Comparison5 min read
Maintenance Log Template vs Dedicated Software
Free maintenance log templates are easy to find. But are they the right choice for your business?
When Templates Work
Maintenance log templates (Excel, Google Sheets, or printable PDFs) work well when:
- You have 1-2 pieces of equipment
- One person manages all maintenance
- You don't need reminders
- You're testing if tracking helps before investing
When Software Wins
Dedicated maintenance software becomes valuable when:
- You track 5+ pieces of equipment
- Multiple people need access
- You want automatic reminders
- You need mobile access
- You've missed maintenance due to forgetting to check
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Template | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free-$10/user |
| Setup time | Low | Low |
| Automatic reminders | ✗ | ✓ |
| Mobile-friendly | ✗ | ✓ |
| Team access | Limited | ✓ |
| Auto-calculate due dates | ✗ | ✓ |