Many advantages accompany the correct choice of a Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) in an organization, such as effective use of assets, decreased amount of downtime, and streamlined purchasing processes to name but a few. This makes it difficult to choose a CMMS since it could impact the organization’s everyday operations.
Many maintenance management software companies’ products have similar features with a few differences that are often not obvious. Here is a comparison between Proteus MMX and IBM’s maintenance software, Maximo.
Similarities
Customizability
The first important similarity between Proteus MMX and Maximo is its customizability. Both software programs could be customized to the tee to suit users’ needs and the user will pay only for what they use. This is a very convenient feature, as different organizations require different things from a CMMS. For example, a small organization might want to merely improve organizational operations through effective work order management and keep track of its assets. A bigger organization might want those same features in CMMS, but with additional functionality, such as managing assets from different sites and integrating the CMMS with other software programs in the organization.
Multi-site management
Bigger organizations might have multiple sites where a CMMS is necessary. Therefore, the developers of both Proteus and Maximo have ensured the functionality of multi-site management. This feature allows an organization to log data into the CMMS from various sites, preventing the situation where data silos are created. Data silos are collections of data that different departments in an organization compile without the knowledge that it contains information that is overlapped in other departments’ data collections. The information is thus repeated but also inconsistent. Since data can be inserted from different sites, it is apparent that these CMMS products also allow for shared administrative controls.
Integration
Since organizations collect and analyze data on various platforms, Proteus and Maximo both ensure easy integration with various other software products. This is helpful, as it contributes to the goal of having all organizational maintenance data on one platform. Having all information in one space allows an organization to analyze its past, present, and future maintenance requirements, which in turn ensures the organization practices preventive maintenance which again helps to prevent downtime and increase productivity.
Audit Trail
Proteus MMX and Maximo have an optional solution of audit trails. An audit trail allows users to track changes and updates made to work orders and other files. It also provides accurate, date-and-time stamped documents that help with ISO Certification, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 validation, and JCAHO accreditation. This is a very helpful function, as an organization must have appropriate documentation to continue to function.
Main Differences
Mobile capabilities
Even though IBM claims mobile capabilities are on the radar for Maximo, it is not yet a reality. Proteus MMX mobile has been available on various devices for quite some time and repeatedly refined to ensure it is easy and functional to use. A CMMS is greatly enhanced through mobile, as it allows users to scan equipment to select work orders, receive work orders on a mobile device, scan QR codes, create new work orders, update labor hours and existing work orders as well as view maintenance history.
Price
A major difference between Proteus and Maximo is its starting price. Even though neither has a free version, Proteus is much more affordable than Maximo – starting at $33 per user per month. IBM, in contrast, asks for a hefty fee of $164 per user for its most basic Maximo product. This is quite a significant difference and one which could influence your choice of CMMS based on your budget.
Implementation
Proteus is more user-friendly and much easier to implement than Maximo. Typical implementation times for Proteus are 4-6 weeks and do not require a high-powered consultant. Proteus customers are able to implement this software on their own with minimal training from Eagle’s trainers.
It is clear that both these software products are very well developed and could both be of great benefit to an organization. As with any choice regarding a purchase, one would have to evaluate an organization’s needs carefully to establish what it requires. If you are looking for a solution for your organization’s maintenance management needs, keep in mind that Proteus MMX has many similar features if not more – one deciding factor for organizations that make Proteus the preferred choice is the price.
For more information about Proteus MMX and its maintenance management capabilities, call Eagle at 262-241-3845, send us an email, or schedule a demo.
