The smooth implementation and start up of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems or CMMS depends on a few key factors. One of these is the proper formatting of data prior to installation, and when this is flawed, any system will replicate the flaws until corrected. The good news is that experienced implementation professionals can help you avoid implementing flawed data.
However, even a system that has been correctly implemented can give rise to unsatisfactory performance. This is usually because one of the most important aspects of a new CMMS implementation has been neglected: Employee Training.
Why Training is Key
Your CMMS is going to be run by people, yet top management executives continue to cut back on training to “lower” cost. What they end up doing is accruing more costs, due to errors their employees make while using their asset management software until they understand the best way to use their new tool.
In order to avoid this, it is not just important that the employees be trained in the proper use of the CMMS, there needs to be recurring training and knowledge retention evaluation as each new upgrade is introduced.
Who Should Train?
When planning employee training, there might be the temptation to hire corporate trainers to carry out the training program. If these individuals are true systems experts, this could be a reasonable path to follow. However, unless they are willing and capable of spending the time needed to learn the CMMS fully, this path should be resisted. While corporate trainers might have general knowledge of a number of asset management software products, each system has its own methods and special features.
One advantage some CMMS products have is built in training videos. These mini training sessions usually cover the same material taught in live training sessions, but they are broken down into 3 to 5 minute bites. Employees can review the videos whenever they feel unsure about what they are doing, without having to ask someone for help. One other advantage is the ability to learn at their own pace, and reinforce any live training they have received as they start using their new CMMS.
Who Should Be Trained?
The true effectiveness of a CMMS system depends largely on how completely it has been embraced by the members of an organization. Everyone needs to be involved when it comes to the smooth running of a facility, and everyone should receive some level of training if their jobs are scheduled or managed by the CMMS. Of course, individuals who are not going to directly log into the system don’t need extensive training, but it is helpful for them to know what the process is for work management and their role in a successful facility.
Benefits of Proper Training
When the employees in an organization have undergone proper CMMS training, there are several benefits which the organization enjoys:
- Smooth running of the facility
- The ability to take advantage of all the features of the CMMS, improving ROI
- Cost effectiveness due to a reduction in flaws or mistakes
- Increased accountability and an “ownership” mentality
- Improved documentation of systems and work performed
- Better employee performance measurement
To get the most out of your CMMS implementation, comprehensive training is a wise investment that will give benefit in every aspect of asset management.