Maintaining equipment is a crucial responsibility for businesses, as it is this equipment that enables them to carry out key processes like manufacturing and packaging. Also, any unchecked snags in the machinery can delay these processes and cost the business. That is why regular maintenance must involve preventive measures to avoid machine damage and breakdown. This is where equipment preventive maintenance software comes in, helping businesses ensure regular upkeep and watch out for potential issues.

Preventive maintenance
Equipment preventive maintenance is a process in which the equipment in a factory or industry is maintained regularly to prevent repairs and unnecessary costs. When doing this manually, the staff members at factories need to keep up with the maintenance cycles of each machine in the facility, which can be difficult, especially in large-scale factories. So, a popular strategy to streamline the process is to use equipment preventive maintenance software.

Benefits of preventive maintenance software

• Minimal human intervention
  Equipment preventive maintenance software systems create and update systematic records of maintenance carried out and alert users when maintenance is due. This saves users the effort of maintaining such records manually, freeing up their time and increasing overall productivity.
• Fewer maintenance errors
  It’s common to overlook machine maintenance, especially when there are numerous machines in the facility. But, such misses can cost companies a large amount in the long run. To prevent such issues, many companies are now investing in equipment preventive maintenance software. This tool accurately reminds users of upcoming maintenance deadlines and tracks the cycle.
• Better customer experience
  Business equipment is indispensable in manufacturing multiple products to meet customer demands in time. So, if equipment fails, it can lead to major customer dissatisfaction over time. Preventive maintenance software systems help prevent such equipment failure by ensuring timely maintenance. This way, the tool can help enhance overall customer satisfaction and experience.
• Increased asset longevity
  Another significant advantage of equipment preventative maintenance software is that it increases a product’s durability by alerting users when its maintenance is due. With regular maintenance, factories can increase the longevity of their industrial equipment.
• Fewer delays in product supply
  When machines are well-oiled and work smoothly, they are more likely to manufacture products more efficiently than when they are poorly maintained. As equipment preventive maintenance software helps ensure the timely upkeep of equipment, businesses can minimize delays in product supply.
• Increased safety
  Equipment failure can not only lead to inconvenience and losses but also pose a threat to safety. For example, if the valves in a factory fail, they can cause leakage of liquids or gasses, which may be harmful if inhaled. Regular equipment upkeep with the help of preventive maintenance software can help lower the risk of such issues, enhancing factory safety.
• Better utilization of revenue
  Many factories are skeptical about investing in equipment preventive maintenance software, as they see it as an added expense. But, with timely maintenance, factories can eliminate the costs involved in repairs. They can also use the money they save this way to invest in more cutting-edge equipment, expand the business, buy superior-quality raw materials, etc. This way, the company benefits significantly in the long run, utilizing its revenue effectively.

Tips to choose the right software

Check the provider’s reputation and expertise
The first step is to check whether the equipment preventive software company has core expertise in the software domain in general and equipment preventive software in particular. The number of years the provider has worked in this field should also play a role in the selection process. Additionally, verifying the software provider’s credibility on online platforms is important to prevent scams. It’s a good idea to check with other factories and businesses regarding their experience with the provider.

Review key features
The software system one opts for should have all the required features, such as enterprise asset management (EAM), preventive maintenance automation, and asset maintenance work history. Optional but preferred features are barcoding and integration with different systems. So, one should check for such features in the software before signing up for it.

Research and set a budget
One should check the approximate cost of equipment preventive software applications across different companies before finalizing one. This can help one understand the general market price of such equipment and make an informed decision. In general, equipment preventive maintenance software systems cost anywhere from $20 to $80 for small businesses, whereas mid-market software is priced at $80 to 150 per month. This amount goes up to $150–$300 per month for enterprise software. The fees can also be charged upfront instead of every month.

Based on the size of the company and its net asset value, one should choose a software system that meets all needs. One should also check if the equipment preventive management software company offers a free trial.

Consider the quality of customer service
The role of an equipment preventive maintenance software provider doesn’t end with the installation of the system. It also must offer seamless after-sales service and customer support, providing immediate resolution of queries after the software is installed. So, one should ensure that the company they shortlist is known for offering good customer support and multiple ways to reach out for complaints and queries. Some of the ways should be 24×7 chat assistance, a toll-free number, and a dedicated customer support email address.