Web Based CMMS Software & EAM Reviews Malaysia, Singapore + Iran

Web Based CMMS Press Release: Multi-Lingual Support Fuels eMaint CMMS Expansion into Latin American Market

eMaint Enterprises, a leading provider of Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS), recently expanded its staff to include customer support in Spanish and Portuguese to better support its existing client base. These efforts have proven to be a catalyst into new Latin American markets.

Marlton, NJ (Vocus) September 8, 2010

eMaint Enterprises, headquartered in Marlton, New Jersey has been providing maintenance management software solutions since 1986. Their flagship product, X3 CMMS supports multiple languages and is deployed at hundreds of customer sites in 23 countries. Spanish-language product support is utilized by several of eMaint’s clients with bi-lingual software needs.

Pete Woodruff, an experienced instructor and translator who is fluent in English, Portuguese and Spanish, joined eMaint early in 2009 to support a growing client base in Brazil, provide ongoing system and website translation services, and deliver support services to Spanish-speaking U.S. clients. Clients such as Orange County Container Group utilize Spanish-language support and training services at their plants in Mexico and English-language support at their California headquarters.

As eMaint updated its corporate web site and expanded its online presence, requests for its X3 CMMS began to come in from countries throughout Latin America who were performing online searches for maintenance management software.

The availability of its product in Spanish, along with Spanish-speaking support staff, enabled eMaint to develop new clients from Mexico, Venezuela, and Bolivia. Venezuelan-based Iscar Ground Services, who uses eMaint X3 to manage maintenance operations on airplanes and conveyor systems at five airport locations throughout Venezuela, was among the first clients to deploy eMaint’s Spanish-language version of X3.

eMaint’s most recent client in Latin America is OMSA, a tin mining and refinery operation in a remote, mountainous region in Bolivia. They access eMaint’s web-based CMMS system via satellite to plan and track maintenance of their mining excavation and smelting equipment. Prior to implementing X3, maintenance was only performed in response to emergencies, such as fires or breakdowns.

What began as an added feature to support U.S. clients has grown into an opportunity for further international expansion for eMaint. Woodruff notes, “Clients in South America are searching for U.S.-based software and technology companies with a proven track record who can provide native-language customer and product support.”

Based on these early successes, eMaint is currently working on the translation of its corporate web site into Spanish. For more information on eMaint products and services, please visit the eMaint web site.

Source: http://www.prweb.com

Web based CMMS Disadvantages

Most of the company always trying to figure out what are the advantages of using a web based CMMS software program, fixed asset tracking software , or asset tracking software in manufacturing or in any industrial operation. The following is an article written by S.W. Smith talking about the disadvantages of using web based CMMS program. Please continue reading.

Image source: http://www.gocfi.com/images/maximo/Maximo%20Work%20Mgmt%20Screenshot_800.jpg

Disadvantages of Desktop Based CMMS
By S W Smith

CMMS or Computerized Maintenance Management System is software that allows companies to keep track of maintenance that has been done, or can schedule work needing to be done in the future. This software also allows companies to track the cost of repairs as well integrate a variety of preventive maintenance techniques. That being said there are basically two ways that CMMS software is implemented.

The first way that a CMMS solution is implemented is by utilizing a web-based approach. What this means is that the servers that house the software that runs CMMS is typically not the property of the actual company using the CMMS. They basically outsource this task to others. One major reason this is done is that it allows those who need to have access to the CMMS database can have 24/7/365 access from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection.

The second way that CMMS is implemented is the desktop or network approach. The way that the desktop approach is typically implemented is by allowing the company that requires the use of the CMMS software to have all control over the hardware and software. This system is usually implemented and maintained by the company's IT department. While there are some advantages and disadvantages to each approach, the disadvantages of a desktop based approach seem to outweigh the advantages.

For one, a major disadvantage of a desktop implementation is the access. If you recall, a web-based CMMS allows you to access the servers from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. This is not true with a desktop configuration. With a desktop, you can only access when you are on your companies network. Another big disadvantage to a desktop configuration is the high initial costs associated with making this work.

