CMMS & CAFM Blogs

Stay informed with the latest insights, trends, and best practices in Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM). Our blogs cover everything from optimising facilities and estates maintenance to leveraging cutting-edge CMMS & CAFM solutions for improved efficiency, compliance, and cost savings. Whether you're looking for expert guidance, industry updates, or practical tips on facility management, our CMMS/CAFM-focused content will help you stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Identifying and Mitigating Risks of CMMS or CAFM System Implementations in Facilities Management
Implementing a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) platform offers transformative benefits—streamlined operations, improved compliance, enhanced visibility, and data-driven planning. But without careful planning, these systems can introduce operational, financial, and compliance risks.......
25th June 2025
RFI, RFP, and RFQ: Navigating the Facilities Management Software Procurement Process
Procuring a Facilities Management (FM) software solution—whether a CAFM or CMMS system—is a significant investment. To ensure the best fit for your organisation’s operational needs, it's vital to follow a structured procurement process. That’s where RFI, RFP, and RFQ come into play.......
19th June 2025
Why Stakeholder and User Buy-In is Critical for Successful CAFM/CMMS Implementation
Deploying a Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) or Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is a significant investment — not just financially, but in time, effort, and organisational change. Yet, even the most advanced system can fall short without one essential ingredient: stakeholder and user buy-in......
11th June 2025
Why Mobile Technology is Essential for Modern CMMS and CAFM Software
In today’s fast-paced facilities management environment, Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software have evolved way beyond traditional desktop solutions. The rise of mobile technology has transformed how engineers, contractors, and facilities teams interact with maintenance systems—bridging the gap between fieldwork and office-based management.......
28th May 2025
Why Multi-Lingual and Multi-Currency CAFM/CMMS Are Now Essential
Facilities management is no longer confined to local teams overseeing single-site operations. Many organisations now manage properties, contractors, and maintenance operations spanning multiple regions and even continents. This brings several critical demands......
19th May 2025
Why IT Call Management Systems Are Not a Good Fit for Facilities and Estates Maintenance
While IT call management systems are effective for handling digital helpdesk requests, they are fundamentally unsuited to the complex, compliance-driven, and operationally diverse world of facilities and estates management. Designed around ticketing workflows for resolving IT incidents—such as software bugs or hardware failures—these systems lack the functionality, flexibility, and scalability required for managing physical infrastructure, regulatory obligations, and mobile workforces across multi-site estates.......
13th May 2025
Navigating the Buying Lifecycle of a CMMS/CAFM System: From Preparation to Procurement
Investing in a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software is a strategic decision for any organisation looking to streamline operations, boost asset performance, and ensure compliance. However, the buying process can be complex, especially given the variety of systems, vendors, and procurement methods available. In this blog, we break down the typical buying lifecycle for CMMS/CAFM software—from internal preparation to selecting the best route to market, including tenders and public sector frameworks like G-Cloud.......
9th May 2025
Managing Contracts Through a CMMS and CAFM: A Complete Lifecycle Approach
Contract management in facilities management is a complex, multi-phase process involving specification, procurement, delivery, performance tracking, and profitability analysis. For organisations managing multiple clients, assets, and service lines, manual processes or disjointed systems quickly become a liability. That’s where an integrated CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) and CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) platform comes into play......
1st May 2025
Why Integrate The SFG20 Standard Into Your CAFM or CMMS?
In facilities and estates management, consistency and compliance are critical. That’s why many organisations are now integrating SFG20, the industry standard for building maintenance, into their CAFM (Computer-Aided Facilities Management) or CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) platforms. But what makes this integration so valuable?......
28th April 2025
From Floor Plans to Future Plans: How CAFM Software Is Powering Smart Campus Evolution
In an age where data-driven decisions guide almost every industry, the concept of the "smart campus" has rapidly shifted from futuristic fantasy to practical reality. At the heart of this transformation is Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software. Once a behind-the-scenes tool for scheduling maintenance or logging work orders, CAFM is now emerging as the digital backbone of intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable campus environments.....
22nd April 2025
How CAFM Software can support CQC Audits: A Digital Solution for Compliance
Healthcare facilities must meet stringent Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and high-quality patient care. A Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system provides a powerful tool to streamline the auditing process, helping healthcare organisations achieve full compliance with regulatory requirements. This article explores how CAFM systems assist in completing CQC audits effectively, covering key areas such as auditing tools, record-keeping, remedial jobs, compliance tracking, and training records....
