We constantly strive to find the silver bullet to make our lives and jobs better. We look for a road map that will guide us to where we need to be. Quality systems are prime examples of this phenomenon. Over the years, I have witnessed many different types, including quality circles, total quality management, total productive management, Lean, and Six Sigma. Now, relatively new guidance is available for maintenance and engineering managers — ISO 55000 Standards for Asset Management.
I’ll admit I thought the standard had been created by someone or some organization just to make money. My first take after reading the standard was that it was intended to make organizations safer. After becoming a certified asset management assessor, I now realize it is much more than that.
ISO 55000 complements existing systems, but it does not replace them. Instead, it is designed to coexist with other programs to optimize resources, whether they are human, physical, fiscal, environmental, or social responsibility. The standards define an asset as “an item, thing or entity that has the potential or actual value to an organization.” It defines asset management as “coordinated activity of an organization to realize value from its assets.”
ISO 55000 consists of six major elements, each containing sub-elements. In total, there are 39 subjects or sub-elements that managers should address when developing an asset management strategy. Let’s take a closer look at the six elements.
Strategy and planning. When combined with asset management objectives, strategic initiatives provide the required direction for detailed planning. The quality of the planning will determine whether asset management objectives and strategic initiatives are appropriate, achievable and accomplished.
The scope of this strategy provides the overarching objectives, vision and direction for the development of the service-delivery strategy and tactical activities. The organization’s asset management activities should align to these overarching facility objectives, providing clarity to organizational asset management priorities and goals and clearer direction on ways to achieve them.
Asset management decision making. A vital element of effective asset management is decision making that is evidence-based and data-driven. Effective asset management decision making is essential for an organization to maximize the value realized over the life its asset portfolio.
Sufficient, accurate data and documentation also must be collected so managers can understand information needs are in order to meet the requirements of internal and external stakeholders regarding information and reporting, both financial and non-financial. Organizations must have processes in place for the effective management of information and an effective document management system.
Life-cycle delivery. ISO 55000 encourages organizations to look at costs from a life-cycle perspective. Determining total cost of ownership involves a formal analysis that accounts for costs related to owning and operating an asset, including purchase, installation, deployment, operation, upgrade, maintenance and decommissioning.
Asset information. The quality of information that feeds into decision making plays a vital role in implementing effective asset management across their life cycle. Without accurate, up-to-date information, decisions are more likely to be based on gut feel, compromising the decision’s integrity.
Organizations and people. When it comes to managing assets, good processes on their own do not ensure good outcomes. Effective organizational structure and leadership is crucial for fostering a culture that supports effective asset management. Managers need to invest time and effort to assure that the organization and people deliver the desired performance and behaviors that will support the successful delivery of the asset management strategies and objectives.
Risk and review. Risk management and performance review of the assets and asset management system supports the continuous improvement of asset management activities. Risk management is a structured way to identify and analyze potential risk, and to devise and implement appropriate responses according to level of risks.
Implementing a Successful Asset Management Program
