Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Enterprise Asset Management for a Cosmetics Manufacturer in Europe


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in EAM to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

TLDR A European cosmetics company struggled with EAM scalability due to asset downtime and maintenance inefficiencies during rapid growth. By adopting a Strategic EAM approach, it reduced downtime by 20% and increased ROA by 5-10%, underscoring the need to align EAM with corporate strategy for enhanced operational efficiency.

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Consider this scenario: A European cosmetics company is facing challenges in scaling its Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) to keep pace with rapid expansion and increased product demand.

Despite a robust market presence, the organization is struggling with asset downtime and maintenance inefficiencies that are impacting production schedules and overall operational effectiveness. The company seeks to optimize its EAM practices to bolster productivity and maintain its competitive edge.



In reviewing the situation faced by the cosmetics manufacturer, two hypotheses emerge. First, there may be a lack of integration between the EAM system and other business functions leading to data silos and misinformed decision-making. Secondly, the company might be utilizing outdated EAM practices that are not aligned with the complexity and scale of its current operations.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The adoption of a proven Strategic EAM methodology is vital to overcoming the company's challenges. This methodology, practiced by leading consulting firms, provides a structured approach to optimizing asset management, leading to improved uptime, cost savings, and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

  1. Assessment and Planning: Determine the current state of EAM processes, identify gaps between existing practices and industry standards, and outline a strategic roadmap for EAM optimization.
  2. Process Redesign: Redefine EAM processes to align with best practices, focusing on preventive maintenance, asset lifecycle management, and integration with other business systems.
  3. Technology and Data Integration: Implement or upgrade EAM software solutions that facilitate real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, and mobile asset management capabilities.
  4. Change Management and Training: Engage stakeholders at all levels, provide comprehensive training, and establish a culture of continuous improvement to ensure adoption and sustainability of new EAM practices.
  5. Performance Tracking and Continuous Improvement: Monitor key performance indicators to measure success and identify areas for ongoing refinement and optimization.

For effective implementation, take a look at these EAM best practices:

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Strategy (24-slide PowerPoint deck)
ISO 55001:2014 (Asset Management) Awareness Training (60-slide PowerPoint deck)
Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Implementation (27-slide PowerPoint deck)
Asset Management - Implementation Toolkit (Excel workbook and supporting ZIP)
ISO 19770 - Implementation Toolkit (Excel workbook and supporting ZIP)
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EAM Implementation Challenges & Considerations

When considering the transition to an advanced EAM system, executives often inquire about the integration with existing IT infrastructure. A seamless integration ensures that the EAM system enhances, rather than disrupts, current operations. The need for organizational buy-in is also a common concern; without the support of key stakeholders, the implementation may face resistance. Lastly, the question of scalability arises, ensuring that the new EAM system can grow with the business.

Upon successful implementation of the Strategic EAM methodology, the company can expect to see a reduction in asset downtime by up to 20%, an increase in maintenance staff productivity, and a significant decrease in maintenance costs, leading to an overall improvement in asset utilization.

Potential challenges during implementation include resistance to change among employees, data migration complexities, and aligning the new system with existing business processes.

EAM KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


What gets measured gets managed.
     – Peter Drucker

  • Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): Indicates the true productivity of manufacturing assets.
  • Maintenance Cost as a Percentage of Replacement Asset Value (RAV): Helps assess the efficiency of maintenance expenditures.
  • Asset Downtime: Tracks the time assets are not operational, affecting production.
  • Preventive Maintenance Compliance (PMC): Measures adherence to preventive maintenance schedules.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

Learn more about Flevy KPI Library KPI Management Performance Management Balanced Scorecard

Implementation Insights

Throughout the implementation, it becomes evident that alignment between EAM and corporate strategy is critical. According to McKinsey, companies that effectively integrate their operational systems with strategic goals can expect to see a 5-10% increase in return on assets. Moreover, the importance of data quality and governance cannot be overstressed, as they form the backbone of predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making.

EAM Deliverables

  • EAM Strategic Plan (PowerPoint)
  • Asset Management Policy Document (Word)
  • EAM System Implementation Roadmap (Excel)
  • Stakeholder Engagement Playbook (PowerPoint)
  • Asset Performance Report (PDF)

Explore more EAM deliverables

EAM Case Studies

A global pharmaceutical company implemented a new EAM strategy, resulting in a 30% reduction in maintenance costs and a 15% increase in asset availability. Another case study involves a leading airline optimizing its EAM processes, leading to a 25% improvement in fleet reliability and a 10% reduction in overall operational costs.

Explore additional related case studies

EAM Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in EAM. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and EAM subject matter experts.

