Why is SaaS CMMS a better option than on-premises software?

Changing your maintenance software can be daunting. You’ve already committed to the cost and disruption of onboarding new technology once – why do it again? Yet hanging onto legacy systems could be causing more damage than you realise.

Take CMMS software, for example.

Many companies currently using a CMMS system will have chosen an on-premises solution, and that’s better than no software. But the on-prem model has some significant drawbacks compared to a SaaS-based CMMS platform.

Let’s look at why SaaS software is a better option than on-premises technology – and how switching to a SaaS-based CMMS system like ShireSystem could save you time, money and complexity.

What’s wrong with an on-premises CMMS system?

Whether you’re looking at CMMS options for the first time or you’re already using CMMS software to manage your company’s maintenance requirements, you may wonder why the SaaS model provides such an advantage.

To understand the benefits of a SaaS-based CMMS, we first need to know the limitations of the on-premises software model. These include:

• High initial costs: an on-premises CMMS system may involve purchasing new hardware, such as in-house servers, and the software license. It also involves an on-site installation process, which adds to the cost of deployment. On average, SaaS deployments are 77% cheaper than on-premises software.

• Complex implementation: installing and integrating on-premises software can be lengthy and complicated, often requiring external expertise.

• Difficult to access and update: on-premises CMMS software is installed on specific devices, which restricts how and where people can use the system.

Technicians must also keep returning to a fixed station to update their job list on the CMMS rather than checking off tasks as they go. Considering that 43% of companies manage more than 100 work requests per month, that’s an awful lot of time wasted walking backwards and forwards.

• Hard to scale: accessibility issues only worsen as companies grow, and many maintenance teams buy additional licenses so their on-premises CMMS can be installed on more devices or at new sites.

• Difficult to maintain and upgrade: any kind of on-premises software is harder to manage, as diagnostics, repairs and improvements need to be made on-site. This typically results in more downtime compared to SaaS CMMS software.

Why is SaaS CMMS a better option?

Thankfully, cloud-based or SaaS CMMS software addresses all the above problems to improve maintenance operations. Engineering teams that switch from on-premises software to a SaaS-based CMMS system find it offers:

• Lower up-front costs: there’s no hardware to buy or on-site installations to manage; a SaaS CMMS can be deployed remotely via the cloud. This reduces initial costs and lowers the total cost of ownership (TCO). Read more: What is the Total Cost of Ownership for SaaS technology compared to traditional models?

• Quicker to deploy, use and update: remote installation and integration allow companies to deploy and start using CMMS software rapidly. The best systems can integrate with other operational software via APIs for fully connected workflows and better-quality data insights.

Plus, bug fixes and system improvements can be made remotely with a SaaS-based CMMS system, meaning the software is maintained better, and downtime is less frequent. And it’s less burdensome on internal IT teams!

• Automatic improvements: besides being less disruptive, the fact that SaaS CMMS software is managed remotely means that technology providers can automatically update systems with the latest features and upgrades. This helps companies like yours get more value from the system and ensure you always use the latest version.

SaaS CMMS software can also automatically back up to the cloud, ensuring high levels of data security.

• Easier to access: with a cloud-based CMMS platform, every user can have their own login to access tasks and information via their web browser or CMMS app.

Technicians can check documentation as they go for more accurate working processes. They can also check off tasks once complete without having to leave the field and return to a designated computer.

Nick Farrell, Deputy Facilities Manager at Chester Zoo, has seen first-hand benefits:

“Our maintenance team can see so much more information than they could before. We can see the status of every request – whether it’s been started, if it’s on hold for any reason, or if it’s been approved.”

Read Chester Zoo’s story in full.

• Simpler to scale: when new people join your company, all they need is a secure login to access the CMMS system. No further technology installation is required. Cloud access also makes adding new sites easier or hiring employees who work across multiple locations.

For more SaaS software benefits, read our blog post: Why choose a SaaS CMMS?

Embrace SaaS software with ShireSystem

By 2025, 66% of application software spending will be directed toward cloud technologies, but why wait until that point? Moving from on-premises CMMS software to a SaaS-based system will help your company run an efficient maintenance operation and ensure reliable production.

ShireSystem is a SaaS-based combined CMMS/CAFM system that will help your maintenance team cut costs, meet compliance standards, make data-driven decisions and extend asset life.

Market-leading companies like Kingspan, Ibstock Brick and North Air have already embraced the benefits of ShireSystem technology. Kingspan has reduced machinery breakdowns by 15%, and Ibstock Brick has increased Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by 10%

Request a free 30-day ShireSystem trial to discover how our CMMS software will help you run more efficient operations and move to a preventative maintenance model