Once you decide to invest in computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) or enterprise asset management (EAM) software to make the most of your company’s assets, it’s important to do your homework and select the appropriate choice. Whether you’re shopping for new or replacement CMMS maintenance management software, here are 7 pitfalls to avoid when selecting CMMS/EAM software:
Selecting CMMS/EAM Software:
1.    Assuming that an ERP/EAM solution is superior
Many people mistakenly assume that buying ERP software with a CMMS/EAM module from a single vendor is better than integrating best-of-breed CMMS software into your ERP suite. Best-of-breed maintenance management software that integrates seamlessly with your ERP system is often the best choice because it offers enhanced capabilities and is more likely to achieve rapid user adoption.
2.    Focusing only on your current needs
While selecting CMMS/EAM software that meets your maintenance department’s short-term needs is important, the best approach is to find software that is capable of meeting your minimum requirements for at least three years out. To ensure that you will be able to tailor your CMMS maintenance software to your changing needs, look for a system that allows for quick and easy configuration, such as the ability to redefine maintenance processes and reconfigure KPIs.
3.    Selecting a system that doesn’t allow you to analyze data quickly and easily
Analysis tools are essential because they give you greater insight into your maintenance operations and inform your management decisions. One of the most powerful features to look for in maintenance software is a business intelligence dashboard that displays configurable KPIs.
 4.    Working with a vendor that doesn’t offer good support
Implementing software is one thing—making it work for your business is another. Selecting CMMS/EAM software from a vendor that offers comprehensive support services is crucial to ensure that you’re able to successfully implement their software and maximize your ROI.
5.    Not verifying the stability and reputation of the vendor
It’s important to partner with a vendor that has a proven track record and is in it for the long haul. If you select CMMS software from a new vendor that isn’t financially stable and they abruptly go out of business, you’ll be left with many problems. Buy  software that has been on the market for years to be on the safe side.
6.    Treating your maintenance software as if it were merely a data repository
The earliest CMMS/EAM systems were little more than electronic data repositories, but they’ve come a long way since then. Today’s maintenance software allows you to monitor your assets 24/7 using various measures. The ability to constantly monitor asset reliability, performance, compliance, and safety forms the basis of preventive maintenance, allowing you to transition from a reactive, day-to-day maintenance approach to a proactive one.
7.    Not involving stakeholders in the software selection process
Anyone whose job or workday will be directly impacted by CMMS maintenance software should be involved in choosing it. Make an effort to understand, document, and address each stakeholder’s needs when choosing CMMS/EAM software to ensure a successful implementation.
Take the time to thoroughly research and evaluate CMMS/EAM software to find a system that is just right for your organization. To achieve long-term success with your maintenance software, it’s important that you partner with the right vendor.
DPSI is a CMMS maintenance software vendor that has been around since 1986. Over 50,000 satisfied users in 50 countries utilize our products. To discover the benefits of our maintenance software and the support services we offer, contact us or set up a free trial!
