Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
A CMMS is software that centralises maintenance information, automates work order management, and tracks the upkeep of physical assets such as plant, equipment, and fleet. It stores service history, schedules preventive tasks, and manages spare parts inventory. Organisations use a CMMS to move from reactive, paper-based maintenance to a structured, data-driven approach.
Why it matters
Without a CMMS, maintenance teams rely on spreadsheets, whiteboards, or memory, leading to missed services, duplicated effort, and unplanned breakdowns. A well-implemented CMMS can reduce maintenance costs by 15–25% and extend asset life by ensuring timely interventions. It also provides an auditable record of all work performed, which is critical for compliance and warranty claims.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack combines CMMS capabilities with asset tracking and compliance in a single platform, giving maintenance teams a complete view of every asset’s location, condition, and service history from one mobile-friendly dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CMMS and an EAM?
A CMMS focuses primarily on maintenance management tasks such as work orders, preventive maintenance scheduling, and spare parts tracking. Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software encompasses a broader scope, including asset lifecycle management, procurement, capital planning, and financial depreciation. Many modern platforms, including MapTrack, blend elements of both.
Do small teams benefit from a CMMS?
Yes. Even teams managing a few dozen assets can see significant gains by eliminating spreadsheet-based tracking and automating service reminders. A cloud-based CMMS removes the complexity of on-premise installations and can be adopted incrementally, making it practical for small and mid-sized operations.
Related terms
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance (PM) is a proactive maintenance strategy in which assets are serviced at predetermined time or usage intervals to reduce the likelihood of failure. Tasks may include inspections, lubrication, filter changes, calibrations, and component replacements. PM schedules are typically based on manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements, or historical failure data.
Work Order
A work order is a formal document or digital record that authorises and tracks a specific maintenance task. It typically includes the asset identification, description of work required, priority, assigned technician, parts needed, safety requirements, and completion details. Work orders provide a structured workflow from request through approval, execution, and closeout.
Maintenance Scheduling
Maintenance scheduling is the process of planning when maintenance tasks will be performed, assigning resources (technicians, parts, equipment), and sequencing work to minimise disruption to operations. Effective scheduling balances preventive maintenance intervals, corrective work priorities, resource availability, and production demands. It transforms a backlog of work orders into an executable plan.
Service History
Service history is the chronological record of all maintenance, repairs, inspections, and modifications performed on an asset throughout its lifecycle. A comprehensive service history includes dates, descriptions of work, parts used, technician details, costs, and supporting documentation such as photos or test certificates. It serves as the permanent maintenance biography of an asset.
Spare Parts Management
Spare parts management is the process of planning, procuring, storing, and issuing replacement components and consumables needed to maintain and repair assets. It involves determining which parts to stock, setting minimum and reorder quantities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring parts are available when needed without carrying excessive inventory. Effective spare parts management balances availability against holding costs.
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