EAM software enables strategic asset management, monitoring and managing the deployment, performance and maintenance of a company’s assets, helping to prevent operational surprises and revealing hidden profits. It allows you to analyse data on key trends and anomalies, predict performance issues and make future decisions.
However, it is important to choose the ideal EAM provider to maximise your return on investment (ROI). In this article we review some important aspects to consider when selecting the best EAM software for your company.
Assess your company’s needs
Every EAM implementation is different and no two situations are the same, so you need to make sure that the chosen solution meets the real requirements of your company. To do this, those who make the decision to choose the tool must know exactly what the organisation needs in this area.
It is essential to identify the high-level priorities for the EAM. Consider factors such as interface requirements, security needs, desired reports, etc. Consider business objectives when prioritizing the list of needs. Determine if, and how, each item on that list will help your company achieve its objectives.
Before purchasing the software, investigate the features and capabilities of each alternative to ensure that they align with your needs. Many organisations do not realise the full potential of their EAM systems because they have neglected this critical first step.
Listen to the users
There is no greater feedback than from real people who will use the EAM software in their daily routines. Many organizations make the rookie mistake of discussing software selection only with members of senior management. Executives often evaluate options based on the greatest cost savings, but investing in a competitively priced solution that does not meet their employees’ expectations is a waste of money.
There are many methods for obtaining user input, including surveys, focus groups and employee observation. Including users on the team that will develop the request for proposal (RFP) for the EAM is also an excellent way to get valuable feedback on the software’s needs.
Think about the future
It is important to select an EAM software solution that will enable future expansion of the company. Consider the way your organisation grows and changes, and future expectations, to consider whether a system is suitable for your company in the long term.
Research and interrogate the various vendors about the expansion capabilities of the software to help you make an informed decision. The ability to easily implement an existing EAM system from one location to another, or to easily incorporate new elements, for example in the case of an acquisition, is a critical factor when it comes to business expansion.
Education and training services
Evaluating the various types of training resources available to employees is an important step in making the best selection of EAM software. These may include training at your facility or at your supplier’s location, accompaniment for start-up, e-learning, or access to existing online courses. Consider the resources included with the purchase of the software and your own needs, as well as the prices for additional training.
Consider opportunities for ongoing training in addition to initial training. New employees and new product versions may introduce the need for updates which should be considered at the time of purchase.
Consider mobile applications
The best EAM software providers provide easy-to-use mobile applications that meet the needs of technicians. More than that, they must enable many of the same basic features of the desktop versions on mobile devices.
Make sure that mobile applications offer the ability to generate work orders and requests, manage inventory, scan barcodes, and record data in the field.
Easy to use EAM software
An enterprise asset management system must be reliable and easy to use, with a proven track record of data centralisation and maintenance management automation.
EAM systems have improved operations for a variety of organisations and are available as an on-premise or cloud-based hosted software solution. An ideal solution should offer the ability to be customised to meet the needs of any organisation, with a mobile connection that makes it easy for maintenance professionals to complete a variety of tasks on the fly.
Retain Model
At Retain we offer you a modular software capable of adapting to different needs with a model based on three levels of configuration. At the generic level, we incorporate the different applications and tools that make up our EAM, on which we incorporate business coordinates adapted to different sectors of activity. Finally, in the implementation phase, we customise the software according to the objectives and requirements of each client, in order to obtain maximum competitiveness.
If you want to know more about Retain EAM, contact us and we will inform you without obligation.