28th March 2025
Integrating Multiple Systems with Facilities Management Software
The need for system integration is frequently raised at the point of sale when organisations are looking to invest in a Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM/CMMS) or Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage their facilities. While the initial focus is often on core functionalities, the true value of these systems emerges when they seamlessly integrate with other business platforms....
24th March 2025
CMMS vs. CAFM: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right System for Your Business
In today's fast-paced business environment, managing facilities and maintenance efficiently is crucial to operational success. Two of the most common software solutions for this purpose are CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System) and CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management). While they may seem similar, these tools serve distinct purposes and cater to different business needs. Understanding their differences can help you choose the right one for your organisation....
10th March 2025
Key Elements in Preparing a Tender Document for Facilities Management Software
Facilities management (FM) software is essential for organisations seeking to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and improve service delivery. When procuring FM software, preparing a comprehensive tender document is critical to ensuring you select the best solution for your needs. Below are the key elements to consider when drafting a tender document for facilities management software ...
5th March 2025
The Importance of Evaluating a CAFM Provider Based on Their Roadmap
In today’s rapidly evolving facility management landscape, choosing the right Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) provider is critical for operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term scalability. While many organisations focus on current features, pricing, and support, an often-overlooked but equally crucial factor is the provider’s roadmap. A well-defined roadmap serves as a strategic blueprint, outlining the provider’s vision, commitment to innovation, and responsiveness to industry trends ...
24th February 2025
The Importance of Auditing Maintenance Jobs
Auditing maintenance jobs is a critical aspect of facilities management that ensures the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of maintenance activities. By systematically reviewing and evaluating maintenance tasks, organisations can identify areas for improvement, ensure adherence to standards, and enhance overall operational performance. Let’s delve into the key components and benefits of auditing maintenance jobs ...
20th February 2025
Streamlining Planned Preventative Maintenance Management (PPM) with CAFM/CMMS Software
Effective Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) management is essential for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of facilities and equipment. Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) and Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) software play a pivotal role in streamlining these processes. By leveraging advanced features and functionalities, these systems can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Planned Preventative Maintenance activities, ensuring that buildings stay compliant with legislation. Let’s explore how CAFM/CMMS software can transform the management of Planned Preventative Maintenance ...
12th February 2025
Enhancing Customer Engagement with a Modern CAFM System
Customer engagement is a cornerstone of success for any Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) system. By incorporating features such as mobile-responsive web forms, self-service portals, SSO integration, dynamic questions, real-time updates, feedback submission, regular job updates, duplication checks, auto-allocation of work requests, and robust search and data reporting capabilities, a CAFM system can greatly enhance the customer experience ...
2nd February 2025
Optimising Property Data Management with CAFM Systems
Managing property data effectively is crucial for maximising operational efficiency and ensuring compliance in real estate and facility management. From tracking lease terms to handling maintenance requests, modern property portfolios demand robust systems to manage intricate details. This blog explores how Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems streamline property data management, with a focus on lease clauses, break clauses, dilapidation reporting, defect repairs, and more ...
30th January 2025
Understanding the Importance of Recording and Reporting F-Gas Consumption and Extraction
In today’s climate-conscious world, the accurate recording and reporting of fluorinated gases (F-gases) have become a critical aspect of sustainable facility management. Facilities that rely on refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems often use F-gases due to their efficiency and performance. However, their high global warming potential (GWP) makes proper management essential. This blog delves into the significance of tracking F-gas usage, the processes involved, and how Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems can streamline compliance and sustainability efforts ...
24th January 2025
The Future of AI in CAFM Software: Transforming Facility Management
Last week the Labour government announced a comprehensive blueprint to turbocharge Artificial Intelligence (AI) development across industries. This initiative highlights AI as a cornerstone for driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and securing economic growth in the coming decades. Among the various sectors set to benefit, facility management stands out as a prime candidate for transformation, with AI poised to redefine how we manage and optimise our built environments ...
17th January 2025
Managing Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) through CAFM and CMMS Software
Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) or Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are software solutions designed to support facilities and estates management across various sectors, including education.F or Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), CAFM or CMMS can provide significant benefits in managing facilities and estates efficiently and effectively. Here’s how ...
