SaaS software.
The evolution of SaaS software from traditional software has marked a significant transformation in technology in recent years. SaaS software has revolutionized the way companies, organizations and individuals access and use IT applications. Over time, this approach has undergone major improvements.
So what are the benefits of SaaS
software, and should you choose a SaaS CMMS today?
In particular, a CMMS helps to reduce maintenance costs and increase equipment availability, which is crucial to the business of many companies.
It also improves equipment performance by using analytical data to track performance indicators and identify potential problems before they occur.
Developments in the global CMMS market
CMMS is a fast-growing field offering numerous benefits for industrial and utility companies. According to a recent study by MarketsandMarkets, the global CMMS market would have reached $7.24 billion by 2022, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% over the 2017-2022 period.
One of the main reasons for this growth is the need for companies to respond to the complexity of equipment and installations. This calls for better planning and organization of maintenance operations.
What is SaaS?
SaaS, for “Software as a Service”, is a booming market. It’s a software distribution model in which applications are stored in the cloud and accessible to users via the Internet, usually by subscription.
This subscription includes access to the software as well as a range of services.
With SaaS, software is no longer considered a tangible purchase, but a service to which organizations subscribe (monthly or annually). For example, audio and video streaming platforms replace CDs and DVDs, and users access their content.
SaaS follows the same logic: we no longer buy software, nor the infrastructure to install and use it. No, now you rent access, without worrying about architecture, servers, databases, storage, memory and so on. It’s all decentralized and easy!
SaaS: Key players and market trends
Key players in the SaaS market
The SaaS market is dominated by major players such as Microsoft (with Microsoft 365), Salesforce (with Salesforce CRM), Adobe (with Adobe Creative Cloud), and many others. However, there are also many mid-sized companies and start-ups offering specialized SaaS solutions in various fields, from business management to customer relationship management (CRM), human resources management, project management, online collaboration, and of course CMMS!
Historical development of SaaS
The concept of SaaS dates back to the 1960s, but has really gained in popularity over the last two decades. Originally, it was mainly used for applications such as e-mail management and customer relationship management. However, with the expansion of broadband Internet connectivity and growing confidence in cloud computing, SaaS has grown to encompass almost every aspect of business and personal operations.
Growth of the SaaS software market in France
According to the IDC – Syntec Numérique study of June 2021, the SaaS market in France represented 1.937 billion euros in 2017, or 15% of the software market.
In 2021, SaaS market share reached 3.528 billion or 24% of the software market.
One in 3 software products sold is SaaS.
Still according to this study, more than one in three software products sold in 2021 will be SaaS-based, and 87% of Truffle’s Top 100 software publishers offer SaaS solutions.
Evolution of SaaS with AI
The SaaS market continues to grow rapidly. Forecasts indicate that more and more companies will adopt the SaaS model to manage various aspects of their operations. Future trends include an expansion of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and data analysis in SaaS applications, as well as the emergence of SaaS solutions in new areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR).
This evolution towards advanced technologies offers exciting opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
CMMS software SaaS
Can Saas be applied to CMMS software?
CMMS software is no exception to the trend towards SaaS technology. Advances in cloud computing have transformed the way organizations manage their maintenance. Thanks to the SaaS model, CMMS has become more accessible, quicker to deploy and more cost-effective. Companies and organizations can now take advantage of these advances to improve their maintenance management, reduce costs and increase operational efficiency. SaaS has opened up new opportunities for CMMS, enabling companies to adopt more flexible and scalable solutions to meet their changing needs.
On-premise or SaaS CMMS software?
Should you choose SaaS CMMS software?
When choosing CMMS software for your organization, it’s crucial to decide between SaaS (Software as a Service) and On-Premise. Each of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, which affect the software’s management, flexibility and costs.
Here are the main differences between these two approaches to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
Budget and CMMS installation
- On-Premise:
On-Premise CMMS solutions require a significant initial investment in hardware, servers, software licenses, IT infrastructure, personnel and set-up costs. The license is generally purchased by the customer and is theirs for an unlimited period, but the costs can be prohibitive for some organizations. - SaaS:
A SaaS CMMS eliminates high up-front costs, as it operates on a subscription model. Customers generally pay a monthly or annual fee, which helps them to manage their budgets more effectively and avoid over-investment.
