Introducing: The Acronym Architecture Series
Article One: CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)
New technologies are transforming the laboratory world every day, impacting everything from communication and data management to routine tasks. Labs of the future will be digitized, automated, and data driven, with an increasing need to leverage software tools. Lab software products are often identified by acronyms meant to differentiate them from one another, but the sheer volume of software available can leave decision-makers feeling confused and overwhelmed.
In this series of informational articles, we’ll deep dive into the various types of laboratory software solutions available and demystify the story behind the acronyms. We’ll highlight the use cases, features, and value of each to help you understand where and when each product is best suited.
Why a CMMS?
To begin, let’s take a look at Computerized Maintenance Management Systems, commonly referred to as CMMS. This software is used to manage and maintain critical assets from fume hoods to centrifuges as well as their related expenses. With a CMMS, keeping track of work orders and historical service records becomes a much less labor-intensive process. Everything related to your assets is then centralized in one place, creating single source of truth.
In general, CMMS systems are a valuable tool for any operation with physical assets that require regular or periodic maintenance. Even if your overall asset count is low, considering the number of service events that are required per asset means that an automated, digital system will allow your organization scale efficiently. CMMS systems are specialized for this aspect of equipment management and typically provide the following capabilities:
- Schedule repairs and preventative maintenance
- Track parts and materials used for maintenance
- Generate work orders and reports for key measurables
- Manage certifications and compliance documentation
- Document specifications and standards for calibration
Many organizations, especially in their early stages, view asset management software as an unnecessary expense. This perspective fails to consider the long-term value of an automated system and the savings incurred via improved processes and efficiency, such as:
- Improved risk avoidance via proactive preparation for audit
- Enhanced asset lifespan via the analysis of failure and usage data
- Preserved budget via the optimization of asset usage and service scheduling
- Elimination of purchasing redundancies and the added costs of expedited calibration and maintenance services
- Digitized and centralized reporting and documentation to streamline the audit process
- Automated calibration and repair scheduling to reduce human error
When choosing the right system, balancing considerations around capability, price, implementation, and resource planning can feel daunting. In the following articles, we’ll continue to unpack the nuances of each type of software to help you have confidence in your decision.
Contact the Qualer team to learn more about CMMS software and how it can enhance your asset management strategy.
Up next in this series: Quality Management Software (QMS)
Calibration Management Software Facility Management Software Lab Management Software Maintenance Management Software
