The Best CMMS Software for Manufacturing: Top Solutions Reviewed

November 10, 2024
Oliver Wilps

15 Best CMMS Software for Manufacturing in 2024

As a manufacturer, you might have to deal with unplanned downtime and equipment failures, which can create obstacles for your operations. Missed or delayed orders, inefficiencies, and overstock issues are just a few problems that follow. If you are searching for a solution, a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) might be your answer.

With CMMS software, you can manage your work order process from creation to completion. It can help your manufacturing plants run smoothly while keeping maintenance costs and maintenance processes in check. Here’s how it can prove beneficial for manufacturing:

  • Digitize maintenance operations to cut manual tasks, simplify workflows, and set preventive maintenance schedules for peak performance.
  • Optimize inventory, reduce emergency repairs, and manage your maintenance costs.
  • Improve team collaboration, and supplier communication, and use analytics for smarter decisions.

In this article, we'll review the 15 best CMMS software for manufacturing. We’ll cover their features, pricing, pros, and cons to help you pick the right one for your company's needs and processes.

Quick Comparison Table

Note: Our top pick is our own product, Makula. We strive for transparency and aim to offer balanced, unbiased information. We're proud of what Makula has to offer and invite you to explore its features and capabilities. For more details, feel free to learn more or schedule a demo.

#1 Makula

Best for: All-in-One Maintenance Solutions

Makula is a comprehensive Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) designed to improve maintenance operations across various industries, including manufacturing and facilities management. It eliminates inefficiencies in asset lifecycle management and work order management for field service engineers, technicians, and after-sales managers.

What makes it unique

Makula is a digital management solution that simplifies communication and streamlines processes for the manufacturing industry. Whether it's monitoring machine health, predicting maintenance tasks, or improving asset availability and reliability, Makula has you covered.

Here’s why Makula is a unique fit for your company:

  • 3D Visualization Tools: Makula’s 3D tools allow you to view machine parts in 3D on any device, simplifying issue resolution for maintenance workers and improving communication with suppliers, customers, and partners. This is particularly beneficial for industries like oil and gas, utilities, and manufacturing.
  • User-Friendly Design: Makula's intuitive design enables a smooth user experience, making it accessible and easy to navigate. This user-friendliness is a standout feature that customers appreciate.
  • Ideal for Mid-Sized to Large Enterprises: Makula is ideal for manufacturers with 200+ employees. The software can be deployed across various departments, addressing various maintenance and asset management challenges.

Makula Key features

Makula comes with some key features designed to refine your manufacturing operations. Some of those are:

Work Order Management

You can manage different stages of work orders with Makula such as the creation, tracking, and completion of work orders. 

When maintenance work is required, you can easily create a service request work order by selecting the facility and machine, specifying the reporter, and detailing the required work. 

Once submitted, the work order is added to the top of the list and is ready for action. This system improves organization by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and assigning responsibility for their completion.

With tools like calendars, maps, and Kanban boards, the software lets you control maintenance schedules, track progress, and coordinate tasks.

Automated Preventive Maintenance

Makula automates and tracks schedules to extend equipment lifespan and minimize unexpected downtime. By asset tracking through intervals or meter data thresholds, the software triggers maintenance events at the right time, reducing maintenance expenses.

For instance, meter-based preventive maintenance uses integrated machine meters and telemetrics data to automatically trigger work orders based on set thresholds. Tailored report measures are also beneficial to tracking preventive maintenance tasks, uncovering failure patterns, and identifying root causes. This ensures regular checks that catch issues early.

Comprehensive Asset Management

You can gain a comprehensive view of all assets, including their condition, maintenance history, and performance data. 

Makula supports real-time monitoring and analytics, that allow you to make informed decisions about maintenance and replacements. 

With access to key machine information even from your mobile devices—such as model, warranty, and documentation, you can schedule and plan repairs or replacements with confidence.

Inventory Management

Makula ensures you always have the necessary parts available to avoid maintenance delays. It manages spare parts and inventory levels, sending alerts when stocks are low. 

This transparency over parts usage and stock levels helps you maintain precise stock levels to avoid stockouts, therefore reducing downtime. For example, alerts for low inventory levels warn you to manage essential parts so they are easily accessible when needed.

Smooth Integration Capabilities

Makula supports integrations with various third-party applications, including ERP and CRM systems. The API links your systems, automating processes to maximize your scope. 

