Need tips for selecting CMMS software?

There are many to mention, but with so much information out there, these 3 tips for selecting maintenance management software will help more than you might first think.

You see, these three key decision points we describe will largely represent both the quality and benefits of a CMMS package. That is, if the vendor has these 3 covered, then you can generally assume that you're got their house in order.

Conversely, if they're struggling on these, then keep looking! There are some great option in the "newer breed" of CMMS that beat the pants off the crusty old ones that asset and maintenance managers have put up with for far too long!

Our first tip for selecting CMMS software - avoid those that place an emphasis on the training required to use their product.

Many maintenance management software (or CMMS) packages will have you believe that in order to take full advantage of their software, you'll have to undergo hours of training. Some even promote their own "university" style courses for their product.

Why is their CMMS so difficult that it requires you to undergo hours of training?

Newer CMMS software is far more advanced when considering usability and administrator users should be able to hit the ground running; particularly if they offer a free trial to get you started.

A big consideration if you want to avoid having to

A lot of older CMMS's are having trouble getting their products up to the rigors, speeds and functionality levels of the modern breed of CMMS applications.

The interface is a fair indication of what you can expect going forward. If it looks like it's out the 1990's then you'd be wise to give it a wide-berth.

The modern incarnations are quicker to get started, more user-friendly, and will take a lot less of time and give you less headaches to boot! Look for ones that have a free trial so you check what you're getting yourself in for!

After signing up for a free trial, check out the provider's mobile app. Future-proofing is an important consideration, so a mobile solution should be at the forefront of any CMMS selection; since technicians are mostly out in the field.

Compare mobile apps of the major vendors to see who's really on top of their game!

The best CMMS mobile apps we've come across to date are:

1. www.fixd.io : easily outclasses the other available options in terms of design and ease of use. Functionality focuses only on technician functions (rather than management) but worth a try, since they offer a free trial.

2. Maintenance Assistant : Not as pretty, or well designed as Fixd, but does have more features (not that all those features would be used)

3. Avantis : Somewhat functional, but design is daylight behind the others.

4. MEX : More functionality, but usability is lacking in comparison. Also feels like you're operating in the 1990's :-(