10th January 2025
Effective-Data-Management-in-CAFM-System-Mobilisation
In today’s fast-paced environment, efficient data management is essential for the successful setup and ongoing operation of any Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system. Without precise and vital data during the initial mobilisation, CAFM systems might struggle to produce essential reports and dashboard outputs. This can lead to a shortage of valuable management statistics, management tools, system workflow inefficiencies and significantly reduce the potential return on investment...
2nd January 2025
Managing Christmas Chaos with CAFM: A Festive Tale
Ah, Christmas! The season of joy, giving, and… utter chaos. From tangled fairy lights to last-minute gift shopping, the holiday season can be a logistical nightmare. But what if I told you that a CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) system could be your secret weapon to manage the festive frenzy? Buckle up, because we’re about to take a sleigh ride through the wonders of CAFM this Christmas!...
18th December 2024
Are Facilities Management Trade Events Still Worth It for CAFM Software?
In the dynamic world of facilities management (FM), staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices is crucial. One way professionals achieve this is by attending trade events. But with the rise of digital alternatives, are these events still worth the investment of time and money, especially when it comes to Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software? Let’s explore the value of FM trade events and whether they remain relevant in today’s landscape...
9th December 2024
Reducing Carbon and Improving Sustainability with CAFM
In today’s world, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, organisations are seeking innovative solutions to manage their operations more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint. One such solution is Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM). This technology can play a vital role in enhancing sustainability efforts and promoting greener practices within facilities...
28th November 2024
The Evolution of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM)
Facility management has significantly progressed from the era of manual record-keeping. The introduction of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems has transformed the industry, offering tools that streamline operations, boost efficiency, and provide valuable insights. Let’s explore the history of CAFM and its evolution over the years...
19th November 2024
10 Key Reporting Outputs from CAFM Systems
Effective facility management relies heavily on accurate and timely information. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems are designed to provide facility managers with the data they need to make informed decisions. One of the most valuable features of CAFM systems is their ability to generate comprehensive reports. These reports can cover a wide range of areas, from space utilisation to maintenance activities. In this blog, we will explore some of the key reporting outputs that CAFM systems offer and how they can benefit your organisation...
11th November 2024
Enhancing CAFM System Security: Key Strategies for Resilience
In today's digital landscape, the security of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems is paramount. As organisations increasingly rely on these systems for efficient facility management, ensuring their resilience against cyber threats is essential. This blog will explore several key security concepts, including server farms, penetration testing, disaster recovery, certifications, antivirus/malware, IP address locking, Single Sign-On (SSO), and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)...
6th November 2024
Managing Asset Depreciation in CAFM Software
In the world of facilities management, effective asset management is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, minimising operational costs and maximising the lifespan of assets. One key aspect of asset management is understanding and managing asset depreciation. Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software can play a significant role in this process. This blog will explore how to leverage CAFM software to manage asset depreciation effectively...
31st October 2024
Role of Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) in the NHS
In the complex landscape of healthcare, effective facilities and estates management is crucial for ensuring that hospitals and healthcare facilities operate smoothly and efficiently. One of the key tools that has emerged to support this is Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM), a software solution that encompasses all aspects of facilities and estates management. This blog explores the significance of CAFM in the NHS, its benefits, and its impact on healthcare delivery...
22nd October 2024
Enhancing Educational Estates with CAFM Software
In today's educational landscape, effective management of facilities/estates is crucial for creating a conducive learning environment. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software plays a vital role in streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring that educational institutions can focus on their core mission—education...
16th October 2024
CAFM Software for NHS Cleaning Standards Auditing
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom is a cornerstone of healthcare delivery, providing essential services to millions of people. Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in NHS facilities is paramount to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors. One effective tool for auditing and managing cleaning standards within the NHS is a Computerised Asset Management (CAFM) software...
7th October 2024
The Benefits of API Integrations in a CAFM System
In today's fast-paced business environment, the efficiency of facility management is crucial. Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) systems play a vital role in optimising the management of facilities and resources. One of the most significant advancements that enhance the capabilities of CAFM systems is Application Programming Interface (API) integrations. Here, we explore the benefits of API integrations in a CAFM system...
