Improving Reliability: 7 Mistakes to Avoid with CMMS/EAM Software

Question:

I recently came across an insightful article titled "The 7 Mistakes of CMMS/EAM - A Mea Culpa" by Dave Loesch from Oracle Corp. The seven mistakes of CMMS highlighted in the article are truly eye-opening and thought-provoking. It is crucial for maintenance practitioners to understand that investing in a CMMS software may not always lead to improved reliability. In fact, reliability analysis should be the first step in the process, with purchasing a CMMS software coming later in the process. Despite facing resistance from traditionalists and CMMS vendors, it is important to emphasize the importance of prioritizing reliability improvement over simply purchasing a software solution. What are your thoughts on this topic? Feel free to share your insights and opinions.

Top Replies

A CMMS software system is a powerful and essential tool for maintenance management. However, its effectiveness ultimately relies on the skill and commitment of the user to yield the desired outcomes.

Let's give a shoutout to alternative maintenance software options. Steve and I have previously discussed this topic on various forums. Steve specializes in reliability analysis software, while I am a knowledgeable CMMS consultant. As Dave Loesch wisely pointed out, the key to maximizing return on investment (ROI) is not just the software itself, but the optimization of business processes tailored to each company and maintenance team. This principle can be applied across all software applications, including maintenance software. It's important to note the distinction between EAM and CMMS systems, with many smaller companies opting for the more affordable CMMS solutions. Investing in software without the ability to effectively utilize it can result in wasted resources. It's unlikely that a company without a CMMS system in place would benefit from complex reliability software. Claims that CMMS software hinders reliability improvement are unfounded and likely propagated by reliability software vendors. As an impartial CMMS consultant, I prioritize finding the most suitable solution for my clients without bias towards any particular software product.

Bryan and Steve, your insights on the importance of business processes and reliability improvements are spot on. The business process can be compared to an iceberg, with the analysis aspect visible above the water and the implementation hidden below. Utilizing reliability and CMMS software can enhance the visible part of the process, while EAMS can greatly impact the hidden aspects. It's important to remember that software alone cannot improve performance, but it can aid in decision-making, improve communication, and create audit trails. When utilized effectively, a strong CMMS system can empower employees, streamline organizational structures, and boost job satisfaction. However, it is crucial to remember that a solid business process is still essential for success.

When establishing a new company and developing a maintenance program, it is essential to prioritize reliability analysis before implementing a CMMS. By integrating the RCM methodology into the design and definition of the asset maintenance process from the outset, organizations can set a solid foundation for their maintenance practices. However, for businesses that have been operating for years with an existing CMMS in place, the transition to a new system may be driven by factors other than just improving reliability, such as vendor support issues or decisions from higher management. In such cases, the RCM methodology can still be applied to enhance the existing maintenance program through an improvement project.

It is crucial to acknowledge that successful implementation of Business Processes is essential for achieving optimal performance results. With each new version, EAM tools offer a wider array of functionalities, supporting a more comprehensive range of processes. However, in order for companies to fully reap the benefits of these tools, behavioral changes are necessary. It is common for companies to expect immediate results after implementing new software, but changing behaviors takes time. Often, old habits are carried over into the new software usage, hindering the realization of benefits. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for the next version of EAM to take a phased approach to implementation. By gradually introducing new processes and tools, companies can focus on learning and mastering new behaviors before moving on to the next set of processes. This approach, proposed by Steve Shores, would facilitate a smoother transition and maximize the benefits of EAM tools.

I absolutely agree with your perspective. Sometimes we get so invested in the idea of a "magic solution" like a CMMS software that we forget it's merely a tool, not a guarantee of results. It's like purchasing a top-notch hammer and expecting that alone to build you a house. True reliability, as you've mentioned, is rooted in a comprehensive and well-thought-out analysis. The software can aid the process, but it's definitely not the complete solution. We should lean more into strategic planning and less on automation to take the lead in our maintenance management endeavours.

I couldn't agree more! As someone working in maintenance, I've seen the pitfalls of rushing into purchasing CMMS software without a thorough analysis of reliability. Systems can be expensive and if not chosen wisely could lead to financial drain without significant improvements. Prioritizing an in-depth reliability analysis ensures we understand our system pain points and inefficiencies before investing in solutions. A CMMS tool should aid our reliability efforts, not replace or override them. It’s like fixing a clock; you first have to understand what’s wrong before buying the tools to fix it. It's definitely a topic worth debating more!

More Replies β†’

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

βœ…   Work Order Management

βœ…   Asset Tracking

βœ…   Preventive Maintenance

βœ…   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why is it important to prioritize reliability improvement over purchasing a CMMS software?

Answer: - Prioritizing reliability improvement ensures that the root causes of maintenance issues are addressed first, leading to more effective use of the CMMS software when implemented.

FAQ: 2. What are the common mistakes to avoid with CMMS/EAM software, as highlighted in the article "The 7 Mistakes of CMMS/EAM - A Mea Culpa"?

Answer: - The article mentions seven mistakes that maintenance practitioners should avoid when utilizing CMMS/EAM software. These mistakes can include improper implementation, lack of reliability analysis, and more.

FAQ: 3. How can maintenance practitioners overcome resistance from traditionalists and CMMS vendors when emphasizing the importance of reliability improvement?

Answer: - It's important to communicate the benefits of prioritizing reliability improvement, such as reduced downtime, improved asset performance, and cost savings, to gain buy-in from traditionalists and vendors.

FAQ: 4. What role does reliability analysis play in the process of investing in a CMMS software?

Answer: - Reliability analysis should be the initial step in the process, as it helps identify areas for improvement and informs the selection and implementation of a CMMS software to address those specific needs.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  β†’