CMMS Work Order Software for Transport Companies

According to a recent Barclays report, UK Transport and Logistics, subdued growth in overseas tourism has impacted the vehicle rental and leasing market in the UK. At the same time, domestic demand for vehicle rentals remains relatively weak due to cautious consumer and business spending. Fleet management activity has improved since 2010 as many organisations had postponed fleet renewals during the recession. However, that activity is predicted to slow down. Like many businesses, this segment of the UK transport industry faces numerous challenges. As demand remains sluggish, businesses have no choice other than to look for ways to remain profitable.

In some cases, this means making cuts; in others, it means making investments. An investment in computerised maintenance management software (CMMS) has the potential to keep a transport business profitable by reducing costs associated with maintenance, workflow efficiencies, inventory management, and asset management.

What is CMMS?

CMMS is a computerized suite of tools designed specifically for the maintenance industry. It is asset control software and work order software blended into one comprehensive tool. From an asset management perspective, CMMS is a living database containing detailed information about company-owned assets such as rental cars, heavy equipment, industrial equipment, lifts, or even facilities. Virtually anything related to a given asset can be recorded including: purchase price, financing terms, driver or operator details, insurance information, contract information, service history, repair history, accident history, and more. The CMMS software can quickly generate detailed reports as needed. For example, if your insurance company needs a current inventory of the company's fleet, you can quickly generate a report detailing the entire fleet including all pertinent details such as models, VIN numbers, original cost, mileage, and more.

From a maintenance perspective, CMMS is used as work order software and a preventative maintenance scheduling tool. Since each asset is already loaded in the work order software, work orders can be attached to existing assets. This creates a service record as well as attaches related information to the asset. For example, if you create and complete a work order for a rental car in your fleet, all parts required for the job, their cost, the type of service, the date of service, any notes, and the technician's name will become part of the car's service record. Over time, that car's service record will grow and all work performed will be fully documented.

How CMMS Reduces Costs

Imagine that you operate a rental fleet consisting of two similar makes and models. While their initial purchase price and amenities may be comparable, their service histories may be worlds apart. What if one type of car regularly required expensive corrective service calls and the other performed beautifully consistently? When it comes time to replace the fleet, wouldn't you prefer to replace your rental cars with those that performed consistently? With CMMS data, you can quickly find out the true cost of each class of assets under your care.

The UK economy prompts transport companies to think differently. CMMS and work order software helps to improve efficiencies at the maintenance and asset management level.