Integration with Existing IT Infrastructure

Ensuring that the new EAM system complements and integrates with the existing IT infrastructure is critical for a smooth transition. A successful integration minimizes disruption to current operations and leverages existing data and systems to enhance the new EAM capabilities. According to Gartner, through 2023, 75% of organizations implementing EAM systems will realize improved integration capabilities with other business applications, leading to greater operational efficiency.

It is essential to conduct a thorough IT systems audit and develop an integration strategy that aligns with the organization's technology roadmap. This includes evaluating current software, databases, and hardware, as well as considering cloud-based solutions that offer scalability and flexibility. A phased implementation approach can help manage the transition and ensure that all systems communicate effectively, providing a unified view of assets.

Organizational Buy-In

Securing organizational buy-in is pivotal for the adoption of any new EAM system. It requires a concerted effort to communicate the strategic value of the EAM system to all stakeholders and to involve them in the planning and implementation process. As per a study by Deloitte, companies with strong change management programs are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in successful system implementations.

Leadership must champion the initiative, articulating the benefits and addressing concerns transparently. Training and support must be provided to ensure that employees feel confident in using the new system. Regular updates and success stories can also help maintain momentum and demonstrate the tangible benefits of the new EAM system to the entire organization.

Scalability of the EAM System

The scalability of the EAM system is a vital factor that ensures it can support the organization's growth without requiring frequent, costly upgrades or replacements. An EAM system that can scale with the business avoids future disruptions and maximizes the return on investment. Research by Accenture indicates that scalable EAM solutions can lead to a 50% reduction in total cost of ownership over their lifecycle.

To ensure scalability, the EAM system should be built on a flexible platform with modular capabilities, allowing for the addition of new features or integration with new technologies as needed. Scalability also implies the ability to handle an increasing volume of data and transactions without compromising performance, which is crucial for data-intensive industries.

Realizing Return on Investment

Measuring the return on investment (ROI) from an EAM system implementation is essential for justifying the expenditure and understanding the value it adds to the organization. A well-implemented EAM system can deliver a significant ROI by reducing maintenance costs, extending asset life, and improving operational efficiency. According to BCG, companies that effectively manage their asset performance can expect to see an ROI of 20-40% on their EAM investments.

ROI should be measured by comparing pre- and post-implementation performance metrics, such as maintenance costs, downtime, and asset utilization rates. It's also important to consider intangible benefits such as improved regulatory compliance and enhanced employee satisfaction. A comprehensive ROI analysis provides a clear picture of the financial impact and supports continuous investment in EAM optimization.

Future-Proofing the EAM Strategy

Future-proofing the EAM strategy involves anticipating and preparing for technological advancements and market changes that could impact asset management practices. This proactive approach ensures that the EAM system remains relevant and effective over time. As per a report by McKinsey, companies that actively invest in future-proofing their operations are better positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and technologies.

An adaptable EAM strategy incorporates the flexibility to integrate with emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning. It also includes regular reviews and updates to the EAM processes and technologies in response to changing business needs and industry standards. Continuous improvement and innovation are key to maintaining a future-proof EAM strategy.

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Reduced asset downtime by up to 20% through the implementation of a Strategic EAM methodology.
  • Increased maintenance staff productivity, contributing to a more efficient asset management process.
  • Significantly decreased maintenance costs, enhancing the company's overall financial performance.
  • Improved asset utilization, leading to a more effective and streamlined operational workflow.
  • Achieved a 5-10% increase in return on assets by aligning EAM and corporate strategy.
  • Realized improved integration capabilities with other business applications, leading to greater operational efficiency.
  • Secured organizational buy-in, which was pivotal for the adoption of the new EAM system.

The initiative to optimize the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) practices at the European cosmetics company has been notably successful. The reduction in asset downtime by up to 20% and the significant decrease in maintenance costs directly contributed to an enhanced financial performance and operational efficiency. The alignment of EAM with the corporate strategy, resulting in a 5-10% increase in return on assets, underscores the strategic value of this initiative. The successful integration with existing IT infrastructure and the achievement of organizational buy-in were critical factors in the smooth adoption of the new EAM practices. However, the potential challenges of resistance among employees and data migration complexities highlight areas where alternative strategies, such as more focused change management initiatives or phased data integration approaches, could have further optimized outcomes.

Based on the results and insights gained from this initiative, it is recommended that the company continues to invest in the scalability of the EAM system to support future growth. This includes regular updates and integration with emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning to ensure the EAM system remains cutting-edge. Additionally, a continuous focus on training and engaging employees will be crucial to sustain the momentum and support the culture of continuous improvement. Lastly, conducting regular reviews of the EAM processes and technologies will help the company stay ahead of industry standards and maintain its competitive edge.

Source: Asset Lifecycle Enhancement in Aerospace, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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