Greg Norris, B2W Software, Inc.
How Small is Too Small for Specialized Equipment Maintenance Software? As specialized software for managing equipment maintenance gains traction, many contractors grapple with a basic question. ‘How big do we need to be to benefit?’ The answer is not as simple as counting assets.
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or large companies, switching to software as an alternative to paper and spreadsheets is becoming almost a given, according to John Kane, product manager at B2W Software. “The issue is not ‘if’ but ‘how’ and which software to use,” he explains. At the other end of the spectrum, the cost and the effort of implementing a software application might be prohibitive for a company with only handful a of assets or one that outsources maintenance of a small fleet. That leaves a lot of smaller and mid-size companies that could be underestimating the ROI value.
What Does Maintenance Software Do? Specific features vary, but every computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) essentially helps maintenance teams prevent problems rather than just fixing them; complete maintenance work more efficiently; and leverage data to make better decisions. Software automates preventive maintenance by taking in data on utilization, such as engine hours, and generating notifications in advance when maintenance intervals are approaching. This increases the likelihood that the work will be done. Online applications and visibility bring efficiency to evaluating and prioritizing work requests, scheduling and completing work orders, processing mechanic payroll hours, managing parts, and other standard processes in the maintenance workflow. NOVEMBER, 2021
A centralized system also provides easy access to complete information about each asset, including repair history. Reporting and analytics allow more informed decisions on things like utilization, mechanic staffing, or the cost effectiveness of replacing an asset versus continuing to maintain it.
What should you consider? Fleet size is a starting point in assessing the feasibility of maintenance software. The type of equipment and the work it does also factors in, as some assets require more frequent, intensive, and complicated maintenance than others. “The minimum threshold varies, but even companies with a dozen or so assets could benefit, and any company with 25 pieces of equipment should at least continued on page 63
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