A company management maintenance system can be a powerful tool that can maximize the efficiency of a company’s resources and work hours. Conventional systems are server-based, so it costs to maintain a hosting plan along with the costs of maintaining a web server. However, recently the advent of mobile CMMS apps has given companies the ability to access collaborative management interfaces from any device that has an internet connection.

Of course, such a minimalized approach is not only going to reduce infrastructure expenditure and complexity, it also drastically enhances the management process for better performance and results across the board. Aside from those obvious advantages, here are seven benefits of using a mobile CMMS to assist with managing business maintenance:

1. Improved Productivity

Companies typically pay technicians by the hour, so every moment they spend on maintenance is worth money. When the required maintenance is not clearly scheduled or laid out there’s a good chance that workers will be delayed in getting started or may overlook necessary maintenance tasks altogether. A mobile CMMS that can be accessed from the technician’s phone ensures that they’ll always be aware of what needs to be done in a timely manner. Plus, mobile apps can be set up to send push notifications to alert an employee with a reminder when something needs to be done.

2. Convenient Communication

Sure, phone calls are convenient enough for most people, but when you’re talking on the phone it’s not easy to also access information on your device. A mobile CMMS delivers chat capabilities within an app that is still primarily centered around maintenance management, which allows you to communicate about relevant data and duties without ever exiting the app. Using the chat feature in a mobile CMMS is especially useful on a tablet, as there’s enough screen space to chat while still viewing info.

3. Accurate Analytics and Work History

One of the main problems that old-fashioned server-based tools had was that there could be lapses between the time a technician completed the work and the time it was logged in the system. During that period, the info in the work history log is not fully accurate because it hasn’t yet been updated. A mobile CMMS makes it easy for workers to document completed tasks from their smartphone or tablet, which allows them to log it immediately on site. With real-time analytics, company managers will be in a better position to assess workload and allocate tasks.

4. Eliminating Paper Dependency

Printed work orders and schedules are quickly becoming a thing of the past now that you can do all that with a few taps on your device. As a result, many companies are including mobile CMMS apps in their quest to go completely paperless. If you’ve been looking for ways to centralize data and reduce the amount of paper your company uses, it would be best to opt for a mobile CMMS and train all employees on how to use it proficiently. Stopping paper usage isn’t just a great way to save time and money, it’s also good for the environment, which is important for any business that’s making an effort to maintain a carbon-neutral footprint.

  1. Making Assets Last Longer and Perform Better

With a reliable and responsive mobile system in place, your business will be well-equipped to handle maintenance requirements to a tee. As a result, your equipment will perform optimally at all times and will last much longer. Furthermore, the company won’t have to pay for premature repairs or replacements. Poor maintenance is the number one cause of equipment failure, so it’s definitely worthwhile to invest in a CMMS that will make sure all of your company’s maintenance needs are met on an ongoing basis. Routine inspections will also help you discover potential problems that could be fixed before causing any noticeable issues.

6. Preventing Downtime

When equipment isn’t working properly there are bound to be some delays and possibly even total downtime if an integral component is down. Any time a company isn’t able to continue operating as normal, there’s a possibility that it could lose business due to unsatisfied customers or the inability to accommodate the requests and orders of prospective clients. Thus, using a mobile CMMS isn’t just a matter of simplifying things, it’s also an important part of maintaining the utmost reliability. Considering the amount of reputation and funds that could be lost during a period of prolonged downtime, it makes sense that companies are willing to invest a great deal of their IT budget in cutting edge CMMS solutions.

7. Streamlined Collaboration

Finally, there’s much more to collaboration than chat. Things like file sharing, video conferences, and on-screen guidance are all part of the collaborative process and should therefore be basic features in any platform used to facilitate group-oriented work sessions. Most mobile CMMS have interfaces that are highly conducive to technical correspondence and support. Technicians and other employees are able to work with each other more efficiently by using the tools and modules within the system to stay organized throughout even the most complicated maintenance procedures.

Keeping it Modern

Any company that wants to stay competitive in its niche should make a continual effort to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, tools, and topics. If you’re just now discovering the CMMS option then you’re already a bit behind, but that’s okay because it’s never too late to further modernize your business.

The days of paper work orders, clipboards, and ink pens attached to tethers are on the way out. Failing to adapt to changes and advancements in technology will undoubtedly make a business obsolete in the long-term, especially if it’s operating in a niche that relies heavily on data and machinery. Ultimately, it’s actually easier and less expensive to keep up with the times than it is to deal with the hassle and expenses associated with using outdated and archaic systems.

By Kar

Dr. Kar works in the interface of digital transformation and data science. Professionally a professor in one of the top B-Schools of Asia and an alumni of XLRI, he has extensive experience in teaching, training, consultancy and research in reputed institutes. He is a regular contributor of Business Fundas and a frequent author in research platforms. He is widely cited as a researcher. Note: The articles authored in this blog are his personal views and does not reflect that of his affiliations.