Ruth Hughes

BIO

uth Hughes founded CMMS Data Group, which provides software that enables maintenance and facility teams to make informed business decisions about plant and equipment maintenance. (CMMS stands for computerized maintenance management system.) Before starting the company in 2000, Hughes traveled as a software training consultant and often was asked for help on weekends. She launched CMMS Data Group using bar codes for managers to update work order data, which is key for ensuring reliability. The software helps managers reduce downtime and increase production capacity. Annual revenue has grown to $6.5 million, and the company employs a staff of 45. Hughes plans to expand its office space by a third this year. In 2018, she organized a conference on maintenance optimization and reliability, and a second one followed this year.