As we prepare for this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas (come see us at booth #63910!), we have been looking at the many ways that our CMMS solutions can help maximize equipment ROI, reduce dependance on paper-based systems, and ensure that critical inspections are being performed consistently and on-time.
A recent issue of CONEXPO-CON/AGG’s Constructive Thoughts newsletter provides an excellent framework for examining these benefits point for point. In order to make solid decisions about when to repair or replace equipment, they suggest that companies ask themselves “8 tough questions” first.
Check out our breakdown of how ManagerPlus maintenance management software can help companies answer them:
1. “Do you know your CPH at the serial number level?”
One of the leading drivers of ManagerPlus CMMS ROI is detailed reporting capability. With a couple of clicks, managers can find all the information they need to calculate CPH for each asset’s serial number. Paper-based systems and spreadsheet solutions are cumbersome and unreliable. Centralizing asset tracking means that this information will be entered consistently across an organization’s operations, and make it available for quick access.
2. “Do you know your costs at the major component level?”
Answering this question in the afirmative is, again, a function of centralized, reliable tracking. Because ManagerPlus CMMS solutions allow you to organize equipment tracking in terms of assests and subassets, obtaining information about major components is quick and easy. Reports can also be generated that provide insight into specific work has been done on these components, making it easy to identify where major costs are being accrued.
3. “Do you know your annual utilization per unit?”
The ability to easily enter log values for equipment is a critical component of CMMS systems, as this information can be accessed quickly. But this is only one approach—depreciation, initial cost versus costs of maintenance comparisons, cost per mile/cost per hour, and asset tracking all provide additional ways to determine annual utilization per unit. Each of these approaches offers a different perspective on asset use that will help inform decisions about repairs and replacements.
4. “Do you have a strong, ongoing PM [preventive maintenance] program including oil sampling?”
The efficacy of a PM program is a function of how well organized and efficient it is. Making PM programs easy to implement and execute is one of the primary functions of CMMS solutions. Oil sampling can be easily integrated into schedule groups that also include checks of other fluid levels. If these checks lead to the discovery of other issues, maintenance can be scheduled immediately to prevent them from causing total breakdowns. Above all, CMMS solutions help make companies proactive rather than reactive when it comes to equipment care and maintenance.
5. “Do you have a strong, multi-level inspection program?”
Scheduling routine preventive maintenance is important for asset ROI and performance, but companies must also contend with a complex and ever-changing array of regulations that require detailed inspections. That is why ManagerPlus offers a dedicated inspections module—inspections can be checked quickly and easily, and work orders can be generated immediately if any issues are discovered. This makes it easy to knock out inspections quickly without tying up too many administrative resources in the process (paper-based systems and spreadsheets can be a nightmare when used to track and schedule inspections). Organizing and centralizing inspection data also makes them easy to report on, which is key to proving regulatory compliance.
6. “What tools do you use to track and manage your equipment?”
If your company’s answer to this question doesn’t include CMMS, it should be clear by now that it should. Dedicated, purpose-built software like CMMS offers a range of advantages over alternative methods of tracking equipment, including providing companies with detailed insight into their operations.
7. “Are your operators well trained?”
The health of your company’s assets is a reflection of how well they are operated and maintained. One quick way to answer the above question is to research baseline metrics regarding asset life and compare them with data from your CMMS. Certain types of wear and damage can be indicators of improper asset use, which can in turn be the result of poor training.
8. “Are you partnering with your dealer/manufacturers to take advantage of all programs of all tools available to reduce cost?”
The idea of using CMMS data to leverage supplier relationships is one we’ve explored in a previous post—information is power, and the more you have, the better you’ll be able to renegotiate supplier contacts. Reducing cost is an important aim, but as we discuss in our post on this subject, there are many ways to maximize dealer/manufacturer value, so it’s important to be aware of all the options. Whatever the end goal, achieving it will be much easier if you have solid information on the past performance of products and services.
