b'describes it as a tool that enables manufactur- time. Between expedited parts and labor ers to initiate, assign and track the progresscostsnever mind falling behind on your of all maintenance activities, with in-depthproductionscheduleitcangetvery reporting and analytics capabilities that em- expensive.power manufacturers to increase productiv- Other CMMS functions include asset track-ity and streamline operations more effectivelying; maintenance work order creation and and easier than ever before. scheduling; management of spare parts in-That all sounds great, but what exactly doesventory; and safety monitoring, reporting and a CMMS do, and why cant people keep man- analysis. These capabilities are available at an aging their maintenance activities in Microsoftoffice desk, on the production floor, at home Excel? According to Lachance, its difficult toor on the golf course. compare CMMS with spreadsheets or home-grown software. Heres a simple example, he said. ExcelKip Hanson is a contributing cant provide automated reminders and noti- editor for CTE. Contact him at fications like a CMMS can. So you never hear(520) 548-7328 or khanson@about a problem on a machine until its toojwr.com.late, and now youre facing unplanned down-ctemag.com/cteguide.com37MachineMain.indd 37 2/14/18 1:45 PM'