CMMS and EAM: differences and commonalities?

  • click to rate

    When searching for computerized maintenance management systems, the terms Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) are often confused.

    This article will help you understand the differences and common features of these systems.

    Software solutions of the CMMS type use electronic databases on maintenance operations, when planning maintenance work and reporting on completed work. CMMS systems make it possible to increase the efficiency of both personnel and production assets, make it possible to make operational decisions based on available information, etc.

    EAM is optimal from the point of view of managing the life cycle of tangible assets of organizations. EAM includes aspects of the business such as operations, maintenance and decommissioning / replacement of equipment, engineering design, etc.

    At one time, CMMS and EAM were seen as completely different maintenance management solutions. To explain the main differences between CMMS and EAM, let's look back at how a CMMS system was created 30 years ago, and then discuss how these systems have evolved from software functionality to a service "philosophy."

    History of CMMS and EAM systems

    CMMS systems were introduced to the market for the first time in the early 80s, they allowed replacing manual maintenance planning processes with computerized ones, namely:

    Management of Maintenance Applications and Orders
    Management of the stock of spare parts in the warehouse
    Planning preventive maintenance
    Asset history
    EAM systems appeared later, namely in the 90s. Software has been developed that integrates the basic functions of CMMS systems with the requirements of corporate organizations with global business expansion initiatives. Organizations saw that maintenance was not limited to just one Technical Department. Traditionally, these systems have included CMMS features plus:

    Analysis of reasons for failure
    Predictive maintenance
    Financial expenses
    Asset life cycle analysis

    If this topic interests you, you should familiarize yourself with the wide range of services of professionals https://www.makini.io/cmms/amos-ems and you will not regret it