Difference between CMMS and FMS

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) and Facility Management Software (FMS), also known as CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management), are both integral tools in managing facilities. Still, they serve different purposes and have distinct features.

CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

  • Focus: Primarily on maintenance operations.
  • Key Functions: Manages work orders, assets, and inventory.
  • Benefits: Streamlines maintenance tasks, reduces operational costs, minimizes equipment downtime, and automates administrative tasks.
  • Users: Maintenance and facility managers who organize and automate asset management and maintenance work.

Facility Management Software (FMS/CAFM)

  • Focus: On a broader spectrum of building and infrastructure management.
  • Key Functions: Oversees building operations, space utilization, utility management, and health and safety regulations.
  • Benefits: Provides complete visibility and predictability around facility operations, and helps in space planning, energy management, and strategic facility planning.
  • Users: Facility managers looking for a comprehensive tool to manage the physical space, occupancy, and assets of a facility

In essence, while CMMS is more narrowly focused on maintenance, FMS/CAFM encompasses a wider range of facility management capabilities, including those offered by CMMS. Choosing between the two depends on your organisation’s specific needs—whether you need a specialized tool for maintenance management or a comprehensive solution for overall facility management.