AkzoNobel, a global leader in paints and coatings, is recognized for its high standards of operational excellence and continuous innovation. When searching for the right Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to support its factory operations in Poland, AkzoNobel conducted a thorough evaluation of leading solutions, including the SAP PM module and three other CMMS platforms. After a structured selection process and a six-month parallel testing period, AkzoNobel chose Fabrico as their trusted CMMS partner.
AkzoNobel’s team had a clear objective: to find a digital maintenance solution that would deliver efficiency, transparency, and user adoption across the factory floor.
Prior to engaging with Fabrico, AkzoNobel had already tested multiple solutions:
Three separate CMMS platforms, including SAP PM.
Repeated pilot programs that ultimately did not meet their expectations.
The main challenges AkzoNobel faced included:
Complexity of previous solutions: The SAP PM module was powerful but difficult for operators and maintenance teams to use effectively.
User adoption: Ensuring fast onboarding and sustainable engagement was a critical factor.
Flexibility and localization: A need for localized support in Poland, including training and the ability to run internal sessions without external dependence.
AkzoNobel first discovered Fabrico at an industrial automation exhibition in Warsaw, Poland. After exploring several providers, the company invited Fabrico for an on-site meeting at their factory the very next day. This marked the beginning of a close collaboration.
AkzoNobel decided to initiate a pilot with Fabrico, despite having already conducted three prior pilot programs with other providers. What set Fabrico apart was:
Immediate user-friendliness: Maintenance teams quickly adapted to the platform.
Structured onboarding: Regular sessions ensured smooth adoption across all levels.
Comparative approach: For six months, AkzoNobel ran Fabrico in parallel with SAP PM to benchmark performance, usability, and data reliability.
After six months, the conclusion was clear: Fabrico outperformed SAP PM in terms of user adoption, ease of use, and operational efficiency. AkzoNobel decided to fully migrate from SAP PM and rely exclusively on Fabrico.
Ease of Use
Fabrico’s intuitive design allowed operators and engineers to adopt the system quickly, without lengthy training sessions.
Localized Support
Fabrico delivered training in Polish and built a framework for internal training programs in Polish, ensuring AkzoNobel’s team could independently manage onboarding for new employees.
Customization and Best Practices
Fabrico integrated small but impactful customizations based on AkzoNobel’s needs. The collaboration also enabled Fabrico to adopt best practices shared by AkzoNobel, enhancing the overall system.
Trust through Comparison
Running Fabrico in parallel with SAP PM gave AkzoNobel full confidence. Data consistency, usability, and flexibility proved Fabrico’s superiority.
By choosing Fabrico, AkzoNobel achieved:
Full transition from SAP PM to Fabrico as their primary CMMS.
Faster onboarding and training for their maintenance teams.
Improved operational transparency through accessible and reliable maintenance data.
Higher employee satisfaction, as maintenance staff quickly embraced the system.
Most importantly, AkzoNobel demonstrated that innovation in maintenance digitalization is not about choosing the largest or most established solution, but about selecting the platform that truly fits the needs of the people who use it daily.
AkzoNobel’s decision to select Fabrico over SAP PM and other CMMS providers highlights a growing trend in industrial digitalization: user-centric solutions drive the highest value.
For digitalization managers and innovation teams, this case underlines a critical insight: the success of a CMMS is measured not only by its technical capabilities but also by how quickly and effectively it is adopted by people on the factory floor.
Fabrico continues to support AkzoNobel in Poland, ensuring long-term scalability, localized training, and continuous innovation in maintenance excellence.
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