Welcome to the ultimate guide on CMMS.

This in-depth resource is designed for industry leaders and facility management executives seeking to explore the full potential of CMMS.
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Inside, you'll find a detailed breakdown of topics such as:

  • What is CMMS?
  • How is a CMMS different from CAFM and EAM?
  • Key functionalities of CMMS software
  • Limitations of a connected CMMS
  • What is a connected CMMS?
  • How is it better than a regular CMMS?
  • How to choose the best CMMS software?
  • Cost of a CMMS
  • What do you get when upgrading from a legacy to a connected CMMS?
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What is CMMS?

A CMMS, or Computerized Maintenance Management System, is software designed to help organizations streamline maintenance operations.

It tracks assets, schedules work orders, and manages inventory, making it easier to maintain equipment and facilities efficiently.

How is a CMMS different from CaFM and EAM?

Although sometimes used interchangeably, CMMS, CaFM, and EAM have differences in their focus, scope, and functionalities.

CMMS CaFM EAM
What is it?
For instance, a CMMS focuses primarily on managing maintenance tasks, such as work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking. It is ideal for facility maintenance.
Whereas a CaFM (Computer-aided Facility Management) is broader terminology. It included not only maintenance but also space management, energy monitoring, and facilities planning.
An EAM Enterprise Asset Management software) goes beyond maintenance and facilities management. EAM is different from CMMS as its focus lies on the entire lifecycle of assets, from procurement to disposal, optimizing asset performance, and improving ROI at an enterprise level.
Primary focus
Mostly maintenance management and asset tracking
Maintenance, space management, and energy monitoring
Comprehensive asset lifecycle management
Scope
Primarily maintenance and repair operations
Facilities management, including planning and energy use
End-to-end asset management from procurement to disposal
Functionality
Mostly maintenance management and asset tracking
Maintenance, space management, and energy monitoring
Comprehensive asset lifecycle management
Integration
Mostly maintenance management and asset tracking
Maintenance, space management, and energy monitoring
Comprehensive asset lifecycle management
Target users
Mostly maintenance management and asset tracking
Maintenance, space management, and energy monitoring
Comprehensive asset lifecycle management

Types of CMMS software – On-premise vs Cloud-based CMMS

CMMS software can be classified into two types based on where they are installed and operated.

This section explores the two primary types—on-premise and cloud-based CMMS—highlighting their differences, benefits, and suitability for modern facility management needs.

Feature On-Premise CMMS Cloud-Based CMMS
Data Control
Data is stored locally; it offers higher control and customization over data storage and security
Data is hosted on remote servers; secure, but controlled by the provider
Accessibility
Limited to specific locations, lacks flexibility for remote or mobile access
Accessible anytime, anywhere with internet access, supporting remote and mobile access (even offline access)
Upfront Costs
High initial costs for setup, licensing, and hardware; ongoing costs for maintenance
Lower initial costs; often subscription-based with minimal hardware requirements
Real-Time Data Integration
Generally limited, with slower updates and integration challenges
Supports real-time data integration, ideal for connected and flexible maintenance operations
Scalability and Updates
Requires manual updates and is less scalable; scaling can be costly and time-consuming.
Automatic updates with flexible scalability, aligning well with evolving O&M and IoT integration needs

What are the key functionalities of a CMMS software?

A CMMS is more than just a maintenance tool—it's a comprehensive platform designed to optimize operations.

Let’s delve into the core functionalities that make a CMMS indispensable.

1. Asset management

Legacy CMMS provides basic asset tracking (model numbers, serials, purchase dates) but lacks real-time performance insights. This limits data-driven asset lifecycle decisions, leaving asset teams with only static information for planning.

2. Maintenance management

Conventional CMMS platforms support preventive maintenance scheduling, reducing breakdowns. However, they lack predictive capabilities and cross-departmental integration, often isolating maintenance teams and limiting unified workflow coordination.

3. Work order management

Legacy systems allow for basic work order creation and tracking. But they typically lack collaborative tools. So the work orders can be painfully slow to process, with limited visibility across teams. As a result, both technicians and facility managers are disconnected from the larger maintenance picture, leading to slower response times and operational inefficiencies.

4. Inventory management

Legacy CMMS handles basic inventory tracking, helping teams prevent stockouts and maintain parts availability. However, without integration with work orders, teams may overstock unnecessary items or miss critical parts. This lack of alignment with actual maintenance needs keeps inventory management reactive and limits the system’s ability to optimize resources efficiently.

5. Reporting and documentation

Reporting in legacy CMMS offers only basic, static reports on maintenance and asset history, with limited customization. These reports don’t support dynamic data-sharing across departments or systems, leaving leaders with isolated insights that fail to support strategic, coordinated planning.

