3 Ways a Mobile CMMS App Supports Manufacturers
Here are three native mobile software features that boost manufacturers' operations.
When it comes to computerized maintenance management systems (or CMMS software), the key point to remember is that this solution isn't replacing or minimizing the role of your staff. Every automated feature offers workers more efficiency and effectiveness in their day-to-day work, especially when it comes to mobile applications.
Going back to a desktop PC and logging data, or worse, jotting notes on paper, takes up time in technicians’ days that could be used on more important tasks. By cutting out manual processes, a mobile CMMS app is the key to getting hours back in your day for better efficiency and productivity.
With a “finger-friendly” interface to access and edit work orders and data from wherever they currently are, CMMS software apps have the potential to immediately free up employees to get more done in three key areas:
- Inventory control
- Labor data
- Asset condition
1. Inventory Control
When a technician inputs a maintenance request or works to complete a work order, he or she can view what parts are required versus what is available at that time, as well as what may be on order and what’s on hold for another work order. This inventory management capability can save a trip back to the desktop and give the rest of the team, including purchasing and inventory personnel, an accurate understanding of current availability.
2. Labor Data
How much time went into a particular work order? A CMMS app will give a far more definitive answer to that question, with the ability for a technician to log the data as it happens, where it happens. Whether you’re tracking hours through the use of a mobile timer or automatically inputting particular values for specific activities, capturing the data via a mobile work order on an app is a boost to efficiency. Plus, now that you don’t have to factor in time spent at a desktop, you can get a better sense of how long a particular task will take, allowing you to better manage your technicians’ days.
3. Asset Condition
When an asset’s condition goes beyond what can be logged on an automated sensor – or if no such device is in place – a technician working on or inspecting the machinery can immediately update its condition via a CMMS app. This process can be easy and quick while keeping the record accurate.
Harnessing Device Functions
Of course, simply using a mobile device as a pocket version of a PC interface can be useful out in the field, but the best app for the job is one that also uses all of the functionality that the device offers. A good CMMS app goes one step (or two, or three steps) beyond, using built-in device features, such as a smartphone camera, to add rich content to database entries. When asset condition data is able to be viewed in photo or video form, you can get a better sense of what a work order entails.
QR code or barcode scanning is another powerful tool for a maintenance technician on the go. Where are assets, parts or work order locations on a map? CMMS apps can give technicians this info in a hurry all with a smartphone scan.
As you can see, mobile CMMS apps that incorporate device capabilities let workers reach their full potential.
Our Asset Essentials solution has a user-friendly mobile app that not only offers all the desktop features on the go but also takes advantage of user device functionality.
