Choosing software for plant maintenance is often a difficult task, particularly if you've never used maintenance software before. Because there are so many programs on the market, business owners often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options. Fortunately you can narrow down the field by establishing your criteria up front – here are some areas you should be sure to consider.
Work orders
The first factor you should consider when choosing plant maintenance software is the ease with which the program handles work orders, as well as the depth and breadth of data that can be stored and processed. For example, the program should be able to sort your maintenance backlog by department, priority, or equipment type, and display the data in an easy-to-read format.
You might want to buy software that can generate a parts catalog or that automatically adjusts inventory. Know exactly what you need out of your plant maintenance program, then tailor your options to meet those needs. Otherwise, you'll waste time looking at vendors who don't have what you need.
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Access capabilities
Another important consideration with plant maintenance is the knowledge that you won't always have all the information when you need to access a work order. For example, you might know the name of the mechanic assigned to the task and the location for which the work was ordered, but not the order number. It will save you countless hours of lost time if your plant maintenance system can access orders based on numerous criteria rather than just one or two.
Maintenance history
You'll want a plant maintenance system that records a comprehensive history of all work orders and changes. If you need to pull up a maintenance record from three or four years ago, the system should be capable of feeding you that information in sufficient detail for you to understand exactly what was done.
Looking to the future of plant maintenance
Finally, before you decide on any building maintenance software, it is imperative that you consider the long-term rather than just your immediate needs. Your business is always growing, and you don't want to squander an investment because your business expands beyond the capacities of your maintenance software. A good rule of thumb is to buy software that can handle at least five times your current inventory.
Before you purchase a plant maintenance program, test out the software with a few of your employees and try the different functions to ensure it will meet your needs. Many vendors offer a trial period during which you can use the software for a small price, or even for free, and you should take advantage of those offers before paying full price.
Get competing bids from multiple plant maintenance software providers – use BuyerZone's free request for quotes service. Just answer a few basic questions about your maintenance needs and we'll match you qualified software dealers who can meet your requirements.
