Why Training Is Key for CMMS Implementation

Approximately 70 percent of all computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) implementations fail primarily due to poor data and lack of training. Proper training cannot be overemphasized when bringing a new CMMS system into an organization, as it is key to enhancing the skills of employees and expanding their knowledge base, leading to improvements in efficiency, productivity and performance. Here are some of the many advantages of CMMS training:

Adoption

Training increases user adoption, which is critical when implementing any software program. Personnel are more likely to accept the system and use it from the start.

Time and Money

If not properly trained, personnel waste valuable hours trying to learn the system on company time. Training demonstrates best practices when setting up and configuring the system.

Uniformity

Training ensures personnel are all equally proficient on the CMMS.

Speed

It can take hours to figure out how to perform one simple function within a CMMS software program. Training means a quicker CMMS roll-out.

Data

Training outlines best practices when entering data on a day-to-day basis. This data can be used to streamline maintenance processes, improve labor productivity and refine the supply chain.

Insight

Training helps the user implement the system more effectively and efficiently. With training, technicians and supervisors will better understand and be able to take full advantage of the program's many features.

Commitment

Training reinforces management's commitment to making the CMMS work within the organization.

With proper training, employees gain a better understanding of not only how to use the CMMS effectively but also why they are using it. Well-trained administrators can deploy the CMMS within their maintenance organization quickly, efficiently and effortlessly, just as well-trained maintenance technicians can use the CMMS to its full potential.

CMMS users need to be trained on workflow, CMMS administration, report generation, data extraction and data analysis. Otherwise, it will become a daily data-entry exercise where garbage in equals garbage out and eventually the CMMS fails.

When considering a CMMS, be sure to inquire about the training options. Most vendors provide onsite or online training. Others offer video tutorials, training workshops or recorded webinars.

Keep in mind that training is an ongoing process throughout the lifetime of the CMMS. Send your maintenance team to refresher webinars and knowledge-transfer workshops to help reinforce best practices. During training workshops, attendees may become aware of certain modules and features that could be deployed in their organizations to make their workflow more efficient.

Whether you choose free or paid training options, invest in the time upfront to get your employees properly trained, because training makes the difference between CMMS success and failure. Your technicians and maintenance supervisors will be the ones using the CMMS on a daily basis, so they need to know what they are doing from the start. With the proper training, your CMMS can become an invaluable tool to your organization.