Implementing & using an Asset Information Management System to better support Asset Management Processes and Decisions

Abstract

Underpinning an organisation's Asset Management System (AMS) is a well-defined and structured Asset Information Management System (AIMS). The organisation's capability to implement and maintain an AMS will largely depend on the competence of the AIMS and its ability to collect and store the required data to support asset lifecycle decisions and business outcomes. It should provide a single-source-of-the-truth for all asset activities and must assist the organisation in achieving its Asset Management objectives. When planning, implementing and using an AIMS, an organisation must observe fundamental principles to ensure the desired asset management processes and business outcomes are achieved. While not meant to be exhaustive, this paper will focus on the following principles: • The principle of value – an AIMS must deliver value to the organisation by supporting the AMS and delivery of business outcomes • The principle of requisite complexity and progressive maturity – Complexity of the system is tailored to the organisational capability and maturity • The principle of enabling and empowering its people – A people-centric system that encourages user adoption to confidently make informed asset life cycle decisions with a high degree of reliability. • The principle of data capture, storage, maintenance, and security – To collect and store the required data that the organisation will monitor, manage, evaluate, and analyse to construct information, knowledge, and wisdom about the asset base's past performance and future needs. • The principle of an integrated system – The AIMS must promote a single source-of-the-truth, eliminate data silos and duplication, promote data re-use, and support data transactions seamlessly across the system. • The principle of continual improvement – To remain relevant, consistent, and aligned with the organisational objectives and the desired outcomes of the AMS, the AIMS must evolve and improve over time.