What is CMMS? Usage-Based Maintenance for Modern Warehouses
Installing a CMMS can help you maintain your equipment longer and in better shape.
For as long as there has been warehousing, the goal has been avoiding downtime. Whether from a labor shortage, an equipment malfunction, or the integration of new software, warehouse managers do what they can to prevent an interruption to operations. In the case of equipment, this prevention has traditionally looked like time-based maintenance, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. But using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is a better way.
What is a CMMS?
CMMS is a software tool that maintenance teams, technicians and warehouse managers can put to work to improve the reliability and lifespan of their equipment. CMMS typically works as standalone software that provides visibility into all of a facility’s equipment. CMMS isn’t available with all equipment purchases; rather, it’s often an extra type of software add-on. Additionally, CMMS will rely on sensors or some other data capture tool that can translate findings from the equipment to communicate with the software.
Without CMMS, you don’t have the documented maintenance history that can help you best understand any issues with your equipment. Consider a conveyor, for instance, when something goes wrong. Ideally with CMMS, you’ll have a record of any maintenance and incidents that have occurred with it. This allows you to better plan your spending—if you determine that you’re spending $2,000 or $3,000 a month in maintenance or labor, it might be time to overhaul that conveyor.
Integrating CMMS with Warehouse Systems
When successfully implemented, CMMS will centralize the management and optimization of all your maintenance operations. This will allow you to maximize your equipment’s availability by avoiding downtime. It can work with your conveyors, vehicles, sorters, and other equipment.
Key Features of CMMS
Features that you’ll commonly find with CMMS include resource and labor management or scheduling. This will help you determine where and how your workforce and material handling equipment operate in each month. It will also include condition monitoring, which relies on IoT sensors to continuously track your equipment, sending alerts when something isn’t working properly, now or in the near future.
How CMMS Reduces Downtime
Along with making maintenance more useful and streamlined, CMMS will help you document and track your equipment’s servicing. This is useful for ensuring you are on top of any industry or regional regulations that relate to the equipment. You’ll receive parts and inventory management intelligence also, allowing you to have the needed parts available on short notice.
Some CMMS now come integrated with very high-tier warehouse management system (WMS) solutions, but often that’s not the case. If you’re interested in CMMS and it hasn’t been part of your WMS package, consider hiring a third party or application consultant to set up an integration. An expert can help you pick out exactly what information you want to capture, so as not to overload the CMMS with too much data.
Most CMMS applications take place in brownfield (existing) facilities rather than new construction. Software providers will advise you to crawl, walk, and then run with CMMS, which allows your operations to mature over time before determining if they can fully benefit from the software.
Why CMMS Matters More Than Ever
A properly implemented CMMS doesn’t just prevent downtime, it gives you full control over the life of your warehouse equipment. If your WMS doesn’t include CMMS capabilities, it may be time to explore your options.
For more information about the Solutions Community: mhi.org/solutionscommunity
For further articles from the Solutions Community:
All You Need to Know About Yard Management Systems (YMS)
How to Implement Automation in Brownfield Facilities Without Disrupting Operations
MHI Solutions Community Annual Meeting Panel
Don’t Overlook the Condition of Handhelds
Integrating New Automation- Part 1
Implementing a Warehouse Control System (WCS)
Is it the Right Time to Automate Your DC?
