CMMS software has changed a great deal over the last decade. With the introduction of web-based applications, SaaS models and mobile apps, the industry has grown and developed in ways that have enhanced software functionality, user-experience, and access to top-notch systems. And while CMMS software has become more valuable, the cost of using CMMS software has decreased. These two trends are a win-win for CMMS customers, who are getting more bang for their buck.
Despite recent advances, there are still some common misconceptions about with maintenance management software. Here are the facts needed to combat these myths and optimize your maintenance program.
Myth #1: It's Expensive
CMMS software is not expensive, nor should it be. There should be no financial barrier for organizations of any size – from small businesses to large enterprises - ensuring efficiency and success isn't hindered by a limited budget.
While there are very affordable CMMS software options out there, this is not a universal rule. Like any industry, there are software companies that haven't embraced the new model or see an opportunity to capitalize on the marketplace. Either due to success of the older model, or a lack of desire or ability to evolve, these companies inflate the price of their product. However, at SOMAX, we believe that software should be affordable, which is why price has fallen so steeply over the past few years while product quality continues to rise.
Myth #2: Setup Takes Forever
Setting up a good maintenance management system does take time if you're new to CMMS and starting from scratch. On the other hand, CMMS users who already have a system in place and are simply converting to a new one can save a great deal of time if the data is already in good shape.
There are ways companies can help the setup process move along efficiently. First, the introduction of mobile apps and the ability to walk around a facility, snap pictures, input equipment information and move on with your day has completely shifted this process from cumbersome to clean and simple. By using mobile apps, the same process can be expanded to include parts in a store room. Instead of dragging around spreadsheets and being tied to a computer for inventory reports, anyone can walk around a store room, take pictures and input part information including location and on-hand inventory.
Utilizing mobile apps to populate CMMS with data can reduce the amount of set up work required by days. In addition, the ability to build a library of equipment, preventive maintenance, condition assessment and work information about your facility, and drag and drop items from that library into your system eliminates a ton of system setup time as well. In all, modern CMMS software gives you the ability to reduce setup time, and focus on what really matters: keeping your operation running smoothly.
Myth #3: It's Hard to Learn
Just like the personal technology we use on a daily basis, CMMS software is has become extremely user friendly. Training requirements are minimal, and onboarding is a rapid process. Even someone with little to no experience using software or mobile apps can quickly acclimate themselves to the program.
For example, during a training session we worked with a new customer who has never felt comfortable with computers and specifically said, "My son does all my Facebook for me." But after a brief training session, he was going over elements of the system with his own team members. He was more than comfortable using SOMAX software and it was a great success!
Myth #4: Installation Required
Nope, no installation required. No servers, no downloads (except for downloading a mobile app), no equipment to buy. Simply log in and get started. You can be up and running in minutes.
Myth #5: Your Data Isn't Secure
This myth was born when Software as a Service (SaaS) models first hit the market and data was moved from on-site servers to the cloud. It’s less of a concern today, as SaaS offerings have essentially become the norm and IT has shifted from on-site data management to support, security and policy management for hosted applications. However, it’s worth addressing. Industry leading CMMS software vendors should take great pride in data security, and provide details on the measures put in place to keep data safe and secure.
Myth #6: You're Team Won’t Like It
Change is not easy, no matter what the context. And transitioning to a new CMMS system can potentially have pushback from employees hesitant to deviate from the status quo. "How am I going to get (insert name of team member with 30 years of experience here) to want to use your product? I can barely get him to turn in his paper work orders!"
The sentiment behind most pushback on a new software system is rooted in these statements:
I don't understand software
I don't want to sit at a computer
Sometimes there isn't time to make a work order, stuff needs to be fixed!
On the contrary, CMMS will make tasks easier and more accessible on the move. For example, if the team member doesn't understand software, that's fine, there's a simple app, training available, help information and more. No computer or desk required.
Also, if a work order takes ten seconds, and checking out parts takes ten seconds, and those twenty seconds could save hours of work at some point, isn't that worth it?
Myth #7: You Don't Have Time Right Now
Here's our last myth, and it's a tough one. We know that time can sometimes be a bigger determining factor than money when it comes to starting a new project. That's just the thing though, we think that once you see how far CMMS software has come in the past few years, you'll believe, just like we do, that rather than viewing CMMS as burden, you'll view it as a vital tool that can save both time and money in the long run.
There is a significant return on investment for time spend properly implementing a maintenance management software. By leveraging new technology, you can ensure that your operation runs better than it ever has, with less breakdowns, happier employees and customers, and more time to focus on improving operations, rather than fighting fires.
