CMMS and Data Analytics Tools Are Better Together for Supply Chain Operations

In supply chain operations, many companies use a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track and schedule equipment maintenance. However, while CMMS handles the “what” and “when” of maintenance, it often lacks analytical insights into the “why” and “how” needed for strategic planning and decision-making. 

This is where a data analytics tool becomes a powerful partner. By combining CMMS with data analytics, operations managers can better understand performance trends, root causes, and predictive insights. Together, these tools help drive efficiency and reduce costs across the supply chain.

Let’s explore how combining CMMS and data analytics tools empowers supply chain operations with deeper insights, leading to proactive decision-making.

CMMS: Focused on Maintenance Management

A CMMS is designed to streamline maintenance tasks and ensure equipment reliability. It helps keeping their assets in optimal condition and reduce equipment downtime by up to 30%. CMMS software allows you to track maintenance schedules, log work orders, and manage inventory for spare parts.

Here are the main features of CMMS:

• Work Order Management: CMMS helps users to create, track, and manage work orders. This ensures maintenance tasks are completed on time.

• Asset Management: The system keeps detailed records of all equipment and assets. This includes information on maintenance history, warranties, and performance metrics.

• Preventive Maintenance: CMMS helps schedule regular maintenance tasks to prevent equipment breakdowns. This proactive approach reduces downtime and extends the life of assets.

• Inventory Control: The system tracks spare parts and supplies needed for maintenance. This guarantees necessary items are available when needed, avoiding delays.

• Compliance: CMMS supports compliance with industry regulations by maintaining accurate records of maintenance activities. It ensures that companies adhere to required standards through features like audit trails and document control.

Why You Shouldn’t Only Rely on a CMMS

While a CMMS is valuable for organizing maintenance tasks and tracking asset performance, it has limitations when used independently. Here are some of the main limitations of relying solely on a CMMS:

• Data Silos: CMMS data is often isolated. It covers only information related to maintenance, such as work orders or inventory. This limits visibility into how maintenance impacts broader operations.

• Limited Analytical Capabilities: CMMS systems are generally designed for tracking and scheduling rather than analyzing data. They can create basic reports but lack advanced analytical tools to identify patterns or predict future issues.

• Lack of Predictive Maintenance Support: A CMMS is limited to reactive maintenance and addresses issues only after they arise. This approach misses out on predictive insights that could prevent equipment failures and reduce downtime.

CMMS is excellent for managing maintenance. However, it cannot fully support predictive maintenance or process optimization. This is where the scope of CMMS ends, and the power of a data analytics tool begins.

Data Analytics Tools: Driving Insights Beyond Maintenance

Data analytics tools go beyond basic maintenance management. They ingest and process data from various sources to uncover patterns and trends that help improve overall operations. McKinsey report shows that companies that utilize advanced analytics experience a profit improvement of 126% compared to their competitors. These tools transform raw data into meaningful insights and help companies to make informed decisions.

Let’s explore key features of data analytics tools: 

• Data Visualization: Data analytics tools turn complex data into easy-to-understand charts and graphs. This visual representation helps teams quickly grasp trends and patterns.

• Predictive Analytics: These tools use historical data to forecast future events. For example, they can predict demand fluctuations and help businesses prepare for market changes.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Data analytics tools can track supply chain performance in real-time. This allows managers to make informed decisions quickly based on current data.

• Integration Capabilities: Many data analytics tools can integrate with other systems, including CMMS. This connection facilitates cross-department collaboration and a smooth flow of information.

• Root Cause Analysis: Data analytics tools offer root cause analysis, enabling organizations to identify the underlying reasons for issues within their operations. By understanding the core issues, companies can take targeted actions to prevent these problems for more reliable operations.

Complementary Benefits: How CMMS and Data Analytics Work Together

CMMS and data analytics tools can create a powerful combination that can enhance supply chain operations. Each system brings unique strengths, and their integration offers several complementary benefits:

1. Enhanced Asset Lifecycle Management

CMMS is important for managing business assets throughout their lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. It can track maintenance schedules, log repairs, and monitor usage. Data analytics tools complement this by analyzing performance data over time to help companies determine the best times for repairs and replacements. Together, they can empower companies to optimize assets lifecycles and reduce costs. 

