A benefit of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems is its longevity. This also means that many of the systems available can efficiently operate for a decade or even longer. However, with the advancements made in the technology and software industries, longevity can be a problem. This is especially true if the system cannot provide specific functions.
As digital transformation continues to be adopted as philosophy by businesses, extra demands are required from older CMMS systems, namely compatibility and synergy. If a CMMS cannot collaborate with other systems, then it will be considered outdated.
While the ability to collaborate with other software and systems may be too advanced for older systems, these older CMMS systems may still be useful.
With a newfound focus now placed on accurate and measurable data by many departments, a CMMS is still a vital system. After all, older CMMS systems were created to help quality departments collect manufacturing and operating data. Now, this data must be collected and shared.
Interdepartmental synergy
As digital transformation is on the rise, so is the demand to achieve synergy and collaborate, often in real-time. Businesses require this demand to be met for employees from other departments to become more efficient, flexible, and work intelligently. But how is this possible? By providing the employees with instant access to data they will find it easier to become efficient, innovative and make smarter decisions based on data to satisfy their customers. Overall this will benefit the business.
You may be wondering, where does quality control play a role in this? It is simple. Quality control ensures that customers receive the best possible products or services for the money they pay. In addition to this, quality control saves costs. Quality control spots defects through the process of quality control, this can allow for errors to be corrected promptly, ensuring less waste. The problem is that as efficient as quality control may be, the information still needs to be shared.
In order for companies to experience the benefits of digital transformation, they must be able to access the real-time information which is funneled into their manufacturing systems. This will allow for improvements within development and manufacturing.
Another benefit of digitally transforming the quality control and inspection processes is that employees will be encouraged to adapt to these changes. Rather than having to be limited due to previous requirements.
CMMS and its role in Data-driven manufacturing
We have spoken about the benefits of interdepartmental synergy and manufacturing through data sharing. The challenge that manufacturing businesses now face is implementing systems that enhance collaboration and synergy with other departments. Other departments need to gain access to accurate information through a safe and fast method.
Manufacturing businesses need to look for specific features within their CMMS system, namely a cloud-based platform. This system must be accessible to the relevant employees. A cloud-based platform to easily upload and share information is vital as it simplifies the process of exchanging data between employees and departments.
Is it that simple? Yes. Simplifying processes such as the way information is shared play a crucial role in digital transformation. If the new process that will be introduced is difficult to understand. Then the employees will stick to using the methods they are more familiar and comfortable using.
Employees may be resistant to change, particularly changes they do not understand. It is important to note that a significant portion of employees currently working within a maintenance or quality control role is new to much of the technology introduced. This means that they will not have experience or context of the system. An intuitive system is crucial in these cases.
Ensuring that your CMMS platform is operable on a mobile device is another vital point. Having a CMMS platform that allows employees to review, upload, and share data on the platform through their mobile phones is a benefit as it is a device they are already comfortable with using.
Benefits of a mobile CMMS for data transformation
All employees in every department have access to a mobile device, in some cases even more than one. If the data is made accessible through the CMMS platform on a mobile device, then it means that more employees have access.
Another benefit is that employees will always have their phones on them. This means that the CMMS system can notify users through their device if there’s an issue that the database picked up. The CMMS database can collect a lot of information from the equipment output to the inventory levels available. All of this information can be stored on the CMMS cloud-based platform.
Data-driven transformation can be simple if a business chooses to leverage the benefits of its current CMMS. Costly and complex systems do not need to be used when a platform is already in place. Making creative use of CMMS software the responsible decision to make.