A Framework to Embed Asset Management in Production Companies

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate how to embed Asset Management in production companies. A framework is defined based on literature analysis and focus groups findings, in which the fundamentals to guide the integration of Asset Management are systematized. Two dimensions are identifiedthe asset life cycle and the hierarchical level of the asset-control activitiesand four founding principleslife cycle, system, risk and asset-centric orientationas levers to integrate Asset Management within an industrial organization. An empirical investigation is then developed through multiple case-study involving eight production companies in Italy, with the purpose to map the elements of the framework against the real mechanisms in the industrial practices. This allows testing the relevance of the framework itself and demonstrating its potential as a support for companies to implement gap analysis on AM practices. Empirical evidence on current practices of AM in production companies is contextually unveiled.

A Conceptual Model of the IT Ecosystem for Asset Management in the Global Manufacturing Context

“…It is widely recognised in maintenance and AM literature the existence of three control levels in order to better manage the assets: operational, tactical and strategic (see [11] for maintenance management, and [4] for AM). Therefore, the whole set of modules could be framed in a three-level structure in accordance with the asset control levels.…”

“…In order to comply with this vision, we may assert that a platform for APM is useful since it integrates the functionalities available in the EAM. The APM should be based on an accurate system modelling of each production plant in order to enable risk management through a performance-driven total cost of ownership evaluation (based on similar steps as described in [21]); at the tactical level, this would enable to translate the business objectives into day-by-day activities, driving any planning decision by relying upon a systemic perspective of the entire production plants (which is one of the principle of AM [4]).…”

“…Looking at maintenance in this extended scope, requires to embrace a wider digitalization to support the Asset Management (AM) system [3]. This should consider that the set of decisions is larger than the ones maintenance is used to, and theory is correspondingly extended [4]. Henceforth, it is worth pointing out that the ever-growing number of data sources is not reflected consistently in advancements of maintenance support systems: nowadays as in past years, most of the effort appears to be put on enhancing and improving computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), see some recent studies such as [5]- [7].…”