CMMS or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems ushered industrial maintenance into the digital age. The implementation of CMMS comes with valuable benefits that make it a must-have tool in the modernization of any industry. But these benefits also come with challenges that CMMS software must overcome and continuously adapt to in order to stay effective and beneficial.
The Future of Industrial Companies
The industrial sector is in an age of transition to a new digital era. Production tools and economic models being used today are going through modernization and digital transformation to become the industries of the future.
And governments around the world are supporting this modernization and digitization. The French government, for example, has shown its support by launching a project that promotes the use of digital tools and novel technologies like 3D printers, connected objects, big data, augmented reality, etc.
To become the industries of the future, the industries of today are confronted and must overcome the following new main challenges:
- How will these modern production tools and digital technologies affect manufacturing?
- Will these tools and techniques affect maintenance procedures and services?
- How should CMMS integrate these new tools into its functions to continuously provide added value to maintenance departments and maintain their central position in these future industries?
Why Use Modern Production Tools and CMMS?
The core strategy of maintenance has shifted from reactive and corrective to proactive and predictive. With this, it is only natural for modern industries to equip themselves with digitized technologies, such as CMMS software, and modern production tools.
These technologies and modern tools make it possible to accurately predict and anticipate maintenance. This, in turn, results in optimized maintenance that effectively improves productivity, reduces downtime, and increases reactivity due to real-time information.
Thus, the implementation of digitized technologies and modern production tools in maintenance increases the company’s competitiveness and corporate agility.
Future Applications of Modern Technology
3D Printers in Maintenance
In the future, 3D printers can be used to enhance the efficiency of maintenance crews. The use of 3D printers enables maintenance to:
- Rapidly manufacture spare parts required for maintenance
- Save significant costs from storage and ordering spare parts
- Significantly extend the service life of assets
Drones as Prevention Tools
Drones are currently useful in aerial surveillance. In the future, large industrial sites can also benefit from aerial surveillance by drones. Drones can be equipped with other technologies like infrared reading that could monitor, warn, or notify maintenance personnel in the event of equipment overheating.
Augmented Reality in Maintenance
Augmented reality, or the use of computer-generated images to enhance reality, could be a valuable tool in maintenance operations. A maintenance technician can view a piece of equipment through screens or smart glasses, accessing critical information that will make their job easier.
Augmented reality can present information on equipment such as highlighted parts, safety instructions for the prevention of workplace accidents, 3D visualization of machine plans, or other technical documentation of machines. Augmented reality can also come with useful audio and video support.
Connected Objects for Intelligent Maintenance
Connected objects enable communication between various equipment components through sensors. These sensors can provide real-time data on the condition of the machines, making this technology one of the defining characteristics of the future industrial world.
Modern Technologies, Connected Objects, and CMMS
The recent advancements in connected objects have influenced the way we think about the interfaces for communication between CMMS and sensors. Until recently, sensors could only communicate with a limited selection of platforms. Generally, these platforms acted as a middleman between the CMMS and the sensors. But, with technological advancement, CMMS software can integrate directly with sensor data.
Once connected with CMMS software, the above technologies can lead industrial companies into an era of “intelligent maintenance.” Connected objects, in particular, could help achieve prescriptive maintenance, accurately minimize malfunctions, and effectively avoid standardized preventive over-maintenance. Today, we are considering innovative approaches to facilitate communication between CMMS and connected objects.
Future-Proof Your CMMS with Redlist Software
Future industries will rise from the modernization and digitization of the industries of today. It is therefore imperative that the CMMS you choose today has high adaptability to modern technological advancements.
With Redlist’s CMMS, you will be able to future-proof your maintenance. Our software is built in preparation for years ahead, in consideration of rapid technological advancements. Redlist is a CMMS that will continuously evolve to meet your company’s changing needs and adapt to future challenges. To see how we can future-proof your maintenance management, contact us for a free demo today!