CMMS software maintenance and updates
- On-Premise:
When you install a CMMS application on site, you are responsible for maintaining your infrastructures, updating software and managing security patches. This requires dedicated IT staff, and support from the software publisher is often required. - SaaS:
SaaS solution providers manage maintenance, updates and patches, eliminating the burden of these tasks. Users always benefit from the latest functionality and enhanced security. Platform scalability and elasticity are managed directly by the vendor.
SaaS software therefore simplifies maintenance, while ensuring that applications are always up to date.
Accessibility and Mobility
- On-Premise:
On-Premise solutions are generally limited to access from the workplace, which limits employee mobility and makes remote working more difficult. - SaaS:
SaaS applications can be used from any Internet-connected device. They offer great flexibility, enabling employees to work remotely, wherever they are. All they need is an Internet connection. SaaS applications promote mobility, enhancing business productivity and flexibility.
Scalability of your CMMS
- On-Premise:
Upgrading On-Premise solutions can be costly and complicated, often requiring additional hardware and licenses. - SaaS :
SaaS solutions are generally scalable on demand. With SaaS CMMS software, you can usually add or remove users and functionalities as needed.
CMMS software security
- On-Premise:
The security of CMMS software depends on how companies and organizations manage their own infrastructure. Security breaches can occur if they are not properly managed. - SaaS:
CMMS SaaS software providers invest heavily in data security, implementing advanced data protection measures. In addition to security and the deployment of anti-intrusion solutions, we mustn’t forget the need for regular, automatic backups offered by the hosting provider. Access to data also requires special attention: authorizations, authentication, partitioning, etc.
SaaS generally offers enhanced security thanks to resources dedicated to data security.
Compliance and regulations for your CMMS software
- On-Premise:
You need to ensure that your CMMS system complies with current regulations. This can be a complex and demanding task. - SaaS:
SaaS software providers are generally compliant with industry regulations, which simplifies compliance with current regulations.
Deploying CMMS software – Implementation time
- On-Premise:
Deploying solutions on site can be a time-consuming process due to the hardware and software installation required, and you need to set up a project team to monitor and complete the project. - SaaS :
SaaS CMMS solutions can be implemented quickly, often in a matter of hours or days. This means you can get the most out of your CMMS software without any significant delay.
In conclusion, the SaaS model wins out over On-Premise solutions in many areas, notably in terms of cost, simplified maintenance, mobility, scalability, security, compliance and speed of CMMS implementation. However, it’s important to note that the choice between On-Premise and SaaS CMMS will depend on the specific needs of each organization, and its ability to manage infrastructure and security aspects.
In many situations, SaaS CMMS software is a more practical and cost-effective solution.
Customer success stories
Read testimonials from CARL Source CMMS users
Sustainability and environmental friendliness of the SaaS model
Can SaaS have a positive impact on your CSR obligations?
Logiciel SaaS et RSE
In a context where companies are required to meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, it is essential to explore how the SaaS model in the CMMS field can contribute to sustainability and respect for the environment.
Why is SaaS considered an environmentally-friendly choice in line with your CSR obligations? Here are some answers:
- Reduced carbon footprint: SaaS eliminates the need for on-site servers to host software and data. This means less energy needed to power these servers, which translates into a reduced carbon footprint. Less hardware also means less electronic waste to dispose of.
- Reduced environmental footprint: SaaS reduces the need for physical documents and enables technicians to access information remotely, thus reducing paper consumption and unnecessary travel.
- Eco-responsible resource management: SaaS-based CMMS solutions can include features for better resource management, such as optimized maintenance planning, inventory management and equipment performance monitoring. This helps organizations use their resources more efficiently, reducing their overall environmental impact.
Conclusion: SaaS in CMMS – An Unavoidable Evolution
In short, SaaS has opened up exciting new prospects in the CMMS field. Its advantages are undeniable, whether in terms of cost savings, universal accessibility, simplified updates, high-quality customer support, enhanced security, easy integration or environmental sustainability. What’
s more, SaaS in CMMS enables companies to remain competitive in a constantly changing environment. It fosters informed decision-making thanks to advanced analytical data, contributing to predictive maintenance and maximizing equipment availability.
Ultimately, SaaS in the CMMS sector is much more than just a technological evolution. It’s a revolution that enables companies to manage their maintenance more optimally, more efficiently and more cost-effectively. SaaS enables them to remain competitive and adapted to a constantly changing world.
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