Last edited 03 Aug 2022

Enterprise asset management

Contents

[edit] Introduction

Enterprise asset management (EAM) uses computer software to track whole life asset performance across an organisation. EAM records the individual properties and maintenance requirements of assets while incorporating whole-life costs or total cost of ownership (TCO). Organisations with large campuses or multiple sites that can have very large numbers of assets may consider adopting EAM as a method of managing their portfolios.

EAM's ability to evaluate the costs of assets, from design to installation to disposal, distinguishes it from computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS), which record the performance of assets after purchase and installation.

[edit] EAM features

EAM collects data about efficiency, reliability, repair costs, replacement availability and other details that can influence future procurement decisions. This data can also be used when planning preventative maintenance or anticipating repairs.

Data captured in EAM can support functions such as:

EAM software operates over a network and on mobile platforms.This means users can log data in real time as they complete inspections. It also means work orders can be sent directly to personnel who are already on site, with tasks prioritised for completion.

[edit] EAM and BIM

If EAM data is properly structured and maintained, it is not only an effective maintenance and management tool, it can also be integrated into building information modelling (BIM) systems and used for planning purposes. While EAM primarily captures the business-related aspects of assets, BIM also considered operational and design characteristics. When both databases work together, the results can lead to improved asset efficiencies.

Integrating EAM and BIM can achieve:

The robust capabilities of BIM allow for the creation of interactive models enhanced by intelligent data that has been extracted from EAM. Through continuous updates in real-time over EAM, these models can become increasingly valuable.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

Designing Buildings Anywhere

Get the Firefox add-on to access 20,000 definitions direct from any website

Find out more Accept cookies and
don't show me this again