Stores Requisitioning, Stock Control and Purchasing
Most fully integrated packages support some kind of store's management option. If you elect to take this option it should be carefully specified to ensure that it would meet your local requirements. One benefit of opting for stock control is that trade groups can be provided with access to the store's database allowing them to find spare part numbers and check stock levels of maintenance spares. Some systems allow spares to be linked to assets thus simplifying the search for these and also ensuring that no obsolete spares are held in inventory. Some users consider that the greatest financial returns from a CMMS are to be achieved through improved stock control procedures.
Requisition and purchasing options are also generally offered in maintenance management packages. These are similar to any other computer controlled purchasing packages but once again, being part of an integrated package, they can be used to record and control maintenance spare parts usage. This allows the possibility of automatic reordering to minimum stock levels. These options are not always popular because most companies already have some kind of computerised stock control system in place. The prospect of changing to a new system is often daunting.
Gauge and Calibration Management
Several packages either offer gauge and calibration management as a separate option or, at least, allow this to be configured through the normal maintenance scheduling system. This can generally be configured in a manner that satisfies the requirements of ISO9002.