If you work in aerospace, medical devices, or semiconductors, you know this: Maintenance is never just maintenance. Every repair, calibration, and work order has to be documented to the letter. Compliance is a daily mandate.
Yet many regulated manufacturers still rely on generic CMMS platforms built for basic tracking. Sure, they log work orders and asset histories. But when it comes to audit readiness, electronic validation, and full traceability, these systems leave dangerous gaps.
Regulatory standards like AS9100, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, FSMA, and ISO 9001/13485 need more than records that are simply complete. They demand proof that every note, timestamp, and signature is accurate and secure.
Generic CMMS tools often rely on paper-based or half-digital workflows, with incomplete technician notes and gaps in preventive maintenance logs. Compliance-ready CMMS tools, on the other hand, capture technician actions in real time, manage electronic signatures, and generate audit trails at the click of a button.
Basically, one keeps you up at night before inspections. And the other helps you sail through them.
When a CMMS isn’t designed for regulated environments, the fallout goes far beyond wasted budget. You get:
We’ve seen organizations abandon generic CMMS platforms within 12–18 months of implementation—often after failed audits, unplanned downtime, or emergency costs they thought they were avoiding.
The right system makes compliance part of daily operations. That way, there’s no mad scramble when inspectors show up. Just preparation built into everyday work flows.
Look for features like:
When compliance is baked into your CMMS, you’re building a foundation for efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind.
Ready to dig deeper? Our Practical Guide to Choosing a CMMS for Regulated Industries walks you through must-have features, self-assessment questions, and real-world case studies that show the ROI of getting it right. Download it now.