Systems gone WILD!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are four main reasons for the failure of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/program/om_cmms.html

The first is in the selection of a vendor. Many times a vendor will have their slick sales team make promises and sell a product that they simply cannot deliver or they will deliver a solution for today with very little thought of what the customer may need in the future. Cost should be a considered now and for any future expansion of capabilities and features. Ask yourself, will the system integrate with other systems? Also, can it expand to meet growing needs?

Second is inadequate training. Cost is always a factor and on-site training can be expensive. In some of our sales the training can be half the total cost. TeamWORKS and most other vendors offer remote training via webinars or other distance training methods, but training at your location is always the best option. Having done hundreds of trainings, both on-site and remote, I can tell you that the trainer and the trainee get much more from an on-site training. The trainer gets the opportunity to actually see the environment, work with the staff and interact with management. All of these factors are important to the implementation of any good CMMS system.

The third and fourth major issues are lack of commitment at implementation and lack of commitment during use and integration. This goes back to the first and second point of being sure you're committed to getting the right solution with the right company. You will also need to get the training and services to properly implement the solution. Most importantly, the system needs to be accepted through all levels and completely adopted by all users. Change is not easy for some folks and you may have to deal with some fighting and flailing for a few weeks. Stick to your guns and everyone will be better for it. Finally ensure you identify a "champion" to lead the charge and build a relationship with the CMMS vendor.

To Recap

1. Choose your system wisely. Think of what you need now and where you plan to go.
   
2. Train thoroughly and commit the resources (manpower and finances) needed implement completely.
   
3. Immerse your group in the system. If you took point 1 to heart, all of your processes should fit into your newly implemented system and you must ensure all employees are using the system and the processes around it.
   
4. Keep the system at the heart of your process. As you use your CMMS system it will pay you back with manpower and money. Use these new resources to invest in new components and training to grow the use of your system (e.g. PM, inventory, assets, etc.)
   

Keep growing,

Craig