What is an EAM system?
An Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system is a digital approach to the planning and control of all of the activities required to maintain business assets throughout each individual asset’s lifecycle. These activities include, but are not limited to, the scheduling of planned maintenance, optimization of asset productivity, documentation of information in relation to breakdown and malfunctions, stock control, inventory, purchasing information and many more features.
Various assets can be managed by an EAM. The assets may be fixed assets like buildings, plants, machinery or moving assets like vehicles, ships, and moving equipment. The lifecycle management of high-value physical assets requires careful planning and execution of work.
Enterprise asset management software handles every aspect of running an asset-intensive organization. EAM software programs include features such as asset life-cycle management, preventive maintenance scheduling, warranty management, integrated mobile wireless handheld options, and portal-based software interfaces.
How to ensure the successful implementation of an EAM
The benefits and return on investment of an Enterprise Asset Management implementation correspond with the appropriateness of the EAM software package selected, how effectively it is implemented and the extent to which all personnel concerned with implementation are committed and involved. In order to facilitate the best outcomes for an organization, it needs to:
1: Carefully and accurately define its requirements and expectations of asset management software
Because the selection of a suitable software package is fundamental to the success or otherwise of an EAM implementation, it is crucial that the clear definition of requirements and expectations serve as a starting point for this.
2: Compare, contrast and analyse the alternatives
So that an organisation can choose a suitable asset management software package, resources (including time) need to be invested in understanding and carefully evaluating the alternatives. It is worthwhile working with a specialist or professional to gain their insight into the type of package that can be scaled to best suit the needs and requirements of your organisation.
3: Prepare asset data to be utilised
In order for an EAM system to enhance the operations and processes of your organisation, the data that is used by the software needs to be accurate, well organised and accessible. Time and effort needs to be invested in the preparation of your data in advance of implementation taking place.
4: Installation and testing of the required software and hardware
Prior to your EAM ‘going live’, there is great value in installing and testing the relevant software required. Through these processes, there is an opportunity for glitches and more significant problems to be identified and strategies employed to address them.
5: Enter asset data into the new system
Following the step of installation and testing, asset data can then be entered into the system, readying it for actual use within the context of your business.
6: EAM staff training
If an Enterprise Asset Management system is to be effective and fully utilized to the best advantage, it is crucial that staff and key personnel receive comprehensive training and support. This is one of the most important areas of investment and the area that most directly corresponds with whether or not a EAM will be successfully implemented within your organization. When staff are well trained and confident in their use of a new system, it is used to a greater capacity and ultimately, delivers greater benefits to an organization.
Having decided to invest in an EAM, all organizations will desire the use of this integral software to benefit their business. The aforementioned steps will help to facilitate successful implementation and maximize the advantages for organizations large and small.
