EAM vs CMMS: what are the differences?

Maintenance software has existed for decades. A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) captures information about maintenance activities performed on an organization's assets. Compared to CMMS software, Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software is newer. EAM software focuses on the maintenance of physical assets throughout their entire lifecycle. EAM is best suited for larger user groups and sometimes for multiple locations that require efficient communication. EAM and CMMS may seem similar, but the differences are significant. Let’s take a closer look at EAM vs. CMMS.

What is CMMS software?

Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) has been around for decades. A CMMS software captures and manages information related to the maintenance activities performed on an organization's assets. Today’s CMMS solutions are powerful enough to support periodic and preventive maintenance, asset management, inventory and spare parts management, and mobile functionality. CMMS software is specifically designed for maintenance operations and is excellent for organizations that want to manage work orders, spare parts, and assets in a straightforward way.

What is EAM software?

EAM software is the newer counterpart to CMMS, though it is not a new technology and the market is already mature. EAM focuses on managing physical assets throughout their lifecycle. The main advantage is its emphasis on connectivity, which has become increasingly powerful through technological advancements. These systems are used in asset-intensive companies and are designed for 100 or more users, often across multiple locations. They allow organizations to manage all their physical assets across the enterprise in a unified, centralized, and connected solution. EAM software provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to asset management, including lifecycle tracking, safety compliance, and robust reporting and business intelligence capabilities.

What to consider when choosing CMMS or EAM?

It’s possible to define when a CMMS or EAM is needed. Both systems are scalable, but unlike a CMMS, an EAM system cannot be downgraded. It's essential to define your company's objectives for the next 5 to 10 years, involving key stakeholders and understanding what performance and asset functionality they expect. Market conditions, investment capacity, health and safety regulations, and knowledge retention—an often overlooked but critical factor—should also influence the decision.

When is EAM the better choice?

When should your company choose EAM over CMMS? If you are an asset-intensive organization—with many production lines, numerous assets, fleets, medical equipment, or structured building facilities—and if you seek seamless integration with ERP, HR, and industry-specific applications, then EAM is the preferred choice.

Why choose Ultimo EAM?

At Ultimo, we have extensive experience migrating outdated systems to our modern, innovative, and flexible EAM cloud platform. With Ultimo, you have a future-proof system that offers more support than a traditional CMMS. We offer:

• Seamless integration with ERP systems such as SAP

• A subscription plan tailored to your specific needs and budget

• Standardized industry solutions that provide best-practice functionality

• An out-of-the-box solution that remains highly flexible

• Unmatched ROI

• Fast implementations

• Seamless integrations

• Self-service application management

How do you choose the most suitable EAM software provider for your organization?

We’re happy to share our tips & tricks with you. Learn more: How do I choose the best EAM software for my organization?