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The Maintenance Management Blog

October 16, 2025

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your CMMS


A representation of unlocking the potential of a CMMSInvesting in a computerized maintenance management system, or CMMS offers numerous benefits for a company. Organizations often make this move to address specific issues, such as a disorderly stockroom, excessive unplanned downtime for assets, or uncontrolled work order management. After supervisors, technicians, and managers determine the needs and select the right software, they must work with the vendor to ensure proper, effective use. This process involves unlocking the full potential of your CMMS, embracing certain "secrets" of the system—not hushed whispers, but rather foundational strategies that are often overlooked.

Start Small to Maximize CMMS Maintenance Software Success

Jumping in with both feet can overwhelm any team. A CMMS is a powerful piece of software, and trying to handle every aspect of your maintenance, stockroom, and purchasing departments all at once can lead to a messy, difficult rollout. Teams will struggle with the massive changes and spend too much time just inputting information. A better approach involves beginning with one small area of your operations. Perhaps you focus on a specific piece of equipment or a single maintenance department. Once you see positive results in this limited scope, you can confidently expand to other areas.


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Filed under: CMMS, computerized maintenance management system, maintenance software — Stephen Brayton on Thursday, October 16, 2025

October 15, 2025

The Role of Building Audits and CMMS in Compliance


A maintenance technician conducts an inspection for building audits.Let's look at the role of building audits and CMMS. The process of inspection reporting in building audits often feels overwhelming to facility teams. Read further to learn how digital systems support accountability, safety, and long-term planning. You’ll see why audits matter, what inspectors look for, and how software like a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) makes the difference between last-minute scrambling and continuous compliance. We’ll also look at real examples from industries where audits determine reputation and safety records.

Building Inspections and CMMS Compliance: Improving Reporting and Safety

Audits do more than check boxes on a regulator’s list. They create accountability between building owners, maintenance staff, and the public. When an inspection reveals that exits are blocked or that a sprinkler system hasn’t been tested in years, the findings expose more than code violations—they reveal vulnerabilities that could cost lives or revenue.


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Filed under: building inspections, building audits, CMMS compliance — Stephen Brayton on Wednesday, October 15, 2025

October 14, 2025

The Unseen Heroes: A Deeper Look at Preventive Maintenance in R&D


Technicians conduct preventive maintenance in an R&D facility.In any industry, preventive maintenance stands as a critical operation, but its importance is particularly magnified in the dynamic world of Research and Development. From ethanol plants to hospitals and government agencies, the need to keep assets running smoothly is universal. Yet, R&D presents a unique and compelling case for proactive maintenance strategies. This discussion takes a deeper look at preventive maintenance within R&D, examines the diverse assets involved, and reveals how a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) becomes an indispensable partner in this intricate process.

Understanding the R&D Maintenance Landscape

R&D facilities house a complex and varied collection of assets, each playing a crucial role in scientific discovery and product innovation. Understanding this landscape is the first step toward building an effective maintenance program.


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Filed under: R&D, preventive maintenance, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on Tuesday, October 14, 2025

October 13, 2025

The Crucial Role of Annual Maintenance Contracts in Modern Asset Management


A supervisor reviews an annual asset management maintenance contract with a vendor.Let's look at the crucial role of Annual Maintenance Contracts, often called an AMC, in modern asset management. This formalized agreement between a business and a service provider outlines a schedule of proactive upkeep, ensuring equipment operates reliably. The integration of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) takes this foundational practice and elevates its impact, moving beyond simple scheduling to create a dynamic, data-driven approach to maintenance.

What Is an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) and Why It Matters

An AMC is a service agreement that provides regular maintenance and support for specific equipment or assets over a defined period, typically one year. It keeps assets in good working order through planned, recurring service. A standard AMC might include regular maintenance visits, parts, and labor, alongside other valuable services like software updates or system calibrations. This contract is a proactive measure, a commitment to preventive care that keeps an asset performing its intended function without interruption.


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Filed under: Annual Maintenance Contract, AMC, CMMS, maintenance management — Stephen Brayton on Monday, October 13, 2025

October 13, 2025

The Crucial Role of Annual Maintenance Contracts in Modern Asset Management


A supervisor reviews an annual asset management maintenance contract with a vendor.Let's look at the crucial role of Annual Maintenance Contracts, often called an AMC, in modern asset management. This formalized agreement between a business and a service provider outlines a schedule of proactive upkeep, ensuring equipment operates reliably. The integration of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) takes this foundational practice and elevates its impact, moving beyond simple scheduling to create a dynamic, data-driven approach to maintenance.

What Is an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) and Why It Matters

An AMC is a service agreement that provides regular maintenance and support for specific equipment or assets over a defined period, typically one year. It keeps assets in good working order through planned, recurring service. A standard AMC might include regular maintenance visits, parts, and labor, alongside other valuable services like software updates or system calibrations. This contract is a proactive measure, a commitment to preventive care that keeps an asset performing its intended function without interruption.


