Consistent Foundational Data Should Begin from Day One

March 18, 2012

Commit to building and maintaining accurate and consistent foundational data from day one. If the foundation isn’t built with the proper level of detail, the system will not be able to deliver on its designed value. During implementation it might be tempting to skip building data because it is a time consuming and costly endeavourer, but taking the time to enter quality data will result in a valuable and sustainable system. Get the most out of your CMMS by building in the details and starting with a solid foundation. Making the investment to do this up front will ultimately save the organization time and money.

Examples of foundational data include:
• Master Equipment List
• Specification templates with fully developed specification data
• Bills of Material
• PM Procedures
• Materials records with detailed specification data and descriptions

It is a good idea to formally document master data and transactional data requirements and ensure that these requirements support the organization’s performance measurement metrics. Publicly available standards, such as ISO 14224, provide a good starting point for the development of internal standards.

Tip provided by: Dennis Belanger, Vice President, Management Resources Group, Inc.