• Home »  Features

Unlocking the power of CMMS

Published:  19 December, 2024

One of the most significant trends affecting Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) in UK facilities is the growing reliance on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are reshaping how maintenance teams manage assets and perform predictive maintenance. For instance, IoT sensors embedded in machinery can monitor factors like temperature, vibration, and humidity, sending real-time data to the CMMS. This allows for more accurate predictions of when equipment is likely to fail, enabling proactive maintenance before a breakdown occurs.

However, integrating these technologies with existing CMMS platforms is not always straightforward. Many industrial facilities across the UK are still using legacy systems that are ill-equipped to handle real-time data streams or leverage advanced analytics. Consequently, facilities managers may struggle to optimise maintenance strategies, and the full potential of predictive maintenance may remain untapped. The challenge is not just about adopting new technologies but ensuring that the CMMS can integrate seamlessly with existing operational systems and processes.

As more industries embrace these technologies, the pressure on CMMS providers to offer flexible, adaptable solutions will continue to grow. This need for integration is particularly pressing in sectors where real-time data is crucial for operational efficiency, such as in manufacturing, food production, and pharmaceuticals. The ability of a CMMS to incorporate data from multiple sources and translate that data into actionable insights will be key to improving decision-making and reducing downtime.

Data management

The integration of AI, ML, and IoT into CMMS platforms is not only about predictive maintenance but also about data management and analysis. As these technologies generate vast amounts of data, the ability to process, interpret, and act on this data is essential for effective facilities management. Business intelligence (BI) tools integrated with CMMS platforms can enable managers to make more informed decisions by providing advanced analytics and high-level dashboards that highlight key trends and performance indicators.

For UK industrial facilities, one of the most pressing challenges in 2024 is effectively managing the growing volume of data. Facilities managers must ensure that their CMMS platforms are capable of handling this influx and that the data generated is actionable. Without the right tools and processes in place, the wealth of information provided by IoT sensors and other devices could quickly become overwhelming. As facilities strive to optimise their maintenance processes, data overload becomes a very real risk.

Beyond simply managing data, facilities must also ensure that the information they collect is accurate, timely, and relevant. This requires a strategic approach to data governance and the development of systems that allow for easy interpretation. With a strong data management framework, CMMS systems can support predictive maintenance, asset lifecycle management, and cost forecasting—all of which contribute to more efficient and cost-effective operations.

Addressing the skills gap

In addition to technological challenges, UK industrial facilities are grappling with a significant skills gap within the maintenance sector. With an ageing workforce and a shortage of skilled technicians, particularly in areas involving advanced technologies like CMMS platforms, there is a growing need for training and recruitment. Many facilities managers are struggling to attract younger workers with the technical expertise required to operate sophisticated maintenance systems.

This skills shortage is particularly pronounced in fields such as predictive maintenance, where staff must be able to interpret complex data and apply advanced analytics. The challenge is further compounded by the rapid pace of technological change, which requires facilities managers to continuously upskill their teams to stay ahead of the curve. As the demand for highly skilled technicians increases, so too does the need for facilities to offer attractive career development opportunities, comprehensive training programmes, and competitive benefits packages.

In response to this, facilities managers in the UK must focus on creating training programmes that enable their existing workforce to upskill and keep pace with technological advancements. Apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and partnerships with technical schools and universities will be key to addressing the skills gap in the long term. In the shorter term, ongoing professional development through workshops, certifications, and industry conferences will help staff stay current with new technologies and best practices.

Managing critical environments & compliance

In some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and data centres, downtime is not just costly but can have serious safety or regulatory implications. These industries rely heavily on CMMS systems to ensure continuous operations and strict adherence to compliance standards. As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, CMMS platforms must be capable of managing more than just routine maintenance tasks—they must also track and report on complex compliance measures.

The challenge for facilities managers is ensuring that their CMMS systems are equipped to handle the specific needs of critical environments. For example, in a data centre, even a few minutes of downtime can result in significant financial loss and potential reputational damage. Therefore, a CMMS in these settings must be able to provide real-time monitoring, automated alerts for maintenance needs, and detailed compliance reporting to meet stringent industry regulations.

As compliance standards become more complex, it is increasingly important that CMMS platforms can capture and report on various metrics such as energy consumption, equipment performance, and environmental conditions. With the growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, particularly within the UK’s industrial sector, facilities managers must ensure their CMMS platforms are capable of tracking sustainability efforts, reducing carbon footprints, and ensuring regulatory compliance across all operations.

Strategic planning

Given the rapid pace of change in the industrial sector, CMMS providers and facilities managers must plan strategically to overcome these challenges. Upgrading to a modern CMMS that integrates seamlessly with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and business intelligence is crucial. This will allow facilities to optimise maintenance strategies, reduce downtime, and make more informed decisions based on real-time data.

Moreover, investing in workforce development is essential for bridging the skills gap. Offering training opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and creating pathways for younger talent will help ensure that facilities have the skilled workforce they need to operate and manage advanced CMMS systems effectively.

Finally, for facilities operating in critical environments, it is essential that CMMS platforms are configured to handle the complex demands of compliance and real-time monitoring. Customising CMMS to meet the specific needs of these environments and ensuring it can track key regulatory requirements will be critical for maintaining operations and avoiding costly downtime.

By embracing new technologies, prioritising workforce development, and ensuring their CMMS platforms are adaptable and future-proof, facilities managers can position themselves for long-term success. The key lies in adopting a proactive, strategic approach to CMMS that focuses on integration, data management, and compliance while remaining agile in the face of an ever-changing landscape