Want to streamline your maintenance operations with CMMS work order management? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step.
What is work order management?
Work order management involves processing work orders efficiently and on time. While it sounds straightforward, managing work orders manually can be complex and time-consuming. Computerized maintenance management software (CMMS) or enterprise asset maintenance (EAM) systems simplify this process by automating tasks and streamlining work orders from start to finish.
Key Tasks in CMMS Work Order Management
A CMMS work order management system handles numerous tasks, including:
- Processing work requests
- Scheduling and assigning resources
- Tracking parts and warranty information
- Monitoring downtime and job details
- Creating and managing both scheduled and unscheduled work orders
- Tracking open and closed work orders, including labor, parts, and costs
- Managing inventory and providing data analysis
These systems are customizable to meet industry-specific needs, allowing you to integrate regulatory and auditing requirements or even display real-time dashboards and reports.
Prioritizing Work Orders with CMMS
Work order management starts with creating work orders and then prioritizing them. Work orders are requests for maintenance services, whether they involve routine maintenance or emergency repairs. Maintenance managers can set priorities based on the criticality of equipment and the urgency of tasks. High-priority repairs can be tackled first, ensuring efficient resource allocation and preventing backlogs of non-essential tasks.
Benefits of CMMS Work Order Management
Using maintenance software for work order management brings numerous benefits, including:
- Efficient Work Order Processing: Schedule and manage work orders on time.
- Enhanced Preventive Maintenance Planning: CMMS allows for streamlined preventive maintenance scheduling.
- Reduced Downtime and Repair Costs: Plan maintenance to minimize unexpected repairs.
- Effective Inventory Management: Ensure necessary parts are always available.
- Paperless Operations: Eliminate paperwork and digitize all work order processes.
- Improved Productivity: Allocate resources efficiently, increasing workforce productivity.
- Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Maintain compliance with industry standards and best practices.
A powerful CMMS provides visibility into maintenance data, helping managers analyze trends, identify cost drivers, and optimize resources. With real-time data and historical insights, decision-makers can make informed choices to support operational goals.
How CMMS Work Order Management Benefits Maintenance Teams
CMMS work order management software simplifies the maintenance manager’s role by integrating multiple essential functions:
- Efficient Scheduling and Resource Allocation: Easily assign tasks based on resource, tool, and part availability.
- Detailed Job Instructions: CMMS provides step-by-step job instructions, ensuring consistent, accurate maintenance.
- Future Planning for Scheduled Work: Schedule preventive maintenance in advance, ensuring parts and resources are available.
- Tracking and Reporting for Compliance: Track maintenance history and generate reports for regulatory or insurance purposes.
Without CMMS software, managing these tasks can be challenging. Maintenance software allows you to track both planned and unplanned maintenance, reducing downtime, lowering costs, and increasing equipment uptime. A well-planned preventive maintenance schedule minimizes unexpected repairs, ensuring that assets run efficiently and safely.
Choosing the Right CMMS Work Order Management Solution
Does your current work order system provide real-time data to help you make informed decisions? An effective CMMS solution saves time, reduces costs, and provides quick access to essential work order information. With DPSI’s CMMS software, maintenance teams can efficiently manage and monitor work orders, assets, parts, and compliance requirements.
Interested to see how DPSI’s CMMS software can help organize and manage your work orders and make your company more productive? Take our CMMS software for a test drive by signing up for a free 30-day trial!
