CMMS Software Training: Tips for Implementation Into Your Company

If your company requires the use of a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system), you need to make sure all managers and employees know how to use it to create buy-in and help things work more efficiently. But what’s the best way to go about facilitating CMMS training?

Typical CMMS training programs take a multifaceted approach, using onsite and in-person workshops and presentations, individual training courses, and hands-on usage. As such, there's no "best way" to train employees to use a CMMS — rather, it's best to vary training practices based on the kind of information that's being taught.

We’ll give you some specific suggestions for how to implement CMMS software training in your company, and then we’ll show you an easy-to-use solution that may not require any training at all.

6 Ways To Provide CMMS Training to Your Employees

There’s no one-size-fits-all CMMS training. It really depends on the system you’re using, the learning styles of those taking the training, and more.

Here are some of our top suggestions for optimal CMMS software training techniques.

#1: Provide Information-Specific Resources

CMMS software has a ton of different features, which means you should also have a variety of information sources to draw from. It's helpful to think about the kind of information you must present in combination with how that information is presented.

For instance, it's a good idea to have both a self-accessed FAQ or wiki knowledge base and a battery of training courses, but the way the information is presented in these sources should be different. A wiki should probably be far more in-depth, while training courses should only teach the specific tasks they are based on.

#2: Make Training Interactive

Not all employees connect and remember verbal presentations led by management. Everyone has a different learning style, but most people remember information when they are thinking critically and involved with the information.

Interaction is key to making sure employees are engaged in their training.

With this in mind, set up training so that there's an interactive component in every section. There shouldn't be very many (if any at all) drawn-out PowerPoints or hour-long talks. Instead, give employees access to a portion of the CMMS so they can submit a work order or report a machine down. They'll like the training more and remember it better, too.

#3: Train as New Features Come

It's not enough to just train when a CMMS is implemented. Training needs to be an ongoing process that incorporates new features and feedback on data input.

If you're purchasing a CMMS from a vendor, ask them — what kind of long-term training options are there? Will the facility always have access to the vendor's CMMS knowledge base? If the vendor can't provide ongoing training, you may need to consider implementing the trainings yourself.

#4: Prevent Failures in CMMS Implementation

Reasons for failures in CMMS implementation include errors in planning, data migration from previous systems, and lack of communication.

For maximum impact with CMMS training, employees should participate in continuous communication so that they are aware of new updates and product features. With a strong training program in place, an organization that wants to transform its business with a CMMS can see less confusion and more results.

#5: Get Buy-In From All Stakeholders

With CMMS training and implementation, everyone involved in the decision-making process needs to be on board. Having the approval of managers, maintenance teams, and other key stakeholders is essential for a smooth launch and everyday usage. These stakeholders should also be aware of new developments as they occur.

#6: Address Documentation Needs

Figure out which documentation needs exist and fill those needs (training courses, operation manuals, FAQs, etc.). If they exist, use the vendor’s training services. If not, dedicate employee time to sitting with training materials. 

It can also be helpful to have technical writers develop material as it is being implemented so that documentation is always up to date.

Another Option for CMMS Software Training Is To Use a Solution That Doesn’t Require Much Training at All

UpKeep is a CMMS solution that gives maintenance and reliability teams the tools and information they need to run operations efficiently and effectively. And best of all, it’s mobile-first and easy to use, so basic on-the-job training may be all your employees need.

We designed our CMMS software to be intuitive for every employee to use while also allowing them to:

• Manage multi-location, day-to-day maintenance life cycles
• Optimize asset utilization
• Gain insights into real-time performance data
• Employ an ecosystem approach
• Bridge the gaps between maintenance, reliability, and operations

And if you do need extra help or resources related to our CMMS, UpKeep gives you access to our learning center with a variety of topics about how everything works and the best way to implement our software at your company.

Start a free trial today to learn how UpKeep can work for you.