4th October 2024
Introducing CAFM Systems for Financial Directors (Business Case)
If you've produced a business case before for similar products or services, you'll no doubt already have a good understanding of what to include in such a document. This guide is designed to help those who may not be too familiar with business cases. It may also offer inspiration to those who already have experience. Either way, we hope this helps...
23rd March 2019
How do facilities managers manage facilities?
Facilities Management is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. Why? The answer is simple…its role is to control all aspects of building, ensuring that it is run both efficiently and economically. Without an efficiently managed building, daily activities of visitors or colleagues can be drastically disrupted having a direct impact on any organisations bottom line...
22nd Sept 2018
Keeping It Current - CAFM Software Upgrades
As technology continues to evolve and transform into better and more powerful solutions, Tabs CMMS & CAFM is no different. The ethos of Tabs CMMS & CAFM is to provide a centralised, robust and technologically advanced solution that competes at the top level within the CAFM market. As such, the solution is driven and enhanced from two core perspectives…1) technological advancements and 2) market/client requirements...
13th March 2015
3 Top Reasons to Use CAFM software
First and foremost, costs savings is surely the top reason why you should choose a CAFM system to manage your Facilities Management operation. In fact, almost any reason you can think of will indirectly relate to, or provide routes for, cost savings through CAFM utilisation. Facilities Management is all about managing people, places and processes. Through the use of CAFM software, each of these stages can be managed. At its core, CAFM software is a solution which will help to...
22nd October 2013
Why you need Mobile CAFM software
Quick response times from field based maintenance workers, is an essential component of any successful Facilities Management or Facilities Management Service delivery operation. Being able to deliver and receive information quickly and accurately from field operatives, in real-time, is often a dream for many providers of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services. Through utilising Mobile CAFM software, such providers can improve response times, ensure data accuracy, save money and enhance customer service levels...
16th October 2013
Advances In Facilities Management Mobile Technology
Providing instant access to business critical information on the move is just one of the many benefits of migrating internal engineers or service specialists to Mobile CAFM solutions. Mobile CAFM software offers two-way data transfer solutions, to streamline communication between field staff and back office systems. Information can be reviewed and acknowledged instantly via Mobile devices (Rugged, Smartphones or Tablets), delivering real-time live updates back into the core system...
20th August 2013
Tabs CAFM in Education
Tabs Facilities and Estates CAFM software is the chosen software solution in many halls of learning and associated educational organisations. We view your business as a commercial venture with targets to reach on many levels...
10th February 2013
CAFM Procurement Process
Procuring a new CAFM software system is a major decision and not one to embark on without great thought and research. CAFM systems require a substantial investment in both monetary terms and time/labour, so it is paramount that the system is fit for purpose. Our experienced Sales Teams will help build a package that’s works with your budget and resources, but most importantly…is fit for purpose. CAFM systems are designed to run your business, so a strong partnership far outweighs the sale...
2nd February 2013
How Can CAFM Software Save Money?
One of the great benefits of a CAFM system its ability to save money. Many CAFM vendors will tell you that their CAFM system will save you money, but the question is...how?...
13th January 2013
Benefits of Facilities Management (CAFM) Software
In the world of CAFM, there are many benefits software solutions can offer Facilities Management departments or Service Provide operations. Benefits of CAFM may include scalability, usability or deliverability depending on the specific requirements of the client. Comprised below is a list of typical CAFM Benefits you could expect from many of CAFM solutions available on the market, including our own Tabs CMMS & CAFM...
10th November 2012
Field Service Mobilisation ... Windows Mobile, iOS (iPad, iPhone) or Android smartphones and tablets?
Providing instant access to business critical information on the move is just one of the many benefits of migrating internal engineers or field service specialists across to Mobile Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) solutions. Mobile CAFM software offers two-way data transfer to streamline communication between field service engineers and back office systems. Information can be reviewed and acknowledged instantly via Mobile devices (Rugged, Smartphones or Tablets), delivering real-time live updates back into the core system, complete with photo, signature and data capture...
16th September 2012
Importance of CAFM Implementation and System Managers
A defining factor in the success of any CAFM system is underpinned by the quality and skill set of those involved in the implementation and on-going administration/management of the CAFM system. With a considerable investment required for a CAFM solution, understandably results are needed for CAFM to prove itself as a viable return on investment for Facilities Managers or Service Providers. If implemented correctly, CAFM systems have the strength and functionality to not only support the day-to-day operations of Facilities or Service departments, but also provide the tool to make informed business decisions based on facts. Whether a Facilities Manager or Service Provider, having a robust software application that helps identify cost savings, streamlines processes and enhances customer service is essential. But CAFM a software tool that requires careful consideration, dedication and support from day one...