If you recall, with a hosted CMMS approach a third party maintains the server hardware that is required to run the CMMS software. So, when something goes wrong, and it eventually will, you are not responsible to fix the server hardware. Not so with a desktop configuration. With a desktop approach if anything happens to the hardware or software that runs on your company servers, your company pays to have it fixed, not to mention the higher start up costs associated with the desktop approach as you have to buy the hardware and software yourself.

Stuart Smith writes about Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) Solutions for Mintek Mobile Data Solutions. Learn more about EAM/CMMS features that can help your business navigate through tough economic times.

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How to get the most out of your CMMS

Experience shows there are three key groups that must buy in on the initial selection of a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and then the ongoing use of the system. Common to each of these groups is an understanding of their culture and the environment in which the system will be used. This is critical to CMMS success.

1) Maintenance: Technicians must see the CMMS as a tool that will help them do a better job, be more efficient and improve work processes. It can't be viewed as a system management is using to "watch them" or give the perception that someone always is peering over their shoulder.

Because technicians will use the CMMS daily, they will grow to depend on it. Early acceptance is important and buy-in during the initial evaluations is critical. Their CMMS will become an integral tool that they learn to rely on and trust in for helping them do their jobs to their best abilities as maintenance professionals every day.

2) Equipment users: Production and engineering personnel must see the value CMMS delivers for prompt and effective maintenance. These are the resources responsible for producing product and generating output; therefore, their lines must operate at their highest levels as much as possible. Preventive maintenance must be coordinated with production and unplanned maintenance must be performed quickly so as not to impact production.

Personnel at the equipment level will be able to recognize the value of a CMMS and understand that proactive maintenance on critical equipment is essential. Having the right CMMS tool that enables maintenance pros to do this work is key.

3) Management: People in management roles should view the CMMS as a means of obtaining metrics regarding maintenance deployment and equipment performance. Through reporting on work performed, planned and in process, management can improve its decision-making process. Having updated information on equipment maintenance history and relative maintenance cost enables management to control resources and costs more effectively. The right CMMS must be able to provide the data management needs for this process.

Bringing these groups together during the selection and implementation planning stages will set the tone for ongoing CMMS success. Such a process will also encourage user input to help determine the type of system that is the best fit for the company. This should take into account the size of organization that will be using the CMMS, functionality required, facility type, budget and return on investment. These components will influence how an organization will achieve the desired results from a CMMS.

IMPLEMENTATION

Software will not "implement itself." Unfortunately, many companies aren't deriving much benefit from their CMMS because the system has been poorly implemented. By taking a systematic approach to the CMMS implementation, organizations will be on a better path for success.

Database building must be planned and checked for effectiveness at predetermined steps. It is essential to have one person actively involved and in charge to ensure proper implementation. Many implementations fail because the database hasn't been built systematically; several people have entered their own data without direction as to what is needed or expected, resulting in a system that only can be used by the implementer. Proper implementation consists of building the database to match the environment (data formats, how data is recorded, manipulated and managed) and developing a systematic use of the CMMS that is consistent on a daily basis.

Training on how to use the CMMS is often a key component of implementation and provides a disciplined approach to best system usage. It also provides a means for educating multiple users across different disciplines on how to use the system for each of their areas.

CONCLUSION

Software alone won't improve how an organization handles maintenance. System users must understand how the CMMS works and how it can be trusted as a tool to improve work processes and effectiveness. Maintenance, equipment users and management all should view a CMMS as a means for controlling costs and increasing capacity. Having this mind-set is a huge step toward getting the most from a system.

Source: www.benchmate.com

Benefits of Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS Software)

S. W. Smith

For those who are not familiar with Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS Software) it is software that allows an organization to build a database of maintenance records. CMMS software can contain things such as when the last time maintenance was performed on a piece of machinery to how many spare parts you may have laying around in the warehouse.

