Want FREE Templates on Organization, Change, & Culture? Download our FREE compilation of 50+ slides. This is an exclusive promotion being run on LinkedIn.







Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Asset Management Advancement in Forestry & Paper Products Sector


There are countless scenarios that require Enterprise Asset Management. Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Enterprise Asset Management to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. Let us analyze the following scenario.

Reading time: 8 minutes

Consider this scenario: The organization, a leader in the forestry and paper products industry, is facing challenges with its current Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system.

As the market demands grow for sustainable products, the company is struggling to efficiently manage its extensive portfolio of assets, leading to increased operational costs and diminished asset life cycles. The organization aims to optimize its EAM processes to enhance operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve its bottom line.



Given the complexity of asset-intensive industries, it is not uncommon for firms to experience inefficiencies in managing their assets. In the case of this organization, two hypotheses can be formulated: 1) The current EAM system lacks integration with other business processes, leading to siloed information and decision-making. 2) There is a deficiency in predictive maintenance strategies, resulting in unplanned downtime and higher maintenance costs.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The organization can benefit from a structured, multi-phase approach to revamp its Enterprise Asset Management system. This methodology facilitates comprehensive analysis, strategic planning, and execution, leading to enhanced asset utilization, cost savings, and improved sustainability.

  1. Assessment and Planning: Begin with a thorough assessment of the current EAM system. Key questions include: What are the existing capabilities and limitations? How is asset data being captured and utilized? This phase involves benchmarking against industry standards, identifying gaps, and creating a strategic asset management plan.
  2. Data Integration and Process Re-engineering: Focus on integrating asset data with other business systems. Key activities include establishing a centralized asset information repository and re-engineering processes for better alignment. Potential insights may reveal opportunities for automation and improved workflow efficiency.
  3. Technology and System Optimization: Evaluate and implement advanced EAM software solutions. This includes analyzing different technology options, selecting a suitable platform, and customizing it to fit the organization's needs. Common challenges include ensuring user adoption and minimizing disruption during the transition.
  4. Predictive Maintenance Implementation: Develop and deploy predictive maintenance strategies. Key analyses involve historical asset performance data to forecast maintenance needs. Insights gained can lead to a proactive maintenance approach, reducing unplanned outages and extending asset life.
  5. Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular reporting mechanisms to monitor EAM performance. This phase involves continuous improvement activities to refine processes and technologies based on performance data and feedback.

Learn more about Strategic Planning Continuous Improvement Key Performance Indicators

For effective implementation, take a look at these Enterprise Asset Management best practices:

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

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Enterprise Asset Management Implementation Challenges & Considerations

When considering the adoption of a new EAM system, executives often raise concerns about the integration with existing IT infrastructure. A seamless integration is critical for real-time data sharing and decision-making across departments. Executives also question the scalability of the system to accommodate future growth without compromising performance or incurring significant additional costs.

The expected business outcomes encompass enhanced asset utilization, reduced maintenance costs, and improved compliance with environmental standards. An effective EAM system can lead to a 15-25% reduction in maintenance costs, according to McKinsey & Company.

Potential implementation challenges include resistance to change from employees, data migration complexities, and ensuring the new system aligns with existing business processes. A structured change management approach is essential to address these issues.

Learn more about Change Management

Enterprise Asset Management 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.


Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement.
     – H. James Harrington

  • Asset Utilization Rate: Indicates the efficiency in using assets to generate revenue.
  • Maintenance Cost per Asset: Helps in monitoring the cost-effectiveness of maintenance activities.
  • Return on Assets (ROA): Measures the profitability relative to the company's assets.
  • Downtime Due to Maintenance: Critical for assessing the impact of maintenance on operations.

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

During the implementation of the new EAM system, insights were gained regarding the importance of employee training and engagement. Employees who are well-trained and understand the benefits of the new system are more likely to embrace the change and contribute positively to the implementation process.

Another insight is the value of data quality in predictive maintenance. High-quality, reliable data is the foundation for accurate predictions and decisions. It is crucial to establish strict data governance policies to ensure the integrity of asset data.

Learn more about Employee Training Data Governance

Enterprise Asset Management Deliverables

  • Strategic Asset Management Plan (Document)
  • Technology Selection Report (PDF)
  • Process Re-engineering Guidelines (PPT)
  • Predictive Maintenance Framework (Excel)
  • EAM Implementation Roadmap (PPT)

Explore more Enterprise Asset Management deliverables

Enterprise Asset Management Best Practices

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

Enterprise Asset Management Case Studies

A major paper manufacturing firm implemented a new EAM system and achieved a 20% increase in asset uptime. This was accomplished by leveraging predictive analytics to schedule maintenance activities before breakdowns occurred.

Another case involved a forestry company that integrated its EAM with IoT devices across its machinery and equipment. The integration allowed for real-time monitoring and decision-making, resulting in a 30% reduction in maintenance costs.

