Enterprise asset management (EAM) systems are the evolution of computer-aided maintenance systems (CMMS/CAM). CMMS focus on asset maintenance and therefore on the management and improvement of maintenance processes. In this sense, we can say that a CMMS is a system based on processes, from which it is also possible to obtain useful information for asset management.

However, as the digital transformation of companies advances, process-based systems are giving way to data-based systems. When the whole company has been digitised, what remains, in the end, is data. This data, analysed at a supra-departmental level, will condition strategic decision-making at the management level and the functioning and processes of each of the company’s departments.

Eliminate data silos

Companies, increasingly and through their digital transformation processes, are investing in software solutions of all kinds that store and manage specific information from different departments. Thus, we can find CMMS or EAM tools for maintenance or asset management, but also ERP software for human resources management, payroll or accounting, CRM for customer management, etc.

Each software solution stores relevant information that can be exploited by the company’s management bodies to improve decision-making. However, when each system is maintained by different departments and people, useful information for management is obtained from data that is combined from each of these systems.

When the systems are isolated forming silos, the consolidated information may encounter problems of inconsistencies in the data generated by the different applications. The metrics and analyses generated from this information can therefore contain errors that can be fatal in decision making.

To avoid these problems it is necessary to always keep in mind when implementing an EAM within the company not only the operational benefits in daily maintenance, but above all, the impact it has on the strategic management of the company. Therefore, it is extremely important to have mechanisms that allow the system to interoperate with other business systems, so that information is always shared, accurate and unique throughout the company.

Data-based EAM

The application of a data-driven EAM allows value to be derived from both structured and unstructured data obtained over the life cycle of the asset. This information allows the performance of the different assets, the personnel involved in maintenance, suppliers, etc. to be known.

In a data-based EAM project, it is vital to start with a comprehensive inventory of the data, including the sources from which it is obtained, the repositories in which it is stored, the format, quality and the relationships between the different repositories.

The data is then modelled to suit the needs of the business so that it can provide useful information for decision making by the various actors and departments involved, from the operations and maintenance area to the financial departments. In this process, therefore, it is necessary to have the participation of all the departments involved, to know their objectives and information needs, aligned with the general strategy of the company and specific to the department.

In summary, the following aspects should be taken into account for the implementation of a data-based EAM:

  • Definition of KPIs. The information obtained from the EAM will be used to determine the evolution of the KPIs, while the target KPIs defined by the management will define the strategy and the processes of maintenance and management of the assets.
  • Definition of the data management policy. Clearly establish what data is obtained and ensure the traceability and consistency of the data from the moment it is generated until it is definitively stored, including how and with what other systems and people this data is shared and interacts.
  • Analysis of the information with a global vision of the data and its relationships across all departments of the company, using data analysis tools or even Big Data.

Some of the benefits of using a data-based EAM are:

  • Reduction of inventory costs.
  • Improved decision-making in the purchasing process.
  • Increased efficiency in maintenance operations.
  • Obtaining a single source of consistent and transparent data for the entire company.

Retain, a data-based EAM

Retain strategic asset management software uses a proprietary model that places the asset (the data) at the centre of management (AIE+TI model). Our modular solution has a powerful centralised information system that acts as an intelligent data repository and is also capable of interacting with other business systems.

If you want to know more, contact us and an expert will solve your doubts and help you find the best solution for your company.