Effective inventory control is the backbone of efficient operations in maintenance-intensive industries. Likewise, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) is the real solution for inventory management without the disruptions of overstocking and understocking.
There used to be a time when traditional inventory tracking methods were used. But now CMMS software automates stock levels for real-time data visibility, predictive restocking, and seamless integration with maintenance schedules.
But with lots of CMMS software available already, what’s the best one to choose? There isn’t just a trick but a whole approach towards choosing a good CMMS software. However, this blog has got the information you need to make the search easier for you. So. let’s get to it.
What Is Inventory Control And Why Is It Important?
Inventory control, also termed as stock control, is the process of managing stock levels within an organization. It makes sure that all the required supplies of a business are controlled from the moment they are acquired as raw material, and to their final stage as an end product delivered to the customer.
During the process of supply chain management, mostly companies fail to control inventory, which results in inefficiencies in the operations, leading to higher operational costs. The most frequent issue is overstocking, with too many goods being stocked, holding up capital and escalating the cost of storage. In the other case, understocking creates insufficient stock of important supplies, and the production schedule suffers, causing late delivery, failure to meet deadlines, and rushed purchases at increased costs.
Owing to this issue, a proper inventory management system becomes a need for businesses to control their stock or inventory levels. This approach towards efficiency helps in optimizing the overall operations within a business, be it about reducing waste or unutilized equipment, improving cash flow, or ensuring timely availability of critical supplies.
How Does CMMS Software Help In Inventory Management?
CMMS software with its ability to perform stock management, improving cost-effectiveness, and providing real-time information about the available goods present in the warehouse becomes a solid option for any business looking for inventory control.
Precisely, there’s more to it when it comes to using an inventory management software or CMMS. For example,
- You can gain instant visibility into stock levels, usage patterns, and availability of the needed inventory list in the form of raw material, spare parts, maintenance supplies, consumables, lubricants, and critical repair components.
- You are free to set predefined thresholds for stock levels to avoid automatic reorders, ultimately preventing shortages or overspending.
- You can be at peace knowing that the right parts are available when maintenance is scheduled so you won’t have to run for last minute preparations.
- You can reduce the risk of misplaced or lost items with data being at your fingertips.
- You can eliminate the human error and automate the process of ordering new supplies or utilizing the already available ones.
Best CMMS Software Solutions for Inventory Control
Now, Here’s where things get interesting.
You may ask,
What’s the best CMMS till date, so we can just use that.
But to your surprise, there are plenty of options out there, each with its pros and cons. Picking the right one depends on your specific inventory control needs, budget, and operational scale. Let’s list down the top contenders and what makes them better than the other for you:
1. Fiix
Fiix is a cloud-based CMMS designed to help businesses automate their inventory management activities with a strong focus on features like asset tracking, work order automation, and predictive maintenance.
This tool can:
- Keep a track of the equipment and machinery to avoid unexpected downtime, unnecessary breakdowns, and costly emergency repairs.
- Simplify creation, assignment, and monitoring of work orders.
- Provide Real-time tracking of spare parts and supplies to prevent stockouts and overstocking.
- Access maintenance data and perform tasks via mobile devices for easier accessibility to all your staff.
Here comes the important part: what users are saying about this cmms inventory management tool because ultimately, their opinion determines whether the tool truly delivers on its promises or not.
So, here you go with
User Reviews and Ratings
Users appreciate Fiix’s user-friendly interface and powerful reporting capabilities. For example, one reviewer stated that Fiix is an easy-to-use and intuitive tool for managing projects and tasks within companies. It offers robust reporting and data analysis features, making it a great software solution.
While another user highlighted that Fiix has significantly improved our maintenance efficiency and reduced equipment downtime.
2. MaintainX
MaintainX is a mobile-centric CMMS aimed at simplifying maintenance and asset management for frontline workers.
Some of its functionalities are:
- Effective creation and monitoring of work orders
- Parts and supplies monitoring to maintain stock levels
- Standard operating procedures digitized in electronic formats
- Automated alerts and notifications for timely maintenance
- Real-time data on maintenance operations
User Reviews and Ratings
It has gained fame for how easy it is to use and the exhaustive capabilities. In fact, a customer posted,
We use MaintainX. Does a lot of stuff really well. Work orders, parts/inventory management, purchase orders, etc. Really easy to navigate. Mobile app is also really solid.
3. Azzier CMMS
This is a feature-rich, web-based CMMS developed by Tero, offering advanced maintenance management solutions.
Its main strengths include:
- Defining asset hierarchies and tag assets using customizable parameters such as location, status, and priority.
- Assigning work orders to necessary personnel and monitoring progress through a real-time dashboard.
- Recording and controlling material movement, calibrating stock levels, and supporting electronic barcoding to ensure parts availability.
- Featuring built-in mobile device connectivity, allowing maintenance teams to access the tool from wherever they are.
User Reviews and Ratings
Users have highlighted Azzier’s flexibility and customization options. As per one user, Azzier was a perfect fit for them. They had looked at many other CMMS systems, but only Azzier had the flexibility they needed. The customization of each screen to fit their users was what they wanted.
4. eMaint
For a good inventory management system, ruling out this option is not a wise choice. eMaint offers customizable features that allow you to
- Track and manage assets
- Create and assign work orders
- Control spare parts inventory backed with data
- Have insights into maintenance operations
- Escalate loss prevention through predictive maintenance
User Reviews and Ratings
Users commend eMaint for its configurability and support services. A crux of one user’s review is that eMaint’s flexibility and customization options have allowed them to customize the system to their specific needs.
5. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a versatile work management platform that, while not exclusively a CMMS, offers features beneficial for inventory management, including:
- Planning and tracking of projects and tasks, likewise the tools discussed above
- Customizable templates for monitoring inventory levels
- Facilitation of team communication and document sharing
- Generation of reports to analyze data and performance
User Reviews and Ratings
It’s recommended by users for its flexibility and adaptability. It’s easier to adapt to different systems and workflows, which makes it a flexible option for users having such priorities.
6. Click Maint
Perhaps out of all the above choices, Click Maint might be the go-to tool for someone looking for
- Efficient handling of maintenance requests and tasks
- Tracking of equipment warranties, contractor management, and repair costs
- Timely alerts for maintenance needs to ensure proactive upkeep
- Mobile App feature for enhanced accessibility
- User-friendly interface for facilitating quick adoption with minimal training
- Easy integration with existing ERP and supply chain systems to streamline operations
User Reviews and Ratings
In the words of one user,
Click Maint is our go-to solution for managing work orders, repairs, and scheduled maintenance at our office building. It keeps us organized and on top of everything, from equipment warranties to contractor management and repair costs.
Finding the Right CMMS for Inventory Management
After all this discussion, the best CMMS software for inventory control is the one that fits your business needs and helps in overall operational tasks. While each of the options above brings something valuable to the table, not all of them offer a fully integrated, flexible, and scalable solution for maintenance-intensive industries.
And that’s where Azzier CMMS fill the gap.
With its real-time asset tracking, advanced inventory management, and seamless mobile accessibility, Azzier assure that your stock levels are always in check, and your team is never left scrambling for critical supplies.
So, if you’re looking for a CMMS that does more than just the basics, Azzier is a name worth considering. So, why not give it a try today?