Additionally, the CSV upload feature simplifies data import from other software, eliminating the need for complex integrations. This flexibility lets you input spreadsheet data from other software into Makula with just a few clicks, making the most of the system without needing full integrations.

If you want to get a better insight into the software, book a demo with us today!

Pros

  • Improved Reliability: Makula keeps your machinery running smoothly with preventive maintenance scheduling. This optimization helps manage inventory, reduce costly emergency repairs, and control maintenance budgets. Additionally, you can maintain smooth and predictable operations without unexpected disruptions.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Makula's integrated email and chat features systemize communication within your team and with suppliers. For example, optional portals make it easy to handle maintenance requests and notify suppliers directly. This structured interaction keeps everyone informed, establishes some standard operating procedures, and simplifies the maintenance process.
  • User-Friendly Design: Makula’s intuitive interface makes it easy to deploy across departments. Whether handling maintenance activities or managing assets, the user-friendly design allows your teams to work more comfortably, tackling a wide range of maintenance and asset management challenges with minimal training.

Cons

  • New users might find the extensive feature list complicated. Fortunately, an in-depth knowledge base and dedicated human support are available to provide the necessary resources and guidance.

Pricing

Makula offers flexible pricing based on your needs, with a combination of a platform fee and per-user costs. Here are the details of its plans:

  • PLG Free: Free platform access with basic features. Includes 5 free assets for asset management and has no cost for additional users.
  • Essential: Priced at €200 per month for the platform and €20 per user per month. Essential plan allows unlimited access to asset management, inventory management, and work orders. It includes 1 procedure template and 3 months of analytics.
  • Premium (minimum 5 users): Users have to pay €400 per month fixed rate and an additional €30 per user per month. This plan offers limitless access to asset management, inventory management, and work orders. Users can utilize 10 procedure templates, 2 years of analytics, and additional features like preventive maintenance, meter-based PM, scheduling, email sync, audit trail, teams, and API access.
  • Enterprise: This model has custom pricing and you can get personalized quotes. It includes all premium features plus roles and permissions, a dedicated account manager, and SSO.

Reviews

Hear what our customers have to say about our product: 

  • "Since we started using Makula, we’ve gained a broader perspective on the evolving world of digital after-sales..." - Erik Döinghaus, Managing Director at Döinghaus Cutting and more.
  • "Being a user of 30+ machine brands, I can firmly state that Makula’s after-sales platform is transformative..." - Christoph Staub, CEO at Allpack.

#2 UpKeep

Best for: Flexible Maintenance Management 

How it Works

UpKeep is a cloud-based CMMS designed for mobile use, making it ideal for maintenance management, reliability, and operations teams. It helps manage the entire maintenance life cycle, optimize asset utilization, and provide real-time performance insights. UpKeep is ideal for industries like manufacturing, construction, warehousing, utilities, and more.

Pros

  • The tracking for work orders is convenient and thorough, making reporting easy which helps you identify problem areas and optimize spending.
  • Mobile accessibility allows users to get updates, track work, and share progress across their organization directly from their phones.
  • Proactive maintenance planning helps with predictive maintenance needs so that your machines are serviced during downtime.

Cons

  • Some users have expressed the need for more filters like Conditional Selections to make location-specific selections easier.
  • At times, the platform can be slow which can hinder your task completion.

Reviews

"UpKeep's Work Order Management and Asset Tracking platform is an excellent solution for anyone needing to streamline their maintenance operations. The layout of the platform is very user-friendly and easy to navigate." - Justin L.

Pricing

There are three pricing plans billed annually. These start from $45 per user every month, which goes up to $120 per user every month.

#3 Limble

Best for: Small to Medium-Sized Manufacturers

How it Works

Limble CMMS is a modern business software designed to automate preventive maintenance scheduling, improve team efficiency, and track key metrics like labor costs, MTTR (Mean Time to Repair), MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and downtime. It is particularly suited for small and medium-sized companies looking for a CMMS solution.

Pros

  • Limble allows smooth task assignment to the correct department, breaking down data to provide a comprehensive view of machinery performance. This helps recognize trends and patterns, giving you a clear metric for better decision-making.
  • The software is user-friendly and accessible on mobile devices without needing an app, making it easy for employees to request work.
  • Limble is highly customizable and lets you modify features to fit your specific needs improving its adaptability.

Cons

  • The software requires an internet connection to work, as there is no offline version, and it signs out frequently on mobile devices.
  • Asset labeling could be improved, as finding an asset or PM can be challenging without knowing the exact name or number.

