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Businesses constantly look for inventory software they can utilize to remain organized and minimize problems. Because of this, some people may look into systems such as enterprise asset management (EAM) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). With that in mind, you should understand the differences between them and determine which will help your business succeed.
What Are EAM and CMMS?
First, you must understand the differences when it comes to EAM vs CMMS. EAM allows people to store documents and details about equipment, parts, and various other aspects of business inventory. On the other hand, CMMS focuses more on maintenance, so it will keep track of when to repair equipment, check equipment, and similar details.
For example, EAM works great for larger scopes and trying to tackle multiple points. However, if a person only wants to focus on maintenance, then CMMS will work better for them. Each one has its place and uses, so you need to compare the differences to get an idea of what works best for your business.
Understanding the Differences
As you compare the two options, you’ll understand the benefits of each software. Make sure you review them and go through the key differences between them to see what your business needs the most.
EAM Offers a Wider Range of Features
Instead of focusing on a specific feature, EAM offers multiple features to help businesses with their inventory. For example, the software can automatically send order forms if the business starts to run low on inventory. They can also utilize EAM to track important data about sales, so the business can make adjustments based on the numbers.
However, some people may view the wider range of features as intimidating, so they find it difficult to use. That can then prevent them from fully and correctly utilizing the software, so they could end up making mistakes and face problems with their inventory.
CMMS Focuses on Specialization
On the other hand, CMMS focuses on specializing in maintenance. It makes it clear when the user needs to check on inventory and potentially replace it. The software will also keep track of the total inventory to help you stay on top of the information. To add to this, you can quickly find out if you need to check on any of your products or machines.
Since it specializes in those features, you can rely on it to tackle the key maintenance tasks. Doing so will help your business perform well and maintain its products to minimize any potential problems.
EAM for Larger Businesses, CMMS for Smaller Businesses
Since EAM offers a wider range of features, it works better for larger businesses. Since larger businesses allow multiple people to utilize the software, they can have the features work together when possible. Doing so will let them identify shortcomings and use the software more to maximize its use and effectiveness.
On the other hand, CMMS works great for smaller businesses. Since they have fewer features to keep track of and have less inventory to maintain, the software offers more use to them. Interestingly, any medium-sized businesses can go with either option based on what they feel will help them.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, both have key features that make them appealing to different types of businesses. Technically, EAM is better if you want the most features available to help you with inventory and keep your business organized with it. However, if your business plans to specialize in maintenance, CMMS stands out as the better option for you.
On top of that, if you own a smaller business, an EAM may offer too many features for your business to utilize. That could lead to you wasting money, so consider the size of your business before you choose the inventory software you want.
Conclusion
Both EAM and CMMS have their places when it comes to helping businesses and managing their inventory. It comes down to weighing out the differences and deciding which one works best while helping you. You must focus on reviewing the options available to your business, talking them over with other leaders in the business and deciding which one you think your business could use the most.