Seven benefits of investing in CMMS training

Implementing a CMMS doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. But it likely will without a proper training program.

The importance of training can’t be stressed enough when setting up a new CMMS. It’s the key to ensuring employees actually use the software and use it the right way. If everyone is onboarded to the CMMS correctly, you will not only see increased efficiency, productivity, and performance improvements, but you’ll see it sooner.

Let’s explore why implementation fails in the first place, how CMMS training can help, and the different ways your organization can participate.

Why implementation fails

Approximately 70% of all CMMS implementations fail. We’ve identified some common ways that software implementation fails. Further down, there are some strategies for avoiding these common problems with training.

1. Lack of support
   Execs usually provide the budget to purchase new software, but aren’t always committed to the implementation process. If the decision-makers aren’t fully invested in the project, things like training often get pushed down to the bottom of their priority list, and it becomes harder to convince fence-sitters that this is a good solution.
2. Unclear goals and priorities
   Without clear goals, teams are bound to fail. Missed targets are huge morale killers, and teams who lack that motivation are less likely to want to learn new skills or adopt new software.
3. Poor training and engagement
   Not knowing and not wanting to learn how to use a CMMS often result in failed implementation. Everyone impacted by the new software should be consulted or offer input when assessing vendors or purchasing the CMMS software. This eliminates the risk of choosing software that is too hard to use or an unwanted solution.

Need help narrowing down your options? Read our short guide to choosing a CMMS

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Benefits of CMMS training

Increases adoption

It doesn’t matter how great your software is if nobody learns how to use it properly. Training increases user adoption, which is critical when implementing software. Being properly trained means your team will see the value of the software, understand how to use it, and be more likely to adopt the system.

Saves time and money

If not properly trained, your team will waste valuable hours on trial and error just to learn the system. Skipping training also means your users risk developing bad habits or not knowing the best practices for using the software. Training ensures everyone gets off on the right foot and helps everyone learn the best practices when setting up and configuring the system.

Creates consistency

Proper training ensures everyone on your team is on the same page, following the same best practices, and working together instead of creating work for one another. When training, use the same tools and resources for every department so your whole team will be equally skilled and successful. Make sure the resources are referenceable and accessible should your team need to access them later. (This will make training and onboarding new techs easier).

Accelerates adoption

It can take hours to figure out how to perform some parts of your job with CMMS software, especially if you don’t have previous experience with CMMS software or if you’re switching from a system where things are done differently. Save yourself endless hours of guesswork with training sessions.

Collect valuable data

Training helps you understand the best practices for entering data. Good data is the foundation of a productive CMMS. It doesn’t matter how efficiently you use your CMMS, if the data is bad, you’ll never see accurate, positive results. Good data and data entry habits can improve productivity, reduce downtime and save money.

Flexibility to explore features

Training ensures you are using the system in the best way for your business’s unique needs. Even the most experienced CMMS users might miss helpful tips and insights if they skip training.

Strengthens commitment

Training reinforces management’s commitment to making the CMMS work within the organization. It’s a way to show maintenance that you’re investing in their success and giving them all the resources they need to achieve their individual and organizational goals.

Need help getting buy-in from your team? Use our free project pitch deck template

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CMMS training resources

Training isn’t a one size fits all solution. Most vendors provide onsite or online training. Others offer video tutorials, training workshops, or recorded webinars. And the level of hands-on training depends on the unique needs of your team. Consider surveying your team to get an idea of their learning style and build a training plan based on their answers.

Whether you choose free or paid training options, invest the time upfront to get your employees properly trained because training makes the difference between CMMS success and failure.

Keep in mind that training is an ongoing process throughout the lifetime of the CMMS. Send your maintenance team to refresher webinars and knowledge-transfer workshops to help reinforce best practices. Also, make it a habit to use help centers and video guides to supplement your teams training. This way, your team can stay up to date with new features and updates without having to relearn the entire software again.