Reviews

"Limble allows me to streamline my assets with the work orders and purchase orders. Technicians can be alerted immediately about various situations, and inventory management has become ten times easier with this program." - David W.

Pricing

Limble offers four pricing editions, starting from $28 per month and going up to $69 per month. A free trial is also available.

#4 Maintainx

Best for Industrial and Frontline Teams

How it Works

MaintainX is a leading maintenance and work execution software designed for industrial and frontline teams. As a mobile-accessible platform, it delivers a modern, IoT-enabled solution for reliability-centered maintenance. Suitable for small to large businesses, MaintainX allows users to track unlimited assets and create countless work orders.

Pros

  • The simplicity of MaintainX's interface makes it user-friendly and scalable, even for teams not well-versed in technology.
  • MaintainX has great customer support helping users get up and running quickly.
  • The software offers real-time access to field data allowing both your remote and in-office staff to create and manage work orders properly.

Cons

  • Users report that MaintainX lacks customization options for work orders, such as modifying layouts and adding or removing fields.
  • When a repair request is rejected, the submitting users have mentioned that they cannot see the reason for the rejection, which can be frustrating.

Reviews

"As soon as my staff saw how easy it was & the communication improvements from this software they jumped in and have not stopped using it." - Jason A

Pricing

There are four major plans for billing every month, starting from $16 per user and going up to $49 per user.

#5 Remberg

Best for: Complex Maintenance Tasks

How it Works

Remberg XRM is a software solution for comprehensive asset maintenance, including ticket management, scheduling, and planning. It’s ideal for small and medium-sized organizations managing critical assets, particularly in industries like manufacturing, energy, and mobility.

Pros

  • You can attach any type of file to maintenance records, easily update maintenance lists, and track open or completed work with a single click.
  • The intuitive application is user-friendly, making it easy for new users to adopt. Regular updates incorporate user feedback, improving the system continuously.
  • Provides a clear asset performance overview, simple documentation, and traceability of service requests, along with digital processing of orders.

Cons

  • Lacks the ability to create different signatures or standard answers for standard processes, such as sending offers or acknowledging receipt.
  • Limited options are available for evaluating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including costs for service calls, response times, spare parts sent, and their value.

Reviews

"User-friendly, easy to use all information in one system. Great customer support" - Christian

Pricing

Pricing is customized based on your business case or cost-benefit calculation for services, installation, maintenance, and repair processes. You can request a custom quote according to your requirements.

#6 Asset Panda

Best for:  Customizable Asset Tracking

How it Works

Asset Panda is a cloud-based asset relationship management platform specializing in tracking. Whether you're tracking contracts or construction materials, the software adapts to your unique systems and conventions.

Pros

  • Detailed reporting and interactive dashboards help you measure the entire lifecycle of your assets and optimize their usage.
  • Great customization options allow you to adjust almost everything to fit your needs.
  • The mobile app enables barcode scanning, asset searching, and updates on the go, creating flexibility for users.

Cons

  • There is no direct option to download or export asset data. It can be done only through generating reports (PDF, CSV) sent via email which can be a hindrance.
  • Lacks offline usability, which is a drawback for areas without cell or Wi-Fi signals.

Reviews

"Overall I do enjoy using Asset Panda. It has been a great help with organizing our assets."- Cherrelle

Pricing

Asset Panda offers custom pricing and a free 14-day trial.

#7 Fracttal

Best for: Remote Maintenance Processes

How it Works

Fracttal is a cloud-based CMMS software designed for businesses across various industrial sectors, including manufacturing, services, facility management, and energy. It provides features to plan and execute maintenance for different equipment and manage suppliers, human resources, spare parts, maintenance costs, and budgets.

Pros

  • The application can be used on multiple platforms which provides mobility for work teams.
  • Fracttal offers good asset management capabilities that allow you to compile, simplify, and easily present maintenance records directly from technicians.
  • Numerous filters and custom fields support tailored configurations to suit specific business areas.

Cons

  • Some users find the interface non-intuitive, with a less functional menu and small, non-representative icons.
  • The number of native KPIs in the BI module could be improved, as some users express the need for natively integrated APIs.

Reviews

"It solved a very important issue for us.. which is keeping track of all tasks. Fracttal allows you to keep track of everything" - Deigo M.

