The acronym CAFM stands for Computer-Aided Facility Management and CMMS stands for Computerized Maintenance Management System. Although these two digital platforms have a few similarities, it is important to know how to distinguish them and understand the purpose of each software.
The main differences between CAFM and CMMS software are its scope and focus. CAFM helps the facility managers (FM) automate several aspects of the facility management, including the use of the real estate. On the other hand, CMMS software has features focused on the management of maintenance operations and is often part of the CAFM package.
CAFM software is a solution that aims to support facility managers in organizing, executing, and monitoring activities related to plant and workspace management, asset management, reactive and preventive maintenance services, room reservation, and other administrative support activities.
This digital tool helps facility managers find patterns and analyze different aspects regarding the facilities so that afterward they can make the right decisions.
Like CMMS, the CAFM software can record repair and maintenance information so that facility managers get a more accurate view of the company expenses. In addition, CAFM allows to access information on the condition of critical assets, view the work order and repair history, as well as keep the warranty record.
Finally, CAFM contains a supplier database that can be used to contract external resources more efficiently, when required. This component includes important data, such as the supplier location, certifications and contact information, as well as the ability to generate work order invoices and collect feedback on supplier performance, all in one place.
The CMMS software is a digital platform focused exclusively on managing maintenance operations related to equipment and facilities.
CMMS allows managers and maintenance technicians to obtain a more detailed view of maintenance operations: follow the costs of work orders, control breakdowns, access the asset history, record labor on critical equipment, among others.
Maintenance professionals have access to this information so they can make smarter decisions and carry out work orders more efficiently.
One of the strengths of CMMS software is the ability to automatically generate preventive maintenance work orders at a predetermined time. In fact, this allows both on-site technicians and facility managers to know exactly what the next working day will be like.
In addition, the data collected and stored in CMMS software helps maintenance managers meet regulatory and compliance requirements more easily.
Both CMMS and CAFM software are technology solutions that aim to optimize management processes. However, they have different activity focus, so it is important to know how to distinguish them and select the solution that best fits your business needs.
For a company to run efficiently and profitably, it is necessary to ensure that all equipment is running at 100%. And for this, preventive m...
It is erroneous to still believe that we can eliminate preventive maintenance from the maintenance strategy of companies. Although the focus...
The success of business management in any sector necessarily depends on efficient maintenance management. In factories, hotels, shops, resta...