There are basically two different ways to implement a CMMS software. Depending on which CMMS implementation you choose it will affect, at least initially, the benefits and cost savings your organization will enjoy as a result. One Option, the desktop or network implementation calls for your organization to purchase and maintain the servers required to run the software within your organization. The other option, a web-based CMMS software approach requires your organization to pay a 3rd party to be responsible for the maintenance and troubleshooting of the servers and hardware required.. Regardless of which approach is implemented the end result will be efficiency and cost savings for your company.

One of the benefits of CMMS software will be the reduction of operating costs because of the reduced maintenance that will be required when you have everything in a single database. You also reduce the long term maintenance costs because you would be minimizing breakdowns and sudden or emergency repairs. Another benefit is a reduction of hiring contractors to keep up with preventative maintenance work. With more up-time being experienced as a result of implementing CMMS system, this will translate into more time for your regular maintenance staff to perform the preventative maintenance that you might be paying outside contractors to perform.

The bottom line is that once you implement a CMMS software the cost savings will just keep piling up over time. The reason this works is the domino affect. Once you are able to give attention to preventive maintenance it automatically opens up more time for the staff to perform other tasks. You are actually costing your company more money by NOT implementing a CMMS solution into your organization. If you were to sit down and run the numbers you really can't afford to not implement a CMMS into your organization. Whether you have 5 employees or 500 employees there is a CMMS solution that is right for you.

Stuart Smith writes about Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) Solutions for Mintek Mobile Data Solutions. Learn more about EAM/CMMS features that can help your business navigate through tough economic times.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S_W_Smith

CMMS Software Review: What Is The Best CMMS For Your Business?

CMMS Software will not become the best tool if you don't know how to utilized it. CMMS software will always depend on the type of business or the industry it will going to apply. Ashley Combs of Ashcom Technologies provides a knowledge-based business solutions to clients through a multitude of strategies and tools. He said that in the process, clients receive a sustainable competitive advantage through the implementation of proactive strategies and technologies. CMMS plays a large role in this process. Ashley Combs shared an article entitled: The Best CMMS For Your Business. Continue reading below:

The Best CMMS For Your Business

Failing to take advantage of the latest technology to improve your business is like having a car and taking the subway to work- it simply doesn't qualify as practical. Computer Maintenance Management Software is not exactly next generation, but when it comes to improving your maintenance management, it is your best companion. It's agreeable that the importance of a CMMS is beyond question, but what's a good CMMS? On a company scale, you have to think about everyone, and how easy a time they will have operating it.

Usability is the first major characteristic that you need to look for in a CMMS program. Not everyone majored or studied IT. For a database that may have high levels of sophistication, a CMMS may take some time to register with your employees, especially those that are directly going to make use of it, and probably on a daily basis. Try to get software that will be easy to understand and operate. True, some intrinsic parts like settings adjustment and may require someone with IT knowledge, but all in all it should be easy to operate and run. The shorter time it takes to understand it, the better. Some CMMS systems offer a wide variety of features, but this usually comes at the expense of increased sophistication. If it's too hard to learn, your employees won't be too happy using it- and that is the undesired outcome. The simpler, the better- questions of whether it offers many features not withstanding.

Choose a CMMS program that you can easily customize to your liking. If you purchase pre-manufactured EAM Software, it may not exactly be tailor-made for your kind of company. Some features you get might not apply while other important ones might be missing. It is well to study the CMMS tools a system has to offer before taking it in. If at all possible, get one made with your predefined specifications. If you need it to emphasize on the inventory part and the scheduling, make the request. The other option is to get one that is made to be customized. It will be easier to marble it to its most workable form as far as your company is concerned.

Decide the kind of CMMS system that works best for your business- as far as network preference is concerned. If your business is centered, within a specific geographical location, then a LAN-based CMMS might be best. If one the other hand you work on a regional scale, where the same CMMS is in employment, then web-based is best.

