Why CMMS Metrics Matter For Maintenance Teams

May 2024

The Vital Role of CMMS Metrics

For maintenance teams, having a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) is essential for organizing and streamlining operations. However, simply implementing a CMMS is not enough – teams must also leverage the powerful metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) that these systems provide.

Tracking the right CMMS metrics allows maintenance managers to gain valuable insights into their program‘s performance and make data-driven decisions for improvement. Some of the most crucial metrics include:

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): This KPI calculates the typical operational lifespan of equipment before it breaks down, giving insights into asset dependability and how well preventive maintenance programs are working. A higher MTBF indicates more reliable assets.

Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): Measures the average duration it takes maintenance teams to get failed assets back up and running after a breakdown. A low MTTR translates to less disruptive downtime impacting operations.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) Compliance: Tracks what percentage of scheduled preventive maintenance tasks are being completed within the allotted timeframe. High PM compliance suggests maintenance plans are being consistently followed.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): This all-encompassing metric looks at an asset’s performance rate, operational availability, and quality rate together. OEE provides a comprehensive view of how well maintenance is enabling productive equipment utilization.

By consistently monitoring these and other CMMS metrics, maintenance teams can identify trends, pinpoint areas requiring attention, and justify resource needs. For example, a high MTTR may indicate a need for technician training or better spare parts management. Metrics enable continuous improvement by allowing teams to set benchmarks, measure progress, and adjust strategies accordingly.

CMMS metrics facilitate data-driven decision-making for critical issues like asset replacement, maintenance budgeting, and resource allocation. With quantifiable data, teams can calculate the total cost of ownership, compare repair versus replacement costs, and make informed choices that optimize maintenance expenses.

Embracing CMMS metrics empowers maintenance teams to enhance equipment reliability, reduce downtime, control costs, and demonstrate their strategic value to the organization. As teams consistently log maintenance activities within their CMMS, the data becomes richer, enabling more accurate analysis and better-informed decisions over time.