New Maintenance Professional Roles Arising from CMMS and EAM Software

In recent years, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software have firmly established themselves as indispensable tools in the maintenance management marketplace. Across various industries, organizations increasingly recognize these systems as able to streamline maintenance operations, prolong asset life cycles, and enhance overall operational efficiency with their transformative potential. By centralizing asset data, automating maintenance workflows, and facilitating data-driven decision-making, CMMS software enables organizations to transition from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and optimizing resource utilization. 

Furthermore, with the advent of cloud-based solutions, these systems are more accessible and scalable, catering to the needs of both small businesses and large multinational corporations. As a result, CMMS and EAM have become cornerstones of modern maintenance management, driving productivity and cost savings while ensuring the longevity and reliability of critical assets. The growth in the CMMS and EAM marketplaces is directly related to their performance and ability to provide the results they promise. 

With these technological advancements comes the need for skilled professionals who can oversee, optimize, and extract maximum value from these systems. This article delves into the emergence of new career paths within maintenance management fueled by the capabilities of CMMS and EAM software.

CMMS and EAM Administrators

Position Description

A proficient administrator is pivotal to the success of every CMMS and EAM implementation, serving as the driving force for effective maintenance management. This role encompasses a range of tasks essential for harnessing the full potential of CMMS and EAM software. For instance, the administrator meticulously sets up and configures the organization's CMMS and EAM software, ensuring the system is tailored to meet specific operational requirements. This may involve defining asset hierarchies, creating preventive maintenance schedules, and establishing user access levels to safeguard data integrity and enhance user experience. Moreover, CMMS and EAM Administrators play a crucial role in maintaining data accuracy by regularly updating asset information, recording maintenance activities, and troubleshooting any discrepancies that may arise. 

CMMS and EAM Administrators go beyond system maintenance by customizing the software to align seamlessly with evolving organizational needs, whether by integrating additional modules to manage specialized assets or implementing new workflows to streamline maintenance processes. These administrators serve as frontline support for users, offering guidance, troubleshooting assistance, and training sessions to ensure smooth adoption and utilization of the CMMS and EAM software throughout the organization. 

Finally, CMMS and EAM Administrators’ analytical prowess comes into play as they delve into maintenance data, extracting insights to identify trends, anticipate equipment failures, and pinpoint opportunities for operational enhancements. By leveraging data analytics tools and techniques, they empower decision-makers with actionable intelligence to optimize maintenance strategies, minimize downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within the organization.

Position Requirements

A Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for an administrator role. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of maintenance operations and asset management principles. Proficiency in CMMS or EAM software and analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary.

Compensation

On average, CMMS and EAM Administrators can expect to earn between $60,000 to $90,000 annually, based on their experience, location, and the complexity of the system being managed.

Asset Information Analyst

Position Description

In the realm of EAM and CMMS systems, data serves as the cornerstone of effective asset management, and Asset Information Analysts play a crucial role in unlocking its potential. These analysts are tasked with many tasks aimed at harnessing the power of data to drive informed decision-making and optimize asset performance. 

First, Asset Information Analysts are responsible for meticulously collecting and cataloging asset data from various sources, including equipment sensors, maintenance logs, and procurement records. For example, they might gather data on equipment specifications, maintenance history, and usage patterns to create comprehensive asset profiles within the CMMS or EAM system. They also employ advanced analytical techniques to unearth valuable insights hidden within the data, such as identifying equipment failure patterns, predicting maintenance requirements, and assessing asset performance against key performance indicators (KPIs). This analytical skill enables them to develop predictive maintenance models, recommending proactive interventions to mitigate potential risks and prolong asset lifecycles. 

Asset Information Analysts also play a key role in maintaining data integrity by implementing robust data governance policies and procedures. They ensure that asset data is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date, mitigating the risk of errors or discrepancies that could compromise decision-making processes. 

Furthermore, these analysts also leverage asset information to optimize maintenance strategies, aligning them with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements. As they do so, they may identify opportunities to standardize maintenance procedures, optimize spare parts inventory levels, or prioritize critical assets based on their strategic importance to the organization. By providing stakeholders with actionable insights derived from comprehensive data analysis, Asset Information Analysts empower organizations to make decisions supported by data that improve operations, reduce costs, and maximize the value of their assets.

Position Requirements

Candidates for this role typically hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools are essential, along with knowledge of CMMS and EAM systems and asset management practices. Attention to detail and organizational skills are necessary soft skills.

Compensation

Salaries for Asset Information Analysts typically range from $55,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience and the organization's size and sector.

Maintenance Planner/Scheduler (with a CMMS or EAM Specialization)

Position Description

Efficient maintenance planning and scheduling are essential in minimizing downtime and maximizing organization resource utilization. Maintenance Planners and Schedulers specializing in CMMS and EAM systems undertake a myriad of tasks to ensure the seamless orchestration of maintenance activities. 

