Perfect Timing: When to Change Your School’s CMMS
4 compelling events for an FM software switch
We need a CMMS change. Now what?
Efficiently managing K-12 and higher ed facilities is vital to fostering spaces where students and educators thrive. If you’re finding that your current CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) or other facility management software is more of an uncooperative burden than a strategic asset, it’s time to consider a better solution.
Timing to change your CMMS shouldn’t be limited to what it can and can’t do. Some events that can enable the switch:
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An Upcoming Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) or Other Major Assessment
An FCA catalogs your facility assets and their conditions and provides reports and recommendations. It also provides asset inventory and condition information that can provide value beyond just a snapshot of the facilities and their assets at the time. An FCA performed by a provider that utilizes FCA software creates a living FCA that easily facilitates the transition to a new CMMS. Major assessments such as lighting or energy can also populate a living asset inventory that helps you track the entire lifecycle of your assets.
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Your Current CMMS is Forcing an Expensive Upgrade
If your current CMMS provider is prompting you for a costly upgrade, it’s a clear signal to reevaluate your options. Legacy CMMS software that’s been acquired by a larger corporation can leave your existing CMMS careening for obsolescence, while following the upgrade path can lead to both transition costs and higher subscription costs going forward. Rather than pouring more money into a limited system, consider investing in comprehensive FM software that delivers greater value without hidden costs.
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Long Time Staff Are Retiring and It’s Time to Prevent Knowledge Loss
Anticipating staff retirements without a mechanism to capture their knowledge can leave your institution vulnerable. A comprehensive CMMS that documents procedures and preserves institutional memory helps ensure continuity as experienced staff transition out. With a new, easy-to-use CMMS, you may find that some of your most long-serving employees embrace the software whole heartedly when it comes to imparting their knowledge to the next generation.
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An Upcoming Summer or Winter Break Is Nearing
Take advantage of seasonal breaks, like summer or winter break to implement a new comprehensive system without disrupting the academic calendar. A well-timed switch ensures that when students and faculty return, your facilities are optimized and ready to meet the demands of a new academic period. An CMMS that is easy to learn and use can have staff adopting quickly, creating KPIs and on their way to improving.
What if you aren’t completely sure you need a change?
We get it. Changing your CMMS can seem like a monumental project, so you’d want to be sure you need to. Here are 7 reasons why a CMMS switch should be in your organizations’ near future.
When it’s time for a change, choosing the ideal timing can help make it as seamless as possible. Avoid costs, retain valuable knowledge, and ensure your facilities are ready to shine in the new school year. Want to see a CMMS that your team will actually use? Contact us to learn more.
