A cement mixer malfunctioning. An excavator needs repair. Scaffolding no longer has all the nuts and bolts required for assembly. All these may seem like minor issues, but they have a great impact on a construction project. Equipment malfunctions can lead to projects suspended. These are not the only issues a construction company will face under the circumstances. Reputational damage and rising costs will also become an issue.
If your company is still attempting to manage their equipment during important construction projects with old logbooks, that could be part of the problem. The repercussion can also have an impact on those involved.
How can this be avoided? With a CMMS. CMMS is a computerized maintenance management system. This maintenance management system provides construction companies with a cloud-based platform that stores maintenance data, assigns work orders, and streamlines essential maintenance functions. All from a system accessible on a computer and cellphone.
Here are some points that will show you why a CMMS must be implemented on a construction project and showcase the benefits that a company can receive.
Why a CMMS?
Construction projects are asset-intensive. A lot of machinery is required, some conduct specialized jobs. The possibility of a machine breaking down and affecting others is very high. CMMS ensures that all machinery used on the site is operating at peak efficiency. With maintenance scheduling, equipment will always be safe to use. For a construction project manager to be sure, they must also have access to the CMMS database. For a review of the maintenance history alongside all other relevant information that is stored on the cloud-based system. This allows site managers to make informed decisions on when construction machinery needs to be replaced or decommissioned.
CMMS provides construction projects labor and resource assignment more transparency.
CMMS systems can assign work orders to specific employees. Employees will then accept and complete the task before updating this system. The work order information will then be kept in storage. Available for review at any time.
The CMMS database must also be available to access, to confirm asset inventory levels allowing employers to know when more stock will be required. All of this information can be used by employers to create in-depth construction project reports.
Construction projects require materials. It is often difficult to estimate the right amount. CMMS can be used to assist in managing the inventory required through the platform. Double purchases and rising costs will no longer be an issue. The project manager will not have to worry about running out of cement either.
Construction projects are rarely small jobs. These projects often take up a large footprint and have employees based all over the worksite. Fortunately, CMMS is accessible through a mobile device. Employers can now avoid the hassle of locating employers. The system allows for work orders to be sent directly to an employee’s mobile phone. Checklists, processes, and equipment information are all accessible on a mobile phone. Easy access means employees can save time and become much more effective while completing their duties.
With asset-intensive work sites comes a high number of risks. In construction projects, there is a lot of equipment constantly in operation that can increase the possibility of health and safety hazards. Forklifts are an example. These must be inspected before use to remain compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. CMMS systems can schedule routine maintenance checks for all equipment so that employers are sure that their equipment is safe for employees to handle.
Benefits of a CMMS
Increased return on investment
Construction equipment is not cheap. With new bulldozers costing upwards of $350, 000 employers need to ensure that they will recoup their initial investment plus more. Irresponsible maintenance and improper use of the equipment can all lead to a shorter equipment lifespan. CMMS systems provide preventative maintenance functions. With proper handling, the construction equipment will have a longer life span. This also means that equipment will be operating more efficiently with fewer unforeseen breakdowns. Fewer breakdowns and optimum efficiency all lead to a positive return on investment for the employer.
Reduction in costs
- Wastefulness is an extreme cost driver on construction projects. CMMS systems reduce wasteful processes in several ways. Such as through a reduction in wasted resources. On production sites where cement mixers break down, this will lead to large amounts of cement being wasted. Equipment maintenance reduces this possibility.
- Inventory management should be conducted through a CMMS as this results in costs being saved. These systems collect insight from many projects that allow companies to develop reports and accurately estimate the number of resources they will need.
- Reduction in energy consumption costs. When equipment is poorly maintained and struggles to work effectively it requires more energy to complete the tasks it would usually do easily. With the correct maintenance, construction equipment can operate efficiently. Use less energy and assist in reducing the energy bill for the company.
- Fewer spare parts will need to be purchased. Construction equipment is both expensive and specialized. The engine used in a crane is not the same as the engine of a normal minivan. Purchasing spare parts can therefore be both expensive and possibly redundant. CMMS allows for regular maintenance to be conducted on equipment. This means that spare parts will not be required as often. If it has already been purchased as insurance, this will result in money wasted on inventory that will not be required. CMMS can help in avoiding this scenario.
Increased organization
Construction companies often undertake a few projects at once. This means that equipment will be operating at several locations. CMMS is cloud-based and accessible through a mobile device. Therefore if a breakdown occurs an employee at the site can send a notification to the office. Once a notice is received an employee can be assigned to attend to it immediately. Managing equipment, maintenance schedules, and inventory has never been easier.
CMMS solutions are vital for any business looking to undertake a construction project. Due to the benefits received and the functions these systems provide. Implementing a CMMS is the smart choice.