Budget well for your EAM software- it does not come cheap. Saying that your company will hardly be affected financially is a misstatement, especially if it is a small enterprise. A good CMMS Program with an abundance of features might set you back a couple of thousand dollars. True, it is worth every dollar when it is in full operation, but make sure that you can afford it, without running into financial hurdles down that fiscal year.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Combs

CMMS Software Review: How can CMMS Maintenance Management Software Optimize Your Operational Capability?

Can CMMS software really optimized operational capability? Can CMMS able to help you maintain the productivity of your assets or manufacturing equipment? These are the common question and justification for those firm or industries who really wanted to have thier own CMMS softare. Allow me share you this article from ezinearticles.com, written by Winston Jenkins entitled:

Optimize Your Operational Capability With CMMS Maintenance Management Software

Facility Management is one of the most important aspects of any business. Managing a large facility can be a daunting task. Facility Managers need to strike a balance between cost and profit. CMMS Maintenance Management software is the ideal tool to automate your tracking system for optimizing operational capability and good maintenance.

CMMS Management system helps to monitor and maintain the present and the budgeted cost for an organization's machinery, human resources, stock and properties. They also ensures quality control and liability reporting are in place during production to prevent unnecessary losses or customer dissatisfaction. Some of the functions performed by CMMS are scheduling tasks, reserving and distribution of materials, recording expenditures and tracking any unusual incidents in the production process. CMMS is an important part of any plant or facility functionality. Some of the most important CMMS Maintenance Management software packages used are discussed below:

Inventory Control: This is a type of CMMS Maintenance Management software used to manage spare parts, tools, allocating materials and managing other materials. Inventory Control also deals with proper storage of all materials, purchase order management, tracking all shipping goods and measuring actual inventory stock.
Safety Monitoring: This particular CMMS Maintenance Management software helps to track and monitor all the important documentations along with regulations regarding safety. Safety Monitoring CMMS Maintenance Management software also helps in ensuring proper safety of the equipment and personnel
Asset Management: This particular CMMS Maintenance Management software helps to record updated data about all the actual properties including equipment. It helps to keep the warranties up to date, update the renewal dates of the service contracts, monitor the depreciation of spare parts and its purchase date. It also helps to assess the overall expected lifetime of all equipment so as to measure the real worth of business at a given point of time.
Preventative Maintenance: Periodic inspections of all equipment and facilities are necessary to reduce maintenance costs. This particular software uses checklists for monitoring the maintenance progress and updates the concerned department responsible.

CMMS Maintenance Management system is an important tool for liability protection. CMMS ensures that a plant or a facility is being audited to check the safety procedures. A CMMS package should be purchased with much care after seeing its scalability and scope for future development and expansion. facilligence.com is a leader in CMMS Maintenance Management solutions and Business Project Management Software which can be a reliable partner for your inventory management.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com

The CMMS Setup In A Maintenance Partnership

by Ken Bannister

Maintaining an interactive collaborative partnership with inter- and intra-departmental groups and outside groups is essential if a maintenance department is to be successful in delivering asset reliability and availability at a level suitable to achieve production throughput and quality targets. To achieve this, a maintenance department must understand the difference between "what it manages" and "what it controls."

The maintenance department must work diligently with all of its partners to attain useful data, information, resources, accessibility, permits, etc. to effectively vet work requests and plan and schedule value-added work that will cause the least interruption to the production process. Maintenance, though, only controls its internal processes and relies heavily on its partners to manage the execution of its work. For example, effective barriers to maintenance execution are waiting for parts, waiting for tools, waiting for equipment and waiting for contractors—all of which are out of the control of the maintenance department.

Understanding our own needs and our partners' needs is all part of managing an effective partner relationship through communication. Arguably, the most important tool used to understand what we control and how we are managing our relationships is the Computerized Maintenance Management System, or the CMMS.

