The last few months have been eventful. You realized that your organization needs CMMS and spent months understanding what a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is, which one would be the best for your organization, determined exactly which CMMS programs you need and, lastly, how to implement it. Finally, after months of hard work, the implementation is done. You sit back and wait for the results, but nothing happens. Why? Probably because the implementation is just the start of the journey and there is more you need to do.
‘Going live’ is step number one. Realizing the benefits offered by the software solution is the next step. Until and unless you do that, you will neither accomplish the desired goals nor get a return on investment. Let us see what the next steps include and how you should execute them.
How to Define Success with CMMS
It is vital to define project success in both qualitative and quantitative aspects. To do so, you require defined performance measures, realistic targets and an established baseline for each measure. Your targets should include critical factors such as customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, risk management, financials, etc. Make sure that you define benefits with participation from stakeholders at every organizational level, that includes representation from operations, maintenance, accounting and finance, materials management, engineering, HR and any others who might benefit from the implementation of CMMS software.
How To Motivate Success
If your employees aren’t motivated to use the software solution in an optimal manner, achieving success even with the best CMMS software would prove to be tricky. You can motivate employees in a number of ways. Instead of defining goals for them, it would rather be beneficial to let them set their own targets. This technique has proven to be quite effective in accomplishing the set goals. You can apply this technique to motivate teams of different departments. The use of innovative techniques is also welcome to keep the team motivated. Ensure that CMMS is being utilized to its full potential, the rest will fall into place.
How to Track Success
CMMS system has the ability to track a few measures of success with the help of report generators. You can enjoy a long list of standard reports which can be configured to suit your unique needs. There are some advanced CMMS packages that come with excellent dashboards and business intelligence tools that can track performance indicators such as asset availability, equipment reliability, inventory stock and schedule compliance. Ensure that these advanced tools can be configured for each user group so that they can monitor their areas of accountability with high efficiency.
How to Reward Success
Celebrating as soon as the installation is completed is a bad idea. You would have certain goals in mind before you implemented the CMMS system, so it is only fair that you check whether these goals have been met before you reward success. Once you see that the projected targets are being met, you can take that step toward recognizing success. You can reward it either by personally thanking the team involved or giving a monetary bonus. It would be better if you don’t make it a one-time event but rather spread rewards and recognition throughout the year, whenever the designated goals are achieved.
On the other hand, if the targets are not met, do not panic or overwhelm the team. See what shortcomings are preventing you from achieving success. If additional resources have to be employed, look at the best and most cost-efficient way of doing so; if the team requires additional training, organize training schedules; if the discipline and positions need to be changed, do the needful. Rewards and recognition are good incentives for the team and the stakeholders can use them tactfully for achieving success measures.
Thinking that your job is done after implementation and expecting results just because you purchased the best CMMS maintenance software would be a grave mistake. Ensure that the implementation is giving the desired results. Acquire all the data you need for making a comprehensive plan and develop a new way of thinking about how you can maximize the potential of CMMS and thus push your company towards success.
Author Bio:
Lindsey Walker is the marketing manager for NEXGEN, a Sacramento-based industry leader in designing advanced computerized maintenance management systems and asset management software tools for utilities, facilities, public works, manufacturing, and fleet industries. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys traveling and reading, which allows her to gain new perspectives and inspiration for her work. She is committed to creating content that connects well with her readers, enhancing their digital experiences.
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