Top 7 CMMS Software & How to Select the Right Solution in '24

Companies adopt CMMS solutions to efficiently manage maintenance processes, save time, decrease operational costs, and create a safer workplace. The percentage of teams adopting CMMS solutions increased from 42 percent in 2019 to 66 percent in 2021, according to the State of Maintenance Report.¹

In this article, we’ll look at the differences between on-premise and cloud-based CMMS, outline the factors that businesses should take into account before making a solution purchase, and explore top CMMS solutions.

2 Types of CMMS Solutions

On-premise CMMS

An on-premise CMMS is installed and operated on from companies’ in-house servers. On-premise CMMS solutions provide organizations with:

• Chance to work without Internet connection: An on-premise CMMS tool enables organizations to continue their asset maintenance processes within their internal structure by not depending on an Internet connection. Therefore, preferring an on-premise solution can bepreferable depending on the conditions of the working area.  
• Data security: Sectors that work with sensitive data are subject to strict data privacy regulations, so using on-premise solutions can help companies prevent security risks and control data access.
• Purchase control: Since companies start using the CMMS software after paying for it, no additional spending is required until the contract expires or is renewed.

Cloud-based CMMS

Companies can use a cloud-based CMMS application through an Internet connection without installing the software on their in-house servers. Cloud-based CMMS solutions provide organizations with:

• Easier Access: Users do not need to use a specialized equipment that the software is installed on to access the CMMS application. A cloud-based CMMS with a mobile application enables field workers to access the application easily.
• Advanced Collaboration: Easier access also improves collaboration between maintenance managers, field workers, and other relevant employees.
• Decreased IT Costs: A cloud-based CMMS provides continuous updates of the software, as well as other support mechanisms that relate to software maintenance, which are the processes pursued by internal IT teams if the software is installed on-premise.

How to choose a CMMS solution?

The needs of companies differ based on their sectors, organizational structures, scales, and strategies. Therefore, it is important to consider all these listed factors in order to make the right decision about implementing an on-premise, cloud-based, or hybrid CMMS software solution:

• Size of the IT department: If you purchase an on-premise CMMS solution, you’ll be responsible for implementing, maintaining, securing, and updating the software, which may require external support or increase the workload of the existing IT team. So, companies need to consider both the size and workload of their IT team before purchasing on-premise CMMS software.
• Scalability objectives: Compared to a cloud-based CMMS software, on-premise software cannot be scaled up without making significant investments in in-house resources. Therefore, the growth plan of a company is an important criterion in choosing the appropriate CMMS option.
• Budget: Choosing the on-premise option involves purchasing a complete infrastructure and budgeting for IT teams, whereas the cloud-based option requires a subscription fee, making it more attractive to small and new companies. Nevertheless, a large company with a flexible budget and a large annual revenue might prefer the on-premise option.
• Accessibility requirements: As stated above, an Internet connection is a must to use a cloud-based CMMS. This option is suitable for remote working conditions that require a transformation in management processes that is difficult to achieve on-premises. Thus, it is important for companies to reckon the conditions of their working area in terms of Internet connectivity, and also the needs of their organizational structure.

List of top CMMS tools

Note: The information above is all based on vendor claims.

For more, feel free to check our sortable/filterable list of CMMS tools. If you have other questions, feel free to reach out:

External Links

• 1. “State of Maintenance 2021 Report”. UpKeep. 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2022.