A good CMMS lets you export data to spreadsheets and databases. You can use the advanced charting and reporting functions of these applications in many ways, including the following two:
- You want to make the case for buying a dedicated thermal camera for a critical production line. Your CMMS tracks failures attributable to thermal causes; your reports show lost revenue and repair costs in various views.
- You want your maintenance department not to be a victim of excess cost cutting. Your company has a business intelligence platform (e.g., Crystal Reports, Cognos, etc.). Your report designer creates a monthly report showing downtime saved, revenue loss prevented, etc. You export to the database before the report runs each month.