What You Need to Know about Web-Based Maintenance Management

Before systems such as eMaint existed, if an organization wanted a CMMS solution, they had to buy, build, and maintain their own IT infrastructure.

With web-based maintenance management platforms, all you need to manage maintenance throughout your facility is an internet connection. Cloud computing makes this possible. Cloud computing refers to storing, managing, and processing data on a network of remote servers rather than on a local server or computer. Using the cloud benefits organizations in a number of ways, such as minimizing IT infrastructure costs and making it faster and simpler to get applications up and running.

Software as a Service, or SaaS, refers to software applications delivered and licensed online through a subscription model, rather than purchased, installed, and maintained on individual computers. What makes the SaaS model so important?

• Licensing and delivery model
• Subscription basis
• Centrally hosted
• Customers receive on-demand, anytime, anywhere access

SaaS also offers a variety of practical uses that are impossible with other models, such as:

• Managing maintenance in the field, on a tablet or smartphone, using mobile applications such as eMaint’s MX Mobile
• Taking pictures of broken equipment
• Recording video of best practices for repairing assets
• Sharing content with your entire organization with the push of a button

The world is moving toward web-based maintenance more and more every day. Together, the features and benefits of SaaS and the cloud can help you improve your bottom line — and make sure you keep pace with your competitors as technology evolves.

A cloud-based CMMS is as effective as on-premise systems available, while also offering additional advantages. With a web-based maintenance management CMMS such as eMaint, there is no software or hardware for you to purchase, install, or maintain. This makes deployment of the system faster, easier, and cheaper.

• Cloud-based CMMS systems require only a simple, low cost for implementation
• No capital outlay: Subscription fees can be paid on a monthly basis, with software support built right in at no additional cost
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and higher Return on Investment (ROI)

Cost, in business, doesn’t only refer to money. Time is a valuable resource as well, and web-based maintenance management can help you make the most of yours. For example, paper-based forms or processes can be time consuming. Installing necessary software updates takes time away from your other priorities.

• With web-based maintenance management, there are no updates or upgrades to install
• SaaS providers manage the availability of your account, so there’s no need for you to add hardware when you want to expand your usage
• SaaS providers keep your data secure, including comprehensive backups and robust support
• Choosing a web-based CMMS doesn’t have to be a long-term commitment: Monthly subscription options give you the flexibility to cancel your service should you choose to
• Unlike on-premise software, tiered SaaS CMMS pricing options let you choose the features you need and make it easy to scale up as you grow

The popularity and need for web-based maintenance management systems delivered on a SaaS model has been booming because it simplifies deployment and reduces costs. Taking advantage of the cloud means your team has the tools and information they need to do their jobs from anywhere.

eMaint was one of the first companies to develop this model for delivering CMMS, back in 1999. eMaint’s subscription fee includes anytime, anywhere access to the software, system maintenance, automatic updates and upgrades, and unlimited technical support.