First, Maintenance Planners and Schedulers utilize the capabilities of CMMS and EAM software to develop comprehensive maintenance plans tailored to an organization's operational needs and asset priorities. For instance, they may create preventive maintenance schedules based on equipment runtime data, time intervals, manufacturer recommendations, and regulatory requirements to ensure assets are properly maintained and avoid costly breakdowns. 

Maintenance Planners and Schedulers work closely with maintenance managers and technicians to coordinate scheduling work orders, allocate resources, and prioritize tasks effectively. By liaising with other maintenance team members, they can better understand maintenance requirements, assess equipment availability, and optimize the allocation of labor and materials to minimize downtime. Furthermore, they leverage CMMS and EAM functionalities to streamline scheduling processes, automating routine tasks such as assigning work orders, generating maintenance schedules, and tracking progress in real-time. Through their knowledge of and experience with CMMS and EAM software, Maintenance Planners and Schedulers can optimize resource utilization, reduce downtime, extend asset life, and ensure the timely completion of maintenance tasks

Position Requirements

While a technical degree is beneficial, significant experience in maintenance processes can often substitute for formal education. Proficiency in CMMS and EAM software and strong organizational and communication skills are necessary. Having the ability to interpret technical documentation and schematics is highly desirable.

Compensation

Maintenance Planners and schedulers with a CMMS/EAM specialization can anticipate earning between $62,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and industry.

CMMS and EAM Consultant

Position Description

Companies often bring CMMS and EAM Consultants in to facilitate technology integration into organizational strategy. They leverage their expertise to implement, optimize, and maintain these systems effectively. Their responsibilities encompass various tasks to align CMMS and EAM solutions with each client's unique needs and objectives. 

Consultants conduct thorough assessments of client requirements, engaging stakeholders to understand their pain points and challenges, goals, and existing workflows. For example, they may conduct site visits, interviews, and workshops to gather insights into the organization's maintenance practices, asset inventory, and technological infrastructure. Drawing upon their deep domain knowledge, Consultants then design tailored CMMS and EAM solutions that address these specific needs, incorporating industry best practices, regulatory compliance standards, and scalability considerations. This may involve configuring system modules, developing custom workflows, and integrating third-party software applications to enhance functionality and interoperability. 

Consultants often oversee software evaluation and selection if the company does not already have one. They also oversee every deployment stage throughout the implementation process, from system configuration and data migration to user training and change management initiatives. They serve as a liaison between the client and software providers, ensuring that implementation timelines and project milestones are met. 

Finally, in some cases, alongside the software provider, consultants provide ongoing support and maintenance services post-implementation, troubleshoot issues, optimize system performance, and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives. 

Position Requirements

A Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, IT, or a related field is typically required for this role. Extensive knowledge of CMMS and EAM software and best practices in asset management, coupled with solid project management and communication skills, are essential. Willingness to travel for on-site implementations and meetings is often necessary.

Compensation

CMMS and EAM Consultants can command hourly rates ranging from $45.00 to $250.00 / hr., with the potential for higher earnings based on expertise, client base, and project scope.

Digital Transformation Specialist 

Position Description

As organizations embark on digital transformation, specialists focusing on CMMS and EAM systems play a critical role in orchestrating and integrating these powerful tools into daily operations. Their responsibilities span a spectrum of tasks aimed at seamlessly aligning CMMS and EAM implementations with the organization's strategic objectives, ultimately enhancing efficiency and competitiveness. 

Initially, Digital Transformation Specialists collaborate closely with key stakeholders across departments to comprehensively understand the organization's overarching goals, operational challenges, and desired outcomes. For example, they may engage with department heads, IT personnel, maintenance managers, and frontline staff to identify pain points, workflow inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Based on their expertise in CMMS and EAM systems, as well as digital transformation initiatives, the specialists develop tailored implementation strategies that leverage technology to address these needs and drive organizational success. This may involve developing roadmaps for system deployment, outlining key milestones, and establishing performance metrics to track progress. 

Once the strategies are established, the specialists oversee their execution, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to ensure seamless CMMS and EAM systems integration into existing workflows and infrastructure. They guide system configuration, data migration, and user training, empowering employees to embrace and utilize the new tools effectively.

Additionally, specialists facilitate change management initiatives to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the organization. This may include conducting workshops, providing ongoing support, and soliciting stakeholder feedback to iterate and refine implementation strategies as needed. 

Position Requirements

Candidates for this role typically hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in IT, Business Administration, or a related field and have a firm grasp of digital technologies. Experience with digital transformation initiatives, including CMMS and EAM implementations, is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and change management are vital soft skills.

Compensation

Digital Transformation Specialists focusing on CMMS and EAM can expect salaries ranging from $75,000 to over $130,000 annually, based on the complexity of the role and the organization's size.

Conclusion

As organizations continue to recognize the value of CMMS and EAM systems in optimizing their operations, the demand for specialized professionals in these areas will also experience significant growth. Compensation for these roles varies widely, influenced by geographic location, industry, system complexity, and individual experience and education. These emerging career paths offer exciting opportunities for individuals passionate about capitalizing on technology to drive efficiency and innovation in maintenance management and asset optimization.