Limitations of the legacy CMMS

Legacy CMMS often feel like puzzles that never quite fit together.

Technicians jump between five different apps just to complete one task.

Managing a single facility with 20 different disconnected software tools adds to the complexity, making operations inefficient and frustrating.

And after all that hassle?

You’re left with scattered vendors, outdated asset records, unreliable data, and costs that keep popping up out of nowhere.

Worse yet, it throws your long-term plans off track, making it impossible to see the bigger picture for growth. You’re running in circles—and still ending up further from your goals.

The truth is that without a unified view and seamless collaboration, operations are bound to suffer.

So, the era of legacy CMMS has clearly become a thing of the past.

All this legacy CMMS hassle isn’t just a time drain—it’s hurting critical metrics like response times, asset uptime, and tenant satisfaction. Constant system-switching slows down workflows and drives up costs, while data gaps lead to unexpected breakdowns.

In our recent blog, our Co-Founder explains why happy CMMS users are becoming increasingly rare.
“It’s no wonder that 90 out of 140 facility managers now want to switch their CMMS , frustrated by outdated features, poor integration, and weak reporting.”

– Rajvel, CPO and Co-Founder of Facilio

Case in point: Investa’s tech shift for operational sanity

Rajavel shares the example of Investa one of Australia’s top commercial real estate firms, which struggled significantly with multiple disconnected solutions.

Investa’s problems with legacy CMMS

Investa faced a core challenge with its CMMS contracts: they were rigid, locking in a fixed number of buildings for a set number of years. This lack of flexibility made it hard to add or remove properties as needed.

On top of that, their legacy software didn’t support APIs, making integration with other systems a major hurdle.

Investa’s goals

  • Streamline operations and eliminate manual tasks.
  • Achieve portfolio-wide visibility.
  • Enhance contractor engagement and vendor compliance.

To tackle these challenges and accelerate their path to success, Investa needed a unified CMMS software capable of breaking down the silos created by over a decade of fragmented systems.

“Our buildings are designed for the way people work today - and the way we want to work in the future. We think of our office buildings as communities as well as assets. Yet, our property operations were siloed and hindered the stellar customer experience we want to offer.”

– General Manager of Facilities Services of Investa

Our solution

Facilio’s Connected CMMS delivered a unified, scalable solution within 5 months. Key transformations
  • Centralized asset data and maintenance history.
  • Seamless management of routines, tenant requests, and work orders.
  • Integrated KPIs, SLAs, compliance, and financial management.
  • Easy-to-use apps for tenants and technicians.

The result

Investa gained the flexibility and integration capabilities their legacy CMMS lacked, paving the way for seamless, portfolio-wide operations.

Here’s a snapshot of Investa’s operations—before and after adopting Facilio
Functionalities Investa before Facilio Investa after Facilio
CMMS Contracts
Rigid contracts that couldn’t adapt to changes in the portfolio.
Scalable and flexible Connected CMMS accommodating portfolio dynamics.
System Integrations
Disconnected systems without API support, making integration difficult.
Seamless integration through an API-first design, unifying all systems.
Workflow Management
Fragmented workflows for asset management, maintenance, and compliance tracking.
Streamlined workflows covering maintenance, tenant requests, and incident management.
Visibility and Coordination
Limited visibility and lack of coordination across properties.
Unified asset repository and real-time collaboration across teams and properties.
Invoice Requests
Manual invoice requests causing delays and inefficiencies.
Automated invoice processing speeds up workflows and reduces manual effort.
Invoice Requests
Manual approach to vendor selection, often inconsistent and time-consuming.
Automated vendor selection ensures compliance and streamlines contractor management.
You can read the full case study of Investa.

Read the full case study

Your CMMS is outdated—it's time for an upgrade.

Sticking with an outdated CMMS can hold your operations back, leading to inefficiencies, higher costs, and missed opportunities for growth.

Modern challenges demand modern solutions—this is where a connected CMMS steps in to redefine operational excellence.

The results from our recent poll speak volumes:

O&M teams are struggling with a fragmented tech landscape. Key challenges include:

  • Work Outside Systems: 62% of work happens outside CMMS/CaFM
  • Interoperability Issues : 74% face integration problems with energy management solutions.
  • Lack of Visibility: 83% struggle with operational visibility due to disparate automation and software.

This disjointed approach hinders efficiency and increases costs.

Certainly, it's time for something better.

Successful property operations hinge on a robust technological foundation—an advanced CMMS built to drive business success.

What is a Connected CMMS?

Managing facilities today requires more than just basic tools—it demands seamless collaboration, real-time insights, and scalable solutions. Traditional systems struggle to keep pace.

