Implementing a Predictive Maintenance / CMMS interface allows organisations to transition from reactive maintenance practices to proactive and predictive maintenance, improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and optimising maintenance costs. Our managing director, Tom Scott, explains what can go wrong with interfacing CMMS and predictive maintenance – and how to do it right.
It’s been well-established that predictive maintenance (PdM) can and will provide savings for a business’s maintenance and production budgets. However, using PdM technology does have a cost to the business before the savings are realised, so it’s important to take a strategic approach from the start. Here’s a quick run through some key points to bear in mind.
What does a PdM / CMMS interface look like?
Simply explained, a PdM / CMMS interface comprises a link that allows the PdM system to create a work request (WR) within the CMMS that is ‘tagged’ as PdM-originated; the CMMS reference appears within the PdM system. The interface means that you can:
- Send the CMMS a WR that includes some guidance on what to look for
- Include the expected savings or benefits in actual £/$/€ associated with the triggered PdM
- Allow the CMMS to feedback that the work was done and suggest any improvements in the WR detail for the future
So, what are the pitfalls of adopting PdM?
While there are lots of things to think about, there are a couple of common mistakes we tend to see.
Failing to measure
Just doing it without tracking the savings and benefits is a surefire recipe to ensure PdM gets cut at the next budget review! Without benchmarking, measurement and evaluation, it can be difficult to demonstrate return on investment (ROI) with any accuracy. If PdM is entirely new to your organisation, the key is to start by carrying out a cost-benefit analysis; you can also consider phased implementation to spread costs over time. Exploring options for cloud-based solutions can also reduce infrastructure expenses.
Forgetting to get team buy-in
It’s vital to think about change management, too – remember that resistance from maintenance personnel or inadequate training can hinder the successful adoption of the new system. If you fail to change the site culture to explain the whats, whys and hows of PdM, you can expect people problems to get in the way. Without a change-management plan, internal communications and training to explain the PdM strategy and system and its benefits, staff are unlikely to feel any loyalty or buy-in to the inclusion of PdM technologies.
What are the benefits of a PdM/CMMS interface?
The benefits of a PdM /CMMS interface can be captured In a word: accountability. The interface means that you can track how many work requests or work orders have been raised that represent:
- PdM triggered savings
- PdM triggered Plant Life Extension
- Annual ROI associated with the site’s use of PdM
Preparing to interface your CMMS with PdM
The smart approach is to plan for thorough integration during the implementation phase and use standardised data formats and communication protocols. Working with vendors who can help you achieve seamless integration capabilities will make the process much easier.
Think about any potential difficulties in integrating the PdM / CMMS interface with existing systems (eg. ERP, SCADA), as this can result in data silos and reduced overall system efficiency.
By addressing potential pitfalls with careful planning, ongoing monitoring and a commitment to continuous improvement, you can maximise the benefits of implementing a PdM / MMS interface while minimising risks. If you’re ready to start talking about interfacing your CMMS / PdM, please get in touch for a no-obligation chat to put you on the right track! Just fill out the contact form below. You can find out more about working with us by reading our blog post Onboarding with Diagsol.