CMMS vs CAFM: What’s the Difference and Which One Do You Need?
If you are researching maintenance or facilities software, you have probably come across the terms CMMS and CAFM. They are often used side by side, but they are not the same.
In this guide, we break down what each system does, how they overlap, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What Is a CMMS?
CMMS stands for Computerized Maintenance Management System. It is a type of software designed to manage maintenance operations, including work orders, preventive maintenance, equipment history, and spare parts inventory.
CMMS platforms are often used by technical or engineering teams to keep machinery and equipment running smoothly and to avoid unplanned downtime.
What Is a CAFM System?
CAFM stands for Computer-Aided Facilities Management. It covers a broader range of functions beyond just maintenance.
A CAFM system helps manage physical buildings, assets, maintenance tasks, cleaning, budgets, service providers, and space usage across multiple locations.
Main Differences Between CMMS and CAFM
While both systems deal with maintenance, their scope and focus are different:
- CMMS is maintenance-focused
It is designed for technicians and engineers managing equipment uptime and repairs. - CAFM is facility-focused
It helps facility managers oversee buildings, contractors, cleaning, and budgets. - CMMS is asset-centric
It focuses on equipment, parts, and preventive servicing. - CAFM is space-centric
It tracks rooms, floors, and areas along with tasks happening in those spaces.
Do You Need Both?
Some companies use both a CMMS and a CAFM system, especially in complex environments like hospitals, manufacturing plants, or universities.
However, many modern platforms combine features from both systems. If you need to manage maintenance tickets, cleaning routines, budgets, and service providers, a flexible CAFM platform may be enough.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ask yourself the following:
- Do you only need to manage repairs and servicing of equipment?
- Or do you also need to coordinate cleaners, contractors, or building managers?
- Do you want to monitor budgets and approvals across locations?
- Are you tracking spaces, people, or just machines?
If your needs go beyond equipment maintenance, a CAFM platform is usually the better fit. It is built for full visibility across facilities, not just for technical servicing.
Final Thoughts
Both CMMS and CAFM tools have value, depending on your setup. A CMMS is perfect for equipment-heavy teams focused on uptime. A CAFM tool is better when you manage cleaning, tasks, vendors, and budgets across different sites.
Need a tool that brings both together?
of fam., a flexible platform that combines maintenance, facilities, and ticketing in one clear system.