Pricing

Fracttal pricing starts at $255.00 per month. It offers various pricing models and a free trial, allowing users to determine compatibility with the software.

#8 FMX

Best for: Facilities Management Integration

How it Works

FMX offers configurable maintenance and facilities management software that can help you maximize productivity, cut operating costs, and gain actionable insights about your equipment. The software reduces work order resolution time, organizes preventive maintenance tasks, and allows you to manage equipment and assets in one easy-to-use system.

Pros

  • The solution is accessible from any web browser, including mobile devices, and supports unlimited requesting users at no additional cost.
  • It is easy to set up and use without much training, with excellent customer support.
  • The detailed reports provide valuable information for business decisions, such as workload, lifecycle maintenance, cost per repair, and identifying top problem equipment.

Cons

  • Users express a desire for better interaction with asset management, specifically the ability to print maps with attached assets.
  • The site can glitch, causing ticket information to disappear when submitted, which is frustrating for users handling multiple tickets at once.

Reviews

"We mainly use FMX as a facilities maintenance request and project request software. Overall, we love the ease of use and the customer service." - Jennifer

Pricing

FMX provides personalized quotes based on the number of users handling maintenance requests and the features most important to your organization. A 14-day free trial is also available.

#9 Hippo CMMS

Best for : Work Order Management 

How it Works

Hippo CMMS has been providing maintenance services to a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and hospitality. The CMMS software facilitates work order processing, maintenance requests, preventive maintenance management, spare parts tracking, and report generation by employees at all levels.

Pros

  • Enables systematic maintenance records for all senior facilities, organizing data and invoices for each department. This makes the entire process smooth and quick, from maintenance requests to vendor payments.
  • Easy to use with minimal onboarding or technical knowledge required for requestors. Hippo’s support staff are highly responsive and quick to resolve issues you may face.
  • The core of Hippo CMMS is its work order management module, allowing users to review tickets, prioritize, delegate, and track work orders.

Cons

  • Users find that Hippo can be buggy. For instance, some ran into difficulty removing unnecessary fields or assigning multiple work order categories to a single device, complicating tracking and data mining.
  • Some users have experienced trouble in rescheduling maintenance work dates.

Reviews

"Hippo is an excellent way to simply manage your maintenance program. It is very user-friendly and provides just what you need so you don’t have to pay for features you will never use. It also contains a module for inventory management so you can charge your spare parts to your WOs." - User

Pricing

Hippo CMMS comes in two major plans. Hippo Plus is priced at $55 per user per month, whereas Hippo Pro is $75 per user per month. You can also avail its free trial to get a sense of the system.

#10 AssetTiger

Best for: Cost-Effective Asset Management

How it Works

AssetTiger is a cloud-based asset management software designed to help businesses streamline maintenance scheduling, barcode scanning, expiration tracking, and more. Managers can set up email alerts, reminders, or alarms to monitor contract due dates, license expirations, and deadlines for specific assets.

Pros

  • Offers excellent customer service with timely fulfillment of any queries.
  • Useful features like asset cloning allow you to stock up on large numbers of the same assets. Attaching asset photos and related documentation like quotes, purchase orders, and invoices is also very helpful.
  • It is easy to add or update inventory from the mobile app, which enhances flexibility and convenience.

Cons

  • Some users express that they would like to limit search criteria by more than one field at a time, beyond the standard site/location options.
  • The platform signs you out when logging into another session, which can be inconvenient when switching between desktop and mobile platforms.

Reviews

"An awesome asset management tool. So versatile, user-friendly, easy to use, minimal learning curve." - User

Pricing

AssetTiger offers various pricing plans starting from $120.00 per year, with a free trial available.

Other CMMS Software for Manufacturing

11 - Best for Planned Preventive Schedules - Commusoft

12 - Best for Asset Management - Fixx

13 - Best for Material Management- eWorkOrders CMMS

14 - Best for Extending Asset Lifespan - Maintenance Connection

15 - Best for Managing Maintenance on The Go - Azzier

What Features Should You Look for in CMMS Software?

Choosing the right CMMS software involves understanding the key CMMS features that will best support your maintenance operations. 

