Published on November 7, 2022
Ok, you’re ready. You’re sick of the separate spreadsheets, the sticky notes you are using to remind operators to fix things, and spending way too many hours on reporting. You have made the decision that your utility team should take the leap into a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or asset management system.
There are few things that you need to consider when implementing a CMMS that may influence which CMMS you choose.
- Operator Buy-In. Operators are the heart and soul of any water or wastewater plant operations so their input and buy-in is critical. Does everyone understand and agree on the need for CMMS? Have you discussed how and why a CMMS may help streamline tasks and reduce errors? If not, engage the team early on so there is a clear path of why a CMMS and what type of CMMS makes the most sense.
- Program Advocate. There is a process that has to happen when choosing and implementing a new software application. Choosing an advocate who can oversee that all the right steps are taken ensures that you can get from start to finish without too many missteps. Ideally, this advocate is willing to be the first person to learn the software application so they can help and lend expertise to the process.
- Time & Money for Implementation. A typical web-based CMMS will have a monthly or yearly subscription fee attached to it. But make sure you ask if there is also a charge for set-up, implementation and training. Many companies charge additional fees of $20k+ for set-up, implementation and training. You should also ask what the typical timeframe is for these services so you can block off the appropriate time for staff to learn the system properly.
- Onboarding Users. This really comes down to how easy the software application will be for people to learn and use. Is the interface intuitive? Can you easily click around and get to where you want to go? It may look pretty in the brochure and online but make sure to get a live demo of the product to understand the complexity of actually using the CMMS on a daily basis.
- System Accessibility. 97% of all Americans now own some kind of cell phone, so it should go without saying that your CMMS should be mobile-friendly. But beyond that, how accessible and easy is it to use on desktop versus mobile devices? Also make sure to ask if you need to buy any other special equipment to make it more accessible to your team.
Once you have these five critical items investigated, you can feel more confident about your purchase and ultimately the success of implementation.