7 February 2023 | Patrice Duchesne
A company’s operating context is likely to change over five, ten or twenty years, with equipment being added, modified, and replaced. The situation is similar with workforce-related issues: there is always some turnover among experts with in-depth equipment knowledge. All of which begs the question: how do we prevent the loss of knowledge? Usually, a forward-looking company will ensure that equipment-related technical data remains up to date in its computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Much more than a simple maintenance manual, CMMS software also takes into account maintenance tasks, spare parts procurement and inventory management. This may sound basic, but it remains challenging for many organizations. In other words, to be effective, CMMS software must contain all updated technical information throughout the useful life of a piece of equipment.
This phase should be factored in during the initial calculation of the costs and time required to integrate new equipment into a company’s day-to-day operations. You should also determine whether you have the required in-house knowledge or whether you need to call on the experts at STI Maintenance. The ultimate goal is to get the most out of your CMMS software.
In fact, despite ongoing efforts, our experts end up visiting many factories where the CMMS software is loaded with obsolete data. The related issues are serious, starting with a loss of confidence in the CMMS software itself. As a result, more time is spent looking for relevant technical information and relaying it to the right people for operational maintenance purposes. The risks of losing control of equipment reliability end up being multiplied.
Still, it’s never too late to adopt CMMS best practices. First of all, compile a history of your modifications and on-the-ground surveys with the experts. Then, begin by focusing on your critical equipment, one asset at a time. Your CMMS software will benefit in terms of information quality. At the same time, you’ll have a greater appreciation of the software’s usefulness. In this regard, whether you’re implementing new equipment or catching up after a slowdown, STI Maintenance is the partner you can trust when it comes to providing assistance during your asset management process.