Traditional systems struggle to keep pace. And it becomes essential to rethink how we approach facility operations.

Connected CMMS changes the game by bringing everything — connecting people, processes, and systems—into one seamless platform, finally overcoming the silos of traditional CMMS.

Managing portfolio operations becomes smarter, simpler, and more collaborative with a connected CMMS.

Check out Rajavel’s article on why we led the charge to build the first Connected CMMS , designed to meet today’s evolving needs in property operations.

Learn more about Connected CMMS

Learn More

What does a connected CMMS do better than a regular CMMS?

By now, it’s clear that connected CMMS moves beyond the limits of legacy systems by centralizing operations and improving collaboration across teams.

While traditional CMMS systems focus on basic maintenance management, a connected CMMS goes beyond by integrating real-time data, automation, and collaboration across your entire organization. Here's how it outperforms its legacy counterpart.
Learn how connected CMMS outperforms legacy CMMS in key areas.

Learn More

Let’s compare Connected CMMS and Legacy CMMS head-to-head.
Functionalities Legacy CMMS Limitation Connected CMMS Benefits
Work Order Management & Scheduling
Manual tracking, limited visibility, and delayed task assignments.
Drag-and-drop scheduling, automated workflows, and real-time visibility for tasks. Learn more
Parts Inventory Management
Manual stock management and disconnected processes.
Parts Inventory Management Learn more
Asset Management
No predictive analysis, limited real-time data, and reactive maintenance.
Real-time asset tracking, predictive insights, and lifecycle management automation. Learn more
Maintenance Management
Lack of automation and visibility, leading to unplanned downtime.
Automated work orders, customizable workflows, and proactive maintenance management. Learn more
Inspection & Audit Readiness
Paper-based checklists, manual tracking, and risk of missing audits.
Digital checklists, automated scheduling, and real-time compliance reporting. Learn more
Compliance & Reporting
Limited visibility, delayed reporting, and potential compliance gaps.
Real-time BI dashboards, clear incident reporting, and expenditure tracking tools. Learn more
Vendor Management
Manual vendor management and lack of real-time insights.
Automated vendor onboarding, compliance tracking, and centralized communication. Learn more
Service Request Management
Slow request processing and lack of streamlined communication.
Quick digital submission, custom work orders, and mobile-friendly support. Learn more
Field Service Management
Disconnected workflows and delayed responses due to lack of coordination.
Automated workflows, real-time data, and seamless contractor/client coordination. Learn more

What connected CMMS does that legacy CMMS can’t?

A connected CMMS isn’t just an improvement over legacy systems; it represents a significant leap forward.

Here’s how Facilio’s connected CMMS goes beyond the limitations of traditional legacy software in key areas.
1. Easy integration with your existing systems

A connected CMMS can integrate with your ERP, HR, and financial systems . This means all your data flows seamlessly between departments without any extra work.

2. Access anywhere with mobile and web support

With a connected CMMS, you can manage work orders, assets, and inventory from your phone or computer, wherever you are. You get instant updates and can respond in real time. Legacy CMMS, on the other hand, is usually stuck on desktops, making it harder for teams on the go to stay in the loop.

3. Smart user management for more control

A connected CMMS offers Single Sign-On (SSO) and can handle unlimited users at the same time. You can track performance and make adjustments easily. Whereas legacy systems often have limits on how many users can be active, making it tough to scale and manage.

4. Automate tasks and get proactive insights

A connected CMMS automatically routes work orders and gives you recommendations based on trends. It helps you stay ahead of issues and cut down on downtime. Legacy systems rely on manual work and lack smart automation, which leads to slower responses and more mistakes.

Benefits of connected CMMS

The advantages of a connected CMMS far surpass anything a legacy system can offer.

We have identified some of the top benefits that a connected CMMS has to offer. We carefully categorized them by factors like operational efficiency, management, stakeholder collaboration, etc. Some of the key benefits of a connected CMMS are listed here.

Pillar Benefits
Operational efficiency and maintenance optimization
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Efficient inventory management
  • Increased equipment reliability
  • Improved asset management
  • Enhanced maintenance planning
  • Advanced benchmarking and performance comparison
Centralized management and collaboration
  • Centralized asset management
  • Standardized maintenance procedures
  • Streamlined communication
  • Unified reporting and analytics
  • Improved accountability
Cost reduction and savings
  • Significant cost savings
  • Greater control over maintenance budgets
  • Efficient resource allocation
Compliance and safety
  • Ensured regulatory compliance
  • Enhanced safety standards
Future-proofing and adaptability
  • Adaptability to new technologies
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Enhanced operational flexibility
  • Scalability for organizational growth
  • Improved knowledge retention
  • Simplified training and onboarding
  • Streamlined warranty claim documentation
  • Support for advanced maintenance techniques

How to choose the best CMMS software (CMMS evaluation guide)

When evaluating a CMMS solution, it’s important to consider various factors that are unique to your organization, stakeholders, industry, and long-term goals.

