintenance work that is computerized.

In fact, this is perhaps the most essential component among all 3 because sound management ensures success. Management also means that you will get an insight into the schedule of work orders, status of inventory, forecasts, and ability to access stored data on computer promptly.

System

System is referred to as combination of the above 3 that works in tandem to give rise to a system. When we refer to failures, success, benefits, types of CMMS, it refers to the overall system.

In a nutshell, there are many vendors that offer this software. Due diligence will help you to locate the most reliable one so that you can deal with the company. Pricing, functionalities, benefits, types of packages available, and ROI are a few of the aspects that you require to pay heed to when you zero-in on the right service provider. Besides, the reputation and past track record also counts while selecting the CMMS vendor of your choice.