It’s no secret that technology is supposed to simplify and streamline plant maintenance operations. The challenge lies in understanding how exactly these things are accomplished by implementing new technology solutions.
Plant maintenance software was designed with simplicity and productivity in mind. Its features were made to fit into existing workflows to improve the way you work.
This brief overview will show you everything you need to know about plant maintenance software and why your business shouldn’t be without it.
What Is Plant Maintenance Software?
Plant maintenance software is a program that facilitates some or all of your maintenance-related tasks. No matter your industry, whether it’s building cabinets or producing steel, mixing chemicals or bottling beverages, the one thing that keeps business going is well-maintained equipment. When one piece breaks down, it can bring your entire production line to a grinding halt, which usually means a drop in productivity and, ultimately, profits.
Plant maintenance software acts as an insurance policy against unexpected breakage or malfunctions by helping you perform ongoing routine maintenance on machines and equipment before larger issues arise.
The software and its functions can vary between industries, but the core focus remains the same: giving you a higher chance of doing business as usual with little to no interruption.
Benefits of Plant Maintenance Software
The benefits of plant maintenance software are multifold. While features can vary between software companies, you can generally expect the following:
- Establish routine maintenance procedures to keep equipment in optimal working order
- Reduce costs associated with equipment maintenance
- Provide a central resource hub for maintenance workers
- Reduce man-hours required to perform maintenance tasks
- Machines have a longer lifecycle because of ongoing servicing
- Data collection via the software can deliver additional operational insights to give you more opportunities for improvement
This isn’t an exhaustive list of benefits plant maintenance software offers, but they’re the ones you’re most likely to notice regardless of your industry.
Features to Look for in a Plant Maintenance Software Solution
The above benefits are accomplished through a variety of software features, such as calendars and scheduling tools, inventory management, and knowledge bases.
However, keep in mind that it’s how you leverage these features that will determine your software’s effectiveness. Choosing an all-in-one CMMS software solution based on how many features it has doesn’t mean it’s the best solution for your business.
Some features you might consider looking for include the following:
- Ability to customize how you upload and organize documents
- Employee database to manage daily activities
- On-the-go recording and accessibility (ie from your smartphone or tablet)
- Ability to set alerts and reminders
- Automated workflows and work order dispatching
- Custom reporting features to develop deeper insights into your operations
- Regulatory compliance features
- Simple user interface for faster onboarding
- Training tutorials and FAQs to help users learn how to use the software
- Unique login credentials for each worker
- Password-protected security to keep critical data safe
- 24/7 software support
Plant maintenance software may offer additional features to help you work smarter. It’s up to you to determine how important each feature is to your goals and whether a solution will help you simplify maintenance or add a layer of complexity.
Keep in mind that not all plant maintenance software programs are the same. Investing in the wrong solution can complicate processes and eliminate any potential benefits you might have gained.
If you want to see a noticeable improvement in how you perform plant maintenance, it’s crucial you understand exactly what you stand to gain before you implement a new program. A little research can go a long way in determining your department’s success for years to come.