Whether you're managing a global energy corporation or a hospitality chain, understanding field operations jargon is essential to streamline your business.
At Lena Software, we design CMMS and FSM solutions that support every acronym you'll find below, and more.
Let's decode the most common terms you need to know.
Workflow Management Acronyms: Streamline with Structure
These are the foundational terms every operations manager, field technician, and digital workflow designer should know. Failure to realise them is unacceptable, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
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CMMS: Computerised Maintenance Management System
Software is designed to centralise maintenance information and facilitate processes such as work order management, asset tracking, and preventive maintenance.
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FSM: Field Service Management
A solution that helps companies deliver effective onsite service by tracking requests, managing personnel, and optimising schedules.
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WMS: Workflow Management System
Tools used to define, execute, and automate business processes where tasks are passed from one participant to another.
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WO: Work Order
A formal authorisation for maintenance, inspection, or service tasks.
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KPI: Key Performance Indicator
Measurable values are used to assess performance.
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SLA: Service Level Agreement
A formal contract that defines the level of service expected from a vendor or internal team.
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RPA: Robotic Process Automation
Technology that uses software robots to automate routine tasks in workflow systems.
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EOD: End of Day
A typical cutoff time for task completion or daily report generation.
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ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
Systems that integrate core business functions, including operations, finance, and supply chain.
Core Field Operations Acronyms: From Maintenance to Mobility
Field operations can get complex. Here's the essential lingo your team needs below!
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PM: Preventive Maintenance
Scheduled, routine maintenance designed to keep equipment in working condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns. PM is typically calendar-based and essential for reliability-centered operations.
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PdM: Predictive Maintenance
A data-driven approach that uses sensors, analytics, and condition-monitoring tools to predict when equipment will fail, enabling timely interventions and reducing unnecessary maintenance.
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CBM: Condition-Based Maintenance
Maintenance that is triggered by the actual condition of equipment rather than a fixed schedule. CBM relies on real-time data (e.g., temperature, vibration) to determine optimal service timing.
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RTF: Run-to-Failure
A reactive maintenance strategy where assets are used until they fail, at which point repairs or replacements are made. Suitable for non-critical or low-cost assets with minimal risk impact.
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OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
The company that originally designs and manufactures equipment or parts. OEM documentation and parts are often used to ensure proper maintenance and compliance.
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MTTR: Mean Time to Repair
A key maintenance metric that measures the average time required to diagnose and fix a failed component. Lower MTTR indicates faster recovery and improved operational efficiency.
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MTBF: Mean Time Between Failures
A reliability metric that reflects the average time between equipment breakdowns. A higher MTBF suggests better performance and durability of assets.
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FMEA: Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
A structured methodology to anticipate possible failure points in a system, process, or design. FMEA helps teams prioritise risks and implement corrective actions before issues occur.
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SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
Step-by-step documentation that outlines how to perform specific tasks consistently and safely. SOPs ensure process compliance, especially in regulated or high-risk environments.
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MRO: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul
The set of activities that keep equipment operational, including parts replacement, repairs, upgrades, and inspections. MRO is vital for lifecycle management and operational continuity.
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EAM: Enterprise Asset Management
Used in industries with large-scale physical assets (manufacturing, utilities, transportation). EAM software helps manage the entire lifecycle of assets—from procurement and operation to disposal.
It’s crucial for long-term planning, regulatory compliance, and cost control.
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APM: Asset Performance Management
Focuses on real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and risk-based maintenance. Used in sectors like energy, oil & gas, and utilities to improve asset reliability and avoid unplanned downtime.
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DFMEA: Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Used during the product design phase, especially in manufacturing and engineering. It identifies potential failure modes in a design before production begins, helping to reduce costs and ensure reliability.
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PFMEA: Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Used to analyse manufacturing or business processes. It identifies where and how a process might fail and assesses the impact, enabling preventative measures to be built into operations.
Industry-Specific Acronyms: Speak the Language of Your Sector
Every industry has its own unique acronyms. Here are common ones for key sectors of the field.
Oil & Gas Industry for Field
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HSE: Health, Safety, and Environment
Guidelines and practices focused on protecting workers and minimising environmental impact during drilling, refining, and field operations.
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PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
Gear worn to minimise exposure to hazards such as fire, chemicals, and mechanical risks, used daily on rigs and refineries.
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SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
The control system architecture used to monitor and control industrial processes remotely, often in pipeline or drilling site applications.
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BOP: Blowout Preventer
A safety device used to prevent the uncontrolled flow of liquids/gases during drilling. Critical for wellhead operations.
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NDT: Non-Destructive Testing
Techniques used to inspect materials or components without damaging them are applied in pipeline and rig inspections.
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EHS: Environmental Health and Safety
Regulatory framework that ensures safe working conditions and environmental stewardship across all site activities.
Field in Hospitality
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PMS: Property Management System
Software used to manage hotel operations, including reservations, guest check-in/out, and room assignments.
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FOH: Front of House
All operations that interact directly with guests, like reception, concierge, and customer service.
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BOH: Back of House
Staff and operations that support guest services behind the scenes, including kitchens, housekeeping, and maintenance.
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ADR: Average Daily Rate
A key performance metric used to analyse revenue per occupied room over time.
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REVPAR: Revenue per Available Room
Combines occupancy rate and ADR to evaluate financial performance per room, used by revenue managers.
High-Stress Environment: Medical & Healthcare Field
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HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
A U.S. law that mandates secure handling of patient data, critical for all digital health systems.
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EMR: Electronic Medical Records
Digital versions of paper charts used by clinicians for diagnosis and treatment.
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EHR: Electronic Health Records
Comprehensive digital records that go beyond EMR, accessible across practices and departments.
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ICU: Intensive Care Unit
Specialised hospital units provide critical care, requiring complex monitoring and resource planning with heavy machines.
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PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
Essential during surgeries, infectious disease control, and daily patient care. Needs to be checked thoroughly for supplies.
Complex Field Operations: Fire & Safety
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NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
An organisation that sets safety standards for fire prevention and emergency response systems.
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HAZMAT: Hazardous Materials
Materials posing risks to health, property, or the environment require special handling and documentation.
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FACP: Fire Alarm Control Panel
The central unit in a fire alarm system is responsible for monitoring and activating alarm outputs.
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MSDS: Material Safety Data Sheet
Documents that detail hazard information for chemicals are mandatory for compliance and safety.
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LOTO: Lockout/Tagout
A safety procedure ensures that the machinery is shut off and not started again before maintenance.
Logistics & Transportation
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TMS: Transportation Management System
Software that helps plan, execute, and optimise the physical movement of goods.
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3PL: Third-Party Logistics
Outsourced logistics services include warehousing, fulfilment, and transportation. Frequently used in supply chain operations to cut costs and scale distribution.
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LTL: Less Than Truckload
Shipping method for smaller freight loads that don’t require a full truck, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
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FTL: Full Truckload
Shipping method where one customer’s goods fill an entire truck; used for larger shipments with tighter schedules.
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ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
The projected arrival time for shipments is critical for scheduling, customer service, and fleet management.
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BOL: Bill of Lading
A legal document between the shipper and the carrier that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods. Crucial for delivery verification.
Why Knowing Field Acronyms Matters
Understanding field operation acronyms isn't just for show. It's key to effective communication, safety compliance, and tech adoption. With Lena Software, your team doesn't just manage workflows; they master them.
Ready to transform your field operations with an all-in-one CMMS and FSM solution?
Contact Lena Software today.
