Enterprise Asset Management: Unlocking Asset Efficiency

What is Enterprise Asset Management?

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) is the process an enterprise uses to manage its physical assets throughout their entire lifecycle, from planning and acquisition, all the way  to maintenance and possible disposal. These assets can range from office buildings and assembly line equipment to forklifts and medical devices, as well as essential tools that keep operations moving.

Importance

An enterprise is a large, complex organization with a significant number of physical assets. Compared to small and medium businesses, these are large-scale manufacturing plants, transportation companies, or tech giants that require asset management systems to streamline and optimize their operations.

Without an EAM in place, these organizations wouldn’t have a clear understanding of their asset lifecycle. This can result in equipment malfunctions, production delays, unnecessary expenses, and operational inefficiencies, especially when the essential assets that keep the company running aren’t being properly managed.

To prevent these issues, an EAM software provides enterprises end-to-end tracking and oversight of each asset throughout its lifecycle, helping with tasks such as as:

• planning asset usage;

• acquiring the assets (namely through purchasing or procurement) ;

• operating and maintaining the assets;

• scheduling asset checks; and

• disposing of the assets (namely by decommissioning or retiring them).

By managing each phase strategically with asset management templates, companies can increase uptime, continuously improve systems, and reduce costs.

What’s the Difference between a CMMS and an EAM?

If EAM systems track and monitor assets, aren’t they similar or the same as a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)? Yes, they are related, but not quite the same. A CMMS focuses primarily on core maintenance tasks like assigning work orders, scheduling maintenance, and managing spare parts inventory.

An EAM system, on the other hand, handles all of that and more. They cover a broader scope of asset management, as they can help with managing the entire lifecycle of an asset and supporting enterprise management processes. They also integrate with other systems across the enterprise. From procurement to HR, EAM software connects different departments and offers a more unified view of operations. It can also sync with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to give you a bigger-picture look at your business.

Thus,  if you’re choosing between a CMMS and an EAM, consider your company’s goals and priorities before making a decision. If you’re a mid-sized business mainly focused on maintenance, a CMMS might be the right fit. EAM software is typically more expensive upfront, making it a better option for larger organizations looking to maximize asset lifespan and performance. In some cases, it might even make sense to use both, depending on what your organization needs.

Features to Look For

Digital EAM solutions can be a significant investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the most value. Here are the key features to keep an eye on:

• Full Lifecycle Management – Track your asset usage and condition from acquisition and usage, all the way  to maintenance and final disposal.

• Seamless Integration – Ensure compatibility with other systems so all your tools and data work together in one centralized platform.

• Maintenance Overview – Look for features similar to a CMMS but with a broader scope, able to help manage scheduled tasks for equipment checks, track facility management, and use data to predict failures and reduce downtime.

• Regulatory Compliance Monitoring – Ensure assets meet all relevant safety, environmental, and industry regulations to stay compliant.

• Inventory Management – Track inventory levels and ensure spare parts are available in times of emergency repairs.

• Cost and Budget Tracking – Monitor asset-related expenses including depreciation, repair costs, and energy consumption to stay on budget.

• Real-Time Asset Tracking – Keep tabs on mobile and fixed assets using QR codes, GPS, or RFID for improved visibility and monitoring.

• Internet-of-Things (IoT) Connectivity – Connect to sensors and other IoT devices for a more integrated system, streamlining asset monitoring procedures.

• User-Friendly Interface – Keep it simple for anyone to read, navigate, monitor, and manage assets.

How an EAM Improves Overall Operations

Enterprise asset management systems are growing fast, with the market expected to reach nearly USD 19.68 billion by 2030. The growth is so significant that even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are starting to adopt EAM solutions.

Take the Australian Open, for example, with over 800 tennis players, a million attendees, and even more viewers tuning in from around the world. With a team of 14,000 people, Tennis Australia needed to ensure operations ran smoothly and efficiently. That’s where SafetyCulture, a workplace improvement platform with EAM capabilities, came in. From training ball kids in compliance, to managing and auditing waste, to overseeing retail operations and merchandise, SafetyCulture acted as the central hub that kept everything on track.

Another example comes from Reyes Holdings, one of the largest transportation companies in the US. With a growing number of assets, like transportation vehicles, warehouses, and material handling equipment, they needed a way to keep everything maintained throughout its lifecycle. That’s where SafetyCulture steps in as an EAM solution. It helps ensure each asset meets safety standards, schedules preventive maintenance, tracks transportation fleets, and manages shop operations to keep everything consistent across the country.