Explore additional related case studies

Integrating EAM with Existing IT Infrastructure

Integrating a new Enterprise Asset Management system with existing IT infrastructure is a complex but critical task. This process ensures that the organization can leverage real-time data across various functions, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. A study by Gartner highlights that through 2023, 75% of organizations implementing IoT will have embarked on a digital twin initiative, a key component of advanced EAM systems, to optimize operational processes.

To achieve this, it is essential to conduct a thorough IT architecture assessment and involve IT stakeholders early in the project. This involvement not only aids in identifying potential integration points and challenges but also ensures that the IT team is prepared for the transition. Clear communication and a detailed roadmap can mitigate risks associated with integration, such as data inconsistencies and system incompatibilities.

Learn more about Enterprise Asset Management

Scalability and Future Growth

Scalability is a significant concern for executives when adopting new systems. The chosen EAM solution must be able to grow with the company without substantial additional investments. According to BCG, digital solutions that offer modular scalability can reduce system implementation costs by up to 20% while ensuring future growth is supported. Ensuring that the EAM system is cloud-based can also facilitate scalability, as it allows for easier upgrades and integration with emerging technologies.

Moreover, the EAM system's ability to integrate with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms is crucial for future-proofing the investment. Such capabilities enable the system to provide predictive insights that can transform maintenance strategies, leading to increased efficiency and reduced costs over time.

Learn more about Machine Learning

Employee Training and Change Management

Change management and employee training are pivotal for the successful implementation of a new EAM system. A study by McKinsey shows that projects with excellent change management effectiveness are six times more likely to meet or exceed their objectives. A comprehensive training program must be developed to familiarize employees with the new system and its benefits. This program should be tailored to different roles within the organization to ensure that each employee understands how the system impacts their specific duties.

Change management should focus on establishing a clear vision, communicating effectively, and creating a supportive environment that encourages adoption. It is also beneficial to identify and empower change champions within the organization who can advocate for the new system and provide peer support, thereby facilitating a smoother transition.

Data Quality and Governance in Predictive Maintenance

Data quality is the cornerstone of effective predictive maintenance within EAM. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to faulty predictions and misguided maintenance strategies. According to Accenture, improving data quality for asset management can increase the accuracy of predictive maintenance by up to 90%. Establishing stringent data governance policies is essential to maintain the integrity of the data used for predictive analytics. These policies should define data collection, storage, and processing standards, ensuring that the data is consistent, reliable, and up to date.

Additionally, regular audits and continuous monitoring of data quality can prevent data degradation over time. Investing in training for employees who handle data entry and analysis is also critical, as human error can significantly impact the quality of data. By maintaining high data quality standards, organizations can maximize the benefits of predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of their assets.

Additional Resources Relevant to Enterprise Asset Management

Here are additional best practices relevant to Enterprise Asset Management from the Flevy Marketplace.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Key Findings and Results

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

  • Enhanced operational efficiency and reduced environmental impact by integrating asset data with other business systems, leading to better decision-making.
  • Implemented advanced EAM software solutions, resulting in a 15-25% reduction in maintenance costs.
  • Developed and deployed predictive maintenance strategies, leveraging high-quality data to forecast maintenance needs accurately, reducing unplanned outages.
  • Established key performance indicators (KPIs) for continuous monitoring, leading to improved asset utilization rate and maintenance cost per asset.
  • Achieved scalability and future growth support by selecting a cloud-based EAM system with modular scalability and integration capabilities for advanced analytics.
  • Significantly improved change management and employee training effectiveness, contributing to a smoother transition and higher system adoption rates.

The initiative to revamp the Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system has been markedly successful, evidenced by the quantifiable improvements in operational efficiency, cost reductions, and environmental compliance. The integration of asset data with other business systems facilitated informed decision-making, directly addressing the previously siloed information challenge. The reduction in maintenance costs by 15-25% underscores the financial benefits of the new EAM system, aligning with the strategic goal of improving the bottom line. The predictive maintenance strategies, underpinned by high-quality data, have significantly reduced unplanned outages, enhancing operational reliability. However, the success could have been further amplified with an even stronger focus on data governance from the outset, ensuring the highest data quality for predictive analytics. Additionally, exploring further automation in asset management processes could yield additional efficiencies.

For next steps, it is recommended to focus on further enhancing data governance policies to ensure the continued integrity and quality of asset data, which is crucial for predictive maintenance accuracy. Additionally, exploring opportunities for further automation within asset management processes could yield additional operational efficiencies. Continuous training and development programs for employees should be maintained to ensure they remain engaged and proficient in utilizing the new EAM system. Lastly, regular reviews of the EAM system's scalability should be conducted to ensure it continues to meet the organization's evolving needs without significant additional investments.

Source: Asset Management Advancement in Forestry & Paper Products Sector, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials




Additional Flevy Management Insights

Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.