Changing workers’ habits in using the CMMS involves a process many managers most likely have used in other situations within their organizations.
“We identify the area of the CMMS that can be used more effectively,” Deane says. “We include the target departmental team in the decision-making process — managers, support staff, and trades that will be involved in the change of operations — we test the proposed changes, document the change in operations, train the affected personnel, implement and support.”
The role of training in the process cannot be overemphasized, Lucas says.
“Training is huge,” he says. “In the absence of proper instructions, individuals will do their own thing, which usually spells chaos for a manager. Training ensures that each piece of information is entered into the correct field of the CMMS.”
Deane says her department generally handles CMMS training using in-house personnel, with two exceptions. The software’s developer provides training for upgrades, and the department calls in outside providers for specialized additions, such as bar-code technology.
“We use PowerPoint training presentations on different modules within the CMMS to visually show users the documented steps to perform their jobs,” she says, adding these presentations offer the department flexibility. “PowerPoint training can be shown in a live training session, through personal review on a computer, or through personal hard-copy review.”
UNLV also relies on in-house resources for most CMMS training and stresses its importance for system users to generate standardized, reliable data.
“If we do something, we want to do it only once,” Storlie says. “Then we are able to use that data in other applications.” The department also has embedded training into its hiring and promotion processes.
“We provide hands-on CMMS training sessions for newcomers, as well as refreshers for existing employees,” he says. “Those applying for supervisory positions must have completed CMMS training as a prerequisite and must be able to show a level of CMMS experience commensurate with their current position.”
CMMS: Manage Work Orders and Materials
Provide Technicians with CMMS Training
