When your equipment breaks down or when inventory goes missing, you know in the back of your mind that it could’ve been avoided if you’d just been more organized. Problems like these and more become a thing of the past when you invest in a CMMS.
A CMMS can be the lifeblood of your organization, but choosing the right one is essential. There are a lot of options out there in today’s market, but first, you need to set clear goals, plan measurable outcomes, and complete a thorough evaluation. When you do, make sure you take the following tips into account:
Check if the vendor has another release in the pipeline
A good CMMS implementation starts with good software. Is the vendor you’re researching working on a new release? Or a new solution? If not, it could be that they are lacking appropriate development support. Opt for a vendor that’s continually trying to improve and enhance their software, that way you’ll know that your system will face incoming challenges with ease, saving you the trouble of repeating the process in a year. We see this more than we should.
Analyze if the solution offers mobile support
Even if your organization is not considering a mobile solution, the chances are good that vendors who don’t offer it are out of date. Your technicians don’t stay in one place. Neither should access to your CMMS. Is the full application optimized for mobile so any user type can use it? In addition, do they have an app that is role based?
Assess CMMS communication capabilities
A CMMS needs to integrate with other vital systems in your organization. If it doesn’t, it might indicate that the vendor isn’t responding to the constantly evolving software landscape, which could limit capabilities for your organization in the future.
Consider advanced reporting
Data isn’t valuable if you can’t see or evaluate it. A CMMS should have advanced multi-site reporting capabilities that allow you to slice and dice data that provides a 360-global view. This is essential in allowing your teams to eliminate subjectivity and leverage data to drive their decisions.
Ask if your vendor will be there for you
Choosing a CMMS is a long-term commitment – or at least it should be. Which is why picking a vendor that will be there when you need them is crucial. A vendor needs to be stable and have a large and diverse customer base. They should also have several years of experience behind them with a clear vision for where they want to be 10 years from now.
Consider web request functionalities
Service requesters need 24/7 access to request services from any browser. These requests reduce incoming calls and emails, while dramatically improving satisfaction. It can give you more time to focus on what really matters.
Ensure the CMMS is capable of adaptation
CMMS aren’t designed specifically for your organization – but the right one should feel like it is. Your organization will grow and evolve, so your software needs to be flexible enough to keep pace.
Purchasing a CMMS doesn’t have to be a headache. With the help of a good vendor, you’ll find the solution you’re looking for.
We welcome you to find out if we are a fit. Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help.