Here are some important features you should consider:

  • Preventive Maintenance: A good CMMS software should automate and adhere to preventive maintenance schedules so it extends equipment lifespan and minimizes unexpected downtime. It should perform regular, systematic checks to catch issues before they escalate, keeping your equipment in top condition and reducing the risk of sudden failures.
  • Asset Management: The software should maintain a comprehensive view of all asset data, including their condition, history, and performance details. Real-time monitoring and analytics are crucial to help you make informed decisions about maintenance and replacements, so they are replaced at the optimal time.
  • Maintenance Analytics and Reports: CMMS software should generate detailed reports to support data-driven strategies for optimal equipment performance. It should analyze downtime incidents and their causes, helping you improve maintenance strategies and reduce future downtime.
  • Work Order Management: Look for CMMS software that streamlines the creation, tracking, and completion of work orders. It should utilize tools like calendars, maps, and Kanban boards to manage maintenance schedules and improve operational performance by tracking progress and coordinating tasks.
  • Digital Maintenance Forms: A good CMMS software should increase efficiency by replacing paper forms with digital maintenance forms. It should simplify after-sales processes and transform how you manage your machine park or installed base, making data entry and retrieval faster and more reliable.
  • Inventory Management: The right CMMS solution should manage spare parts and inventory levels, alerting you when stocks are low. This makes sure that necessary parts are always available, avoiding delays in maintenance and production schedules.

How do I Choose a CMMS Software?

If you are planning to shift to a CMMS solution for the first time, selecting the right one can be tricky. To make the process easier, here's a step-by-step approach to guide you in opting for the best CMMS software for manufacturing:

  • Determine Your Essential Features: Focusing on objectives such as increasing asset longevity, reducing costs, and improving operationality allows you to evaluate if the CMMS system aligns with your manufacturing operation goals. Additionally, you should make a note of your organization’s size, asset count, technical support, and maintenance processes as these factors will help in selecting a solution that fits your specific needs, scale, and working model.
  • Ensure Preventive Maintenance Support: It's important to choose a CMMS software that supports your preventive maintenance (PM) methods, whether they are calendar-based, meter-based, or runtime-based. The right CMMS system should be able to handle inspections and create corrective maintenance work orders. This support can help you maintain equipment performance and prevent unexpected equipment downtime.
  • Check for Integration Capabilities: Integration with existing systems like ERP or CRM is crucial for smooth workflows. This capability allows for easy data exchange and operational continuity. For instance, seek integrational compatibility with your accounting system so you can manage purchase orders, improving your financial tracking and budget management.
  • Avail Demos and Trials Where Offered: Scheduling demos allow you to see the software in action and understand its functionalities better. This step is important because it provides a firsthand experience of the software’s user interface and ease of use. It’s advisable to demo at least two CMMS solutions to compare features and usability before selecting CMMS software.

If you would like to explore Makula and how it can help your organization, schedule a demo with us today. 

5 Benefits of CMMS Software for Manufacturing

Maintaining manufacturing equipment is pivotal if you want to avoid costly and sudden breakdowns. CMMS solutions can help you transition from reactive to proactive maintenance, offering greater control and preventing equipment failures. 

The top five benefits of CMMS software for manufacturing are:

  1. Proper Maintenance of Equipment: CMMS software keeps track of your manufacturing equipment by scheduling preventive maintenance, ensuring machinery remains in optimal condition. With quick access to equipment history, warranty information, and spare parts inventory, it reduces downtime and repair time, so that your manufacturing and maintenance operation runs smoothly even during breakdowns.
  2. Tackling Sudden Asset Breakdown: If you fear that sudden equipment failure can disrupt production and increase your maintenance costs, CMMS software can minimize the chance. By allowing you to schedule and plan maintenance, CMMS software helps keep track of all assets, preventing unexpected breakdowns and maintaining operational efficiency.
  3. Improved Labor Productivity: CMMS provides maintenance technicians with easy access to necessary data, such as spare parts and step-by-step repair procedures. This organized information enables technicians to perform their tasks properly, thereby improving overall labor productivity.
  4. Informed Maintenance Decisions: By collecting maintenance statistics, CMMS software helps you track key performance indicators (KPIs). As a maintenance manager, you can use this data to report to upper management, identify problems, and make informed decisions about staffing, equipment, and inventory.
  5. Easy Tracking of Work Orders: CMMS software allows you to track, organize, assign, prioritize, and review work orders. Technicians, operators, engineers, and other stakeholders can access real-time data, update job statuses, and submit repair requests via a centralized system.

Oliver Wilps
Senior Sales Executive

With 20+ years of experience specialising in Digital Transformation and IIoT. Oliver possesses extensive understanding of business models based on connected technologies and excels in value-based selling.