Here’s a checklist to help you compare and evaluate various CMMS software options. Let’s break it down into six key steps that will guide your decision-making process.

In addition, you can also download a printable version of our CMMS evaluation guide . This will help you to easily identify and select the best CMMS software for your requirements.

STEP 1
Industry-Level Considerations
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Assess the industry-specific needs your CMMS must address. Different industries have different challenges and requirements (e.g., retail vs healthcare).
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. 1. What is the industry you work in (Retail, Healthcare, etc.)?
CHECKLIST
  • Ensure CMMS accommodates industry-specific needs and regulations.
  • Evaluate the flexibility and customizability of the solution.
STEP 2
Stakeholder-Level Considerations
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Identify all stakeholders (internal and external) who will benefit from the CMMS and ensure the system can accommodate them.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. Who are the key stakeholders that need access to CMMS data?
  2. What roles need to be integrated (Facilities Managers, IT, Contractors)?
CHECKLIST
  • Define key stakeholder roles.
  • Ensure the system supports data sharing and collaboration.
  • Verify the integration capabilities for all users.
STEP 3
Organizational Considerations
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Consider the size of your organization, building ecosystem, systems, and processes in place, and how the CMMS will fit into your workflows.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. What processes need to be automated?
  2. How will the CMMS integrate with existing systems (ERP, HR, etc.)?
CHECKLIST
  • Assess compatibility with existing systems.
  • Confirm the scalability of the solution based on organizational growth.
STEP 4
Measuring ROI
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Clearly define your ROI expectations before choosing a CMMS, linking business goals with relevant product features.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. What are your key business goals (Energy optimization, increased productivity, etc.)?
CHECKLIST
  • Define must-have features aligned to business goals.
  • Prioritize features that directly impact ROI.
  • Calculate potential cost savings.
STEP 5
Validating Your Understanding
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Shortlist 2-3 platforms and conduct discovery calls with sales teams to validate your understanding of features and capabilities.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. What are the limitations of each platform?
  2. Does the platform meet all the requirements outlined in previous steps?
CHECKLIST
  • Schedule calls with shortlisted platforms.
  • Prepare questions based on the previously defined criteria.
  • Validate features and limitations.
STEP 6
Making a Choice
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Once you have gathered all the data, use a side-by-side comparison of shortlisted platforms to make an informed decision. Consider both short-term and long-term needs.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
  1. Does the solution solve immediate pain points and also support future growth?
CHECKLIST
  • Create a comparison matrix of features and pricing.
  • Review the long-term adaptability of the CMMS.
  • Finalize the decision based on business needs.

CMMS implementation guide

Implementing a CMMS can be challenging—about 80% of CMMS implementations fall short of expectations.

Common reasons include inadequate planning, ineffective execution, and choosing a vendor that doesn’t align with your business needs.

To avoid these pitfalls, here’s a 10-step CMMS implementation plan , divided into pre-implementation, during-implementation, and post-implementation phases.

CMMS pricing - How much does it cost?

Understanding the cost of a CMMS is crucial for making an informed decision.

Let’s break down what influences CMMS pricing and what you should expect.

Generally, a basic cloud-based CMMS solution costs $30 and $150 per user per month to upwards of even $4000 per month based on capabilities.

CMMS pricing is not fixed and varies widely. It is often influenced by factors like features, user count, deployment type, etc. Generally, a basic cloud-based CMMS solution costs $30 and $150 per user per month to upwards of even $4000 per month based on capabilities.

In contrast, on-premise solutions typically start with a one-time license fee around $10,000, along with costs for implementation, training, and ongoing support.

Custom pricing may apply for larger enterprises or organizations with unique requirements, ensuring the solution aligns closely with their operational needs.

Get a customized pricing quote for Scalable Operations

Request your quote

What do you get when upgrading from legacy to connected CMMS?

Upgrading from a legacy CMMS to a connected system isn’t just a tech change—it’s a strategic move that drives ROI across your operations.

Cost savings and efficiency

Automate scheduling, reduce downtime, and cut labor and operational costs.

Better asset utilization

Use real-time data and predictive insights to prioritize and extend the life of critical assets.

Improved operational productivity

Streamline systems to reduce tool-switching and boost team productivity.

Enhanced compliance and risk management

Simplify compliance tracking and reduce audit risks, lowering potential legal costs.

Portfolio-wide impact

Optimize energy consumption and operational expenses across large-scale properties.

Want to calculate your RoI when switching to connected CMMS?

Calculate your RoI