A CMMS is a unique type of software tool that was developed specifically for the maintenance industry in the late 1970s. The pioneer CMMS programs were rudimentary mainframe computer database systems that were text-based and menu-driven; display fields were fixed and presented to the viewer/user in a highly pixilated ‘eye burning' green or orange display color. Every program used a proprietary user interface and navigation system that often required weeks of training and continual use to master. Those old enough to remember "the good old days" will not dispute how the CMMS industry has rocketed light years ahead with today's offerings that are both highly sophisticated and complex, yet user friendly to the point of intuitiveness.

Many a company has upgraded its CMMS to the latest and greatest, but few have changed the way they use this software on a daily basis.CMMS programs of the past were no more than basic equipment databases that allowed work and parts to be tracked against identified pieces of equipment with basic text reports and completed work listings. Today's offerings have benefited greatly—and grown—as a result of the early 1980s IBM Personal Computer (PC) revolution in which software and hardware quickly became standardized and allowed a host of entrepreneurs to develop affordable and flexible software solutions for the maintenance industry.

The latest CMMS programs continue to retain an equipment database at their core, and still track work and parts usage against the listed equipment. They differ from those of the past in that they can be navigated with a simple ‘point and shoot' device or touch of the screen. Today's CMMS screen layout and text can be user-customized and changed ‘on the fly' without need of a programmer. Programs are graphic-based and allow photographs, videos, drawings and catalogs to be linked on many levels and displayed anywhere in the program—for example, to the work order, to an inventory part, to an equipment record, to equipment history; work orders can be triggered from voice recognition, a phone, a beeper, a machine alarm, an infrared or radio wave signal, other control software, the Internet or just the plain old keyboard.

Today's CMMS can interactively gateway with other programs such as manufacturing software, accounting software, HR software, supplier software, etc. The CMMS software reporting system allows any authorized user to pull up any combination of data held or accessed by the CMMS and display or print the easily formatted results, in color, and in seconds; the list goes on.

Ironically, just as automobiles have gained in their sophistication, reliability and user-friendly interfaces, over the same time period, we haven't changed our approach to driving or vehicle maintenance in the slightest! Similarly, many a company has upgraded its CMMS to the latest and greatest, but few have changed the way they use this software on a daily basis, and remarkably we continue to believe the CMMS tool is a panacea for improving the maintenance process.

The true power of the CMMS is derived from its ability to provide management reports. Unfortunately, most CMMS setups are inadequate to deliver the type of input/output reporting to both control and manage maintenance relationships effectively.The true power of the CMMS is derived from its ability to provide management reports. Unfortunately, most CMMS setups—even today—are inadequate to deliver the type of input/output reporting to both control and manage maintenance relationships effectively.

The most successful CMMS implementations are those set up to deliver against a set of goals and targets that measure department and
relationship effectiveness. A series of reports are built to feed data into a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) that show how well the department is in control, along with a series of reports that provide feedback to partners showing them how well we have provided to them and how well they have provided to us the services and information required to manage the maintenance operations.

CMMS registers and data filters are set up to deliver the required reports, which then dictate the design of the data collection instruments—the work request and work order. When set up to only capture exception data (data that is meaningful), the system is assured to only have meaningful data in storage. But what happens when a PM requests the maintainer to check and record a pressure reading on a daily basis? The work order is closed and the meaningless data is captured in the equipment history each day. If the work order started to record only when the pressure were below 750 psi or above 800 psi, however, the CMMS would be easier to administer and the PM would be more meaningful.

The best CMMS setups are those that deliver exactly what we need to manage and control our maintenance operation. Such setups result from implementing them backwards, knowing up front what we expect from our maintenance operation now and in the near future.

Information is power—and the CMMS is the most powerful tool in a maintainer's arsenal. Still, the collection, manipulation and analysis of data can only be meaningful and informative when delivered in a format that the maintainer or maintenance partner can understand. Understanding our own requirements and understanding our business partners' requirements is paramount to implementing and sustaining a successful CMMS software.

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Web Based CMMS Software & EAM Reviews Malaysia, Singapore + Iran

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