21st August 2012
Facilities Management software acronyms are confusing!
The world of Facilities Management (FM) is abound with various acronyms used to describe the same or very similar software products. For example, CAFM, IWMS, CMMS, FMIS, BMS, EAM, EMS…to name a few..
13th July 2012
The Importance of Meeting Room Booking Software
Meeting room management is just one of the many disciplines under the Facilities Management umbrella. The effectiveness of meeting room management has a direct impact on the overall performance and financial standing of an organisation. From cost savings to service perception, it is important the meeting rooms, conference rooms and other publicly available spaces are managed efficiently. Understanding how a rooms and spaces are used and whether they are used effectively is a key to saving money by maximising spaces...
24th May 2012
Evolution and Innovation ... the future of Tabs CMMS & CAFM
Since 1992, Tabs FM Ltd have supplied the Facilities Management industry with advanced Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software systems. A product which organically grew from close monitoring of the FM industry and close collaboration with clients, spans over forty modules across three platforms and consists of logically thought-out functionality...
22nd May 2012
How to Monitor and Improve Performance
One of the many benefits in the employment of a CAFM system is its ability to provide complete control over an entire Facilities or Service operation. With control comes complete visibility. Through the various methods provided by a CAFM system, data collected can be viewed with ease, empowering any Facilities or Operations Manager with statistical information to help improve performance, efficiency and customer service offering...
23rd March 2012
How does Tabs CMMS & CAFM meet end-user needs?
Tabs CMMS & CAFM is constantly in development, from advances in new technology or bespoke client functionality. All new development is placed into a centralised system to the benefit of all clients through future upgrades...
23rd March 2012
Great Customer Service...The Holy Grail
Delivering a good customer experience plays a key part in securing new and repeat business. Word of mouth recommendations are known to be the most productive referral an organisation can receive, whether this is to increase visibility of an Internal Facilities Department, or grow revenue and client base in a commercial Facilities provider. Either way, CAFM tools can provide a cost effective way to help support great customer service initiatives.
17th February 2012
The future of Mobile operating systems for rugged devices
Historically, Tabs FM have always developed Mobile software for Windows Mobile devices. The driving force behind this approach is that Microsoft is often the selected Operating System of rugged and barcode scanning devices. But will this always be the case? Forever in discussions with providers of rugged handhelds, it appears that the chink in Windows Mobile armour is gradually getting bigger...especially with the recent launch of Windows Phone 7...
30th November 2011
A facilities managers tale
The Facilities Manager sat in his new office for the first time, proud that he had landed his promotion but worried about sourcing a new CAFM Software System to manage his Help Desk, Planned Maintenance tasks, Room Booking, Asset Tracking etc.
19th June 2011
BMS-CMMS-CAFM-IWMS-EMS...confused?
Acronyms abound in the world of building management, representing the different software solutions available in today’s market. You may have read recently that Government bodies are under pressure to reduce the amount of jargon and abbreviations used while conducting business. Will they take any notice? Bob Hope and No Hope spring to mind...
2th April 2010
Facilities Management Customer Service
Customer service is an integral part of any organisation. Whether your customers are external (clients) or internal (colleagues) is irrelevant. What’s important is how your customers perceive you, your organisation or your department...
22nd March 2010
Implementing Facilities Management (CAFM) Software
Implementing a new Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software solution can seem like both a daunting and exciting challenge. Major changes are expected as users transfer to a new system and a new way of working. Such changes have a ripple effect throughout an organisation, affecting end-users, colleagues, managers and IT departments. To help facilitate implementation CAFM vendors assign Project Managers to oversee and ‘handhold’ through this vital transitional period...
25th February 2010
CAFM Technology
Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) evolved in the late 1980s and has become an essential business tool, relied on by many facilities and estates departments. CAFM Solutions offer distinct benefits in the management of day-to-day operations and performance monitoring. With its reach now extending to Hospitality, IT departments and beyond, the role of CAFM becomes a much more prominent business solution and raises the profile and value of Facilities and Estates departments...
10th February 2010

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