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Filed under: Annual Maintenance Contract, AMC, CMMS, maintenance management — Stephen Brayton on Monday, October 13, 2025

October 09, 2025

The Business Guide to Reducing Energy Consumption and Costs


Technicians perform preventive maintenance to support energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.In today's competitive business landscape, companies actively seek opportunities to manage and lower operational expenses. One significant area for cost reduction lies within a company's energy usage. By focusing on equipment efficiency, process improvements, and strategic maintenance, businesses can achieve substantial savings. This business guide to reducing energy consumption and costs has a particular focus on how Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and proactive maintenance teams play a crucial role in these efforts.

How Maintenance Management Teams Use CMMS for Energy Efficiency

A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) serves as a vital tool for maintenance teams, providing a centralized platform for managing all maintenance activities. By leveraging a CMMS, companies move away from reactive, break-fix maintenance and into a proactive, preventive approach. This shift is particularly impactful for energy consumption. A well-maintained asset simply runs more efficiently.


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Filed under: energy efficiency, energy cost reduction, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on Thursday, October 09, 2025

October 08, 2025

Preventive Maintenance in Universities with CMMS


Workers conduct maintenance jobs on a university campus via CMMS work orders.When people think about preventive maintenance, their minds often go straight to industries like manufacturing plants or ethanol facilities. Yet, preventive maintenance reaches far beyond heavy industry. Every organization with physical assets, from office buildings to hospitals, requires it. In this article, we'll explore preventive maintenance in universities with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Campus Asset Management: Why Preventive Maintenance Matters in Universities

Universities operate as small cities. Each campus features a wide range of systems, buildings, and infrastructure that require ongoing care. Without an organized approach, maintenance teams risk falling into reactive habits, addressing problems only after breakdowns occur. A CMMS offers the structure and visibility needed to manage these varied assets proactively.


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Filed under: preventive maintenance universities, CMMS for higher education, campus maintenance software — Stephen Brayton on Wednesday, October 08, 2025

October 07, 2025

Maintenance Tracking with CMMS: The Key to Smarter Operations


Maintenance technicians use a CMSM to track maintenance for their assets.Have you ever wondered how some businesses keep their operations humming without a hitch? The secret to a smarter business often lies in effective maintenance tracking. This isn't just about fixing things when they break; it’s about a proactive approach to asset care that drives efficiency, safety, and profitability. Understanding this concept and its tools is the first step toward transforming your business.

What Is Maintenance Tracking and How Does a CMMS Help?

Maintenance tracking is the process of recording, monitoring, and analyzing all maintenance activities performed on an organization’s assets. This includes everything from routine inspections and planned repairs to emergency breakdowns. Think of it as a detailed logbook for every piece of equipment, vehicle, or facility within your company. This practice creates a historical record of work orders, parts used, labor hours, and associated costs. A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) makes this a digital, centralized process. It replaces messy paper logs and disorganized spreadsheets with a single source of truth for all maintenance data.


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Filed under: maintenance tracking, CMMS, computerized maintenance management system — Stephen Brayton on Tuesday, October 07, 2025

October 06, 2025

Intermittent Failure and Asset Breakdowns: A Guide to Smarter Asset Management


A piece of equipment experiencing intermittent failures..In the world of industrial and business operations, the reading of a discussion entitled "Intermittent Failure: The Silent Threat to Operations" resonates deeply with anyone who manages physical assets. These unpredictable breakdowns are a perplexing and costly problem. Unlike a catastrophic failure with a clear cause, an intermittent failure disappears as quickly as it appears, often leaving maintenance teams scratching their heads. This article delves into the nature of intermittent failure, the benefits of tracking it, the challenges it presents, real-world examples, and the critical role a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) plays in mitigating its impact.

An intermittent failure describes a fault or malfunction in an asset that occurs sporadically and without a predictable pattern. It is an inconsistency, a hiccup in performance that doesn't always repeat itself during a diagnostic test. For example, a machine might stop working for a few minutes, then restart and run perfectly for hours or even days. Technicians often face the frustrating "no fault found" scenario, as the issue vanishes before they can isolate the cause. These failures often stem from a range of issues, including loose connections, overheating components, software glitches, or environmental factors like vibration or humidity.


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Filed under: intermittent failure, asset management, CMMS — Stephen Brayton on Monday, October 06, 2025

October 02, 2025

How to Correctly Cut Maintenance Costs with a CMMS


The disparagement between not having a CMMS and working with a CMMS as related to costs.Many companies pursue various strategies to reduce expenses, from downsizing physical locations to altering product and service offerings. While these methods can decrease expenditures, one area where businesses frequently misstep is maintenance. Improperly implemented cost-cutting measures in maintenance often lead to short-term gains but create significant long-term liabilities. This discussion explores the pitfalls of common cost-cutting mistakes and how to correctly cut maintenance costs with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

Why Cutting Maintenance Costs Without a Plan Backfires

Businesses often attempt to slash maintenance expenses through two seemingly obvious actions: reducing maintenance jobs and cutting labor. Management may decide to postpone or eliminate routine repairs, particularly preventive maintenance tasks, operating under the reactive belief that maintenance is unnecessary if an asset isn't currently failing. Simultaneously, they may reduce the number of maintenance technicians or their working hours, viewing labor as a major expense. These actions are often coupled with cuts to maintenance inventory, as a smaller workforce and fewer jobs seem to justify holding less stock.


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Filed under: CMMS, maintenance costs, asset management, inventory management — Stephen Brayton on Thursday, October 02, 2025