2. Improved Uptime and Reduced Downtime

A CMMS can help schedule maintenance tasks. However, data analytics tools can predict when specific assets might fail so the company can take preemptive actions. Predictive insights from data analytics improve uptime by scheduling maintenance before issues occur rather than simply responding to breakdowns. Together, these systems help improve uptime and reduce downtime for more consistent production and service delivery.

3. Cross-Functional Visibility and Collaboration

Integrating CMMS with data analytics tools can collect data from all facets of supply chain operations. This promotes a shared understanding of operations and cross-department collaboration across different business functions. For example, data analytics might reveal that frequent machine downtimes are linked to staffing shortages during peak hours. With this information, both maintenance and workforce planning teams can work together to adjust shift schedules to minimize disruptions. 

4. Informed Budgeting and Resource Allocation

Integrating CMMS and data analytics also aids in informed budgeting and resource allocation. CMMS can track maintenance costs and historical data. Then, data analytics can analyze these costs against performance metrics to offer insights into spending effectiveness. For example, if a company finds that certain equipment needs excessive maintenance, it may allocate the budget toward purchasing new assets rather than investing in repairs.

5. Data-Driven Culture and Continuous Improvement

By integrating CMMS and data analytics, companies can encourage their teams to rely on data for decision-making. Continuous analysis of maintenance data can lead to ongoing improvements in processes. For example, a facility might track maintenance response times and find that certain tasks consistently take longer than expected. Armed with this data, the team can refine procedures for a more efficient workflow.

Enriching CMMS Data with Other Supply Chain Systems

Integrating CMMS with other supply chain systems improves the quality of data and insights available for decision-making. By combining maintenance data with information from different sources, you will be armed to make more informed choices to improve overall performance. 

Here are some key areas where this integration offers significant benefits:

1. Comprehensive Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management

With CMMS data enriched with insights from sales and inventory systems, you can refine your demand forecasting. Hence, you can align your maintenance schedules with expected production needs. Accurate forecasting also helps to maintain optimal inventory levels that reduce excess stock and minimize shortages.

2. Enhanced Procurement and Supplier Performance

By integrating CMMS data with procurement and supplier performance data, analytics tools can uncover how supplier quality and lead times affect maintenance schedules and overall operational uptime. For example, analytics might show that certain parts frequently run out during high-demand seasons, which adds to equipment downtime. With this insight, inventory, and maintenance teams can collaborate to make sure important parts are always available to support smooth operations.

3. Improved Workforce Planning and Scheduling

Integrating CMMS work order data with workforce management systems can help you optimize scheduling. Data analytics helps match technician availability and skill sets with maintenance needs. This will ensure the right technicians are available at the right times. This reduces downtime and ensures efficient use of maintenance resources.

4. Optimized Logistics and Reduced Transit Delays

Combining CMMS with logistics data offers insights into how maintenance activities affect the flow of goods. Analytics can schedule maintenance for important assets on high-priority transit routes or during low-impact times. This minimizes disruptions and keeps supply chain operations running smoothly.

5. Data-Driven Decision-Making

By integrating CMMS with other supply chain systems, organizations gain a holistic view of operations. This enriched data enables you to make strategic decisions that account for every part of the supply chain, from maintenance and inventory to workforce and logistics. Such a comprehensive approach drives efficiency, cuts costs, and improves overall performance. 

Supercharge Your CMMS with ClicData’s Advanced Analytics

While a CMMS is important for managing maintenance tasks, it falls short when delivering strategic insights for better decision-making. Data analytics tools complement CMMS by transforming maintenance data into actionable insights. They support predictive maintenance and enable better planning across supply chain operations. 

Together, these systems offer a powerful solution that enhances both maintenance efficiency and overall operational performance. ClicData can help you integrate and analyze data from multiple sources—like your CMMS, procurement systems, inventory, and supplier performance metrics—all in one place. With customizable dashboards and real-time insights, ClicData helps you uncover data patterns, predict maintenance needs, and identify bottlenecks across your operations.

Don’t let your CMMS data sit in isolation. If you want to learn more about ClicData’s analytics capabilities and integration with your CMMS and all your supply chain systems, let’s talk!