Two different terms or two different definitions?

You might have experienced it yourself. During a social gathering, someone is asking you what you do for a living. For us, the answer is easy. We are CMMS developers. Also commonly known as maintenance management software. You see the question marks in their eyes as you try to explain that it is basically the same as an enterprise management system, just a different term. But is this actually true? 

Is an enterprise asset management system actually the same thing as a maintenance management system? In order to answer this question, we have to go back to the basics. What is the actual meaning of enterprise asset management and what is the true definition of the abbreviation CMMS?
Once we are able to answer those questions, we can take a look at the similarities and differences between them. 

What does CMMS stand for?

CMMS stands for Computerized Maintenance Management Software. Its primary focus is maintenance, as the term indicates.
The main reason this system has been created is to digitize your day to day work in the maintenance segment. Instead of having to print 100’s of papers every day, you use a digital datasource to store your data.
Over time, the system has been filled with more and more functionalities in order to meet growing demand. For instance functionalities like preventive maintenance, asset- and stock management, projectmanagement, mobile functionalities and much more. All of this whilst still keeping the CMMS title. To put in perspective, the modern day CMMS is much more than just a maintenance management system.

Even though the CMMS has been growing in terms of functionalities, the main core of a CMMS still remains the management of the maintenance workflows.
Apart from it being a logical focus when based on the roots of the system, it is also a huge benefit.
The system’s main goal is to streamline the maintenance management process. Usually, it is a possibility to link the CMMS to existing systems like the financial software, planning software or inventory software. All of these to create a more efficient management process for your operational assets.

What about Enterprise Asset Management software?

From the origins of the CMMS, the Enterprise Asset Management software was created(EAM software). It made its first appearance on the market, once technology enabled us to link computer systems to one another, over different physical locations. Every company has assets, the only challenge is to keep them workable and efficient. You want to know what the actual location of the asset is, who the person is that is financially responsible for it and what the current financial value of the asset is. That is exactly why you want to use the EAM system. This system refers to the management of all assets spread out over different facilities, departments and geographical locations.

EAM serves all of the aspects within a company that have at least something to do with equity management. You can think of purchasing, accountancy, operations and safety. This also includes maintenance and stock levels. EAM software focuses primarily on total costs. It offers a wide range of tools in order to follow, manage and analyse the prestations of your assets. The goal of an EAM system? Optimizing the lifetime of your assets by working towards a maximal availability and decreasing the operational costs.

CMMS versus EAM

All things considered, there is a fine line between CMMS- and EAM software. This is a logical conclusion, since they both have the same origins. The main focus of CMMS is still maintenance. However nowadays it cannot be called ‘a piece of software that creates digital work orders’ anymore. The modern day CMMS has become a full-fledged system that includes functionalities like preventive maintenance, stock levels, project management and mobile functionalities. All of these still focussed on asset maintenance. EAM is considered a company-wide system. This makes it usable on all levels and departments within a company, one of which, the technical department. The focus however lies more on equity management instead of maintenance management.

Summarized, two different systems. Each has their own definition and goal. Although through the years, both systems have been continuously developed, resulting in a fine line between them.

Is McMain a CMMS or an EAM?

The roots of McMain lays in managing your maintenance. This is the base of our system. Definition wise McMain would fall under the category of CMMS. However, McMain has grown over to years to a system that can also be used company wide, just like a EAM system. Functionalities like billing, purchase and stock levels, but also managing the lifecycle of your assets are all possible, next to your day to day maintenance.

Ask yourself the question, how do I want to use McMain: maintenance level or company wide? This way you are able to decide whether just a CMMS meets your demands or a EAM system with additional modules is your way to go.

Want to see what McMain has to offer?

We understand that the only real way to see if the system fits your needs, is by trying it yourself. For this reason we offer a 30 day free trial, no strings attached. You can request a trial and start right away in your own online McMain environment. Looking for additional information? Feel free to contact us through mail or give us a phone call.

0341 – 750 500.