The many advantages that CMMS software provides are very well documented. Nevertheless, the advantages of cloud-based CMMS in comparison to that of traditional premise-based CMMS are not quite so well recognized.
What is cloud-hosted? This simply means that the software is accessible online. Compare that to premise-based which is installed on a local computer or server.
Already, cloud CMMS is relatively popular and is regarded as the next generation within the CMMS industry. With more affordable database storage, faster internet speeds, and more adaptive smartphones and tablets, CMMS which is delivered online is now an option.
Cloud-based CMMS applications come with a similar level of functionality that premise-based systems offer, though there are a few benefits to boot.
Faster Setup
Cloud-hosted CMMS software allows you to be fully-functional within a matter of a minute. Upon registering, you can access the CMMS. There’s no need to install the software then configure any hardware.
Zero IT-related Cost
CMMS software that is cloud-based is hosted on servers belonging to the vendor, thus no cost is incurred which is related to server maintenance, power consumption, backup, licensing, IT and network configuration support.
Access from Anywhere
Easily accessible, cloud-based CMMS can be used from almost any place around the globe. There’s no requirement for firewall configuration either, as IP addresses are granted access when not on work related premises.
Mobile
Technology using smartphones and tablets can greatly increase work efficiency. For those who require immediate access to their CMMS, mobile technology facilitates the scenario. The majority of CMMS mobile apps tend to be agnostic, meaning it’s accessible from any mobile device – iPhone, iPad, Android, or Blackberry. Thus, there is no costly and limiting hand-held hardware needed.
Regular System Updates
Maintaining software in an up-to-date fashion is critical. Updates to software come with new features, general advancements, and workflows that serve to increase efficiency.
Updates also introduce hot fixes, security upgrades, and patches. Together with cloud-based software, system updates are part of the subscription cost and thus will occur automatically. That means you are assured that you always possess the very latest CMMS version and there’s absolutely no extra cost to it, either.
Managed Database
Premise-based CMMS software dictates that the database must be backed up to a secondary server on a regular basis. If otherwise, should the primary hard drive fail, all the CMMS data will potentially be lost.
This does not occur with cloud-based CMMS software such as that provided by Q Ware CMMS, as backups are managed within the price of the subscription.
Providers of cloud CMMS solutions store data on redundant servers in many locations, thus providing you with protection from failures to hardware and natural disasters such as fire. Most providers guarantee an uptime of over 99.5 percent, which equates to top banking websites and other financial institutions.
Database Security
Your hosting provider or cloud CMMS vendor are responsible for database security. Thus, they will protect your data by the provision of data encryption, secure logins, and anti-virus updates. In return, you get full peace-of-mind knowing that your data is entirely safe.
24/7 Monitoring
Should the server go down with premise-based CMMS software, it’s a prerequisite to have to wait for the IT guy to get it up and running once again. If that occurs over the weekend, it can take many hours of downtime.
Cloud-hosted CMMS solutions are resident on servers that receive constant monitoring. Technicians are always available on-site every day of the year.
If you’re considering an upgrade to your CMMS, or perhaps you’re implementing CMMS for the first time, it’s obvious to see that cloud-based CMMS solutions provide many distinct advantages as well as cost savings over the traditional option.
With the added reliability, lower costs, and mobility of ownership with respect to cloud-based CMMS, it provides your organization with a greater competitive edge which can be vital to industry survival.
