Overseeing a facility is a challenging task, especially if it is a manufacturing or processing factory with a lot of equipment and machines. Ashcom Technologies states, “Experienced maintenance managers rely on comprehensive maintenance software programs to help them reduce costs, increase performance and strengthen internal functioning.”
Inventory Management
Maintenance departments often have their own internal inventory storage areas that contain hundreds of parts. This could be anything from spare machine parts to argon gas to biodegradable cleaning solutions. Maintenance inventory management is often a nightmare because maintenance professionals must prioritize fixing broken machines to avoid downtime. When they run from job to job, it is understandably difficult to track parts and pieces used out of inventory at the end of a hectic day.
However, inventory management systems are user-friendly and easy to update. Having an accurate inventory count will save the company a lot of money in the long run because purchases can be automatically ordered weeks ahead of time. Equally important, a proper inventory count helps maintenance to maintain an effective preventative maintenance program.
Preventative Maintenance
Timely inspections every week or month will lower maintenance costs, save time and drastically reduce downtime. Bear in mind that even just a few minutes of downtime in a production facility can cost thousands of dollars. However, if there isn’t a part available, such as hard to source ball bearings, then an entire production line may have to be shut down for the day. CMMS software programs provide timely reminders and detailed records of maintenance history.
This means that after many years of use, even a new maintenance manager can access the CMMS system to review past maintenance developments. This function also allows maintenance managers to create customized reports for consultations with industrial repair professionals. Having an easily accessible maintenance history will reduce work redundancies and wasted time. It also allows office personnel to simply print out a history log to give to an outside contractor called in to fix the machine without having to involve the maintenance department.
Improved Safety Management
One of the best ways to ensure the safety of employees is through maintaining properly functioning equipment and machines. Poorly maintained equipment is one of the leading causes of employee accidents. Sometimes, these do not occur because of the machinery itself, but when the employees improperly shut down the machine to fix it without completely shutting off the power.
Many CMMS systems come with a safety monitoring function that allows maintenance managers to quickly review the manufacturer’s documentation, which will include safety guidelines. This also allows HR, maintenance and operations managers to review the complete repair history when making critical decisions regarding equipment upgrades or replacements. Having this documentation is very useful to share with an OSHA inspector who suddenly shows up for a surprise visit.
Overall, regularly checked and maintained machines are much more likely to last longer and prevent accidents. CMMS systems improve inventory and preventative management efficiencies. They also drastically reduce potential accidents and equipment breakdowns, thus reducing production downtime, OSHA time loss and expensive repair and legal costs.
