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What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the success of an EAM system?
     Joseph Robinson    |    Enterprise Asset Management


This article provides a detailed response to: What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the success of an EAM system? For a comprehensive understanding of Enterprise Asset Management, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Enterprise Asset Management best practice resources.

TLDR Evaluating an EAM system's success involves KPIs across Asset Utilization, Maintenance Management Efficiency, and Financial Optimization, focusing on metrics like Asset Utilization Rate, OEE, PMC, Maintenance Backlog, and ROA to drive Operational Excellence and Risk Management.

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Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) mean?
What does Asset Utilization Rate mean?
What does Preventive Maintenance Compliance (PMC) mean?
What does Asset Life Cycle Costing (LCC) mean?


Evaluating the success of an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system is critical for organizations aiming to optimize asset utilization, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs. The effectiveness of an EAM system can be gauged through various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that provide actionable insights into asset performance, maintenance strategies, and financial optimization. These KPIs should be aligned with the organization's Strategic Planning and Operational Excellence goals. It's important to select KPIs that are not only relevant but also actionable, providing clear guidance for continuous improvement efforts.

Asset Utilization and Performance

One of the primary objectives of an EAM system is to maximize the utilization and performance of assets. KPIs in this category focus on measuring how effectively assets are being used and their contribution to organizational goals. Asset Utilization Rate is a critical KPI, indicating the percentage of time an asset is in operation compared to the total available time. Higher utilization rates often reflect effective asset management but must be balanced with the need for maintenance and downtime to prevent overuse and degradation.

Another important KPI is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), which combines availability, performance efficiency, and quality rates to provide a comprehensive view of asset productivity. OEE helps organizations identify areas of improvement in their production processes and asset management practices. According to a report by Deloitte, improving OEE by even a small percentage can lead to significant cost savings and productivity gains for organizations.

Asset Performance Management (APM) metrics, such as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), are also essential for evaluating the success of an EAM system. These metrics help organizations track the reliability and maintenance efficiency of their assets, guiding decisions on preventive maintenance schedules and strategies for minimizing downtime.

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Maintenance Management Efficiency

Maintenance strategies play a crucial role in the overall success of an EAM system. Effective maintenance management ensures that assets are kept in optimal condition, reducing unplanned downtime and extending asset life. One key KPI in this area is the Preventive Maintenance Compliance (PMC) rate, which measures the percentage of scheduled preventive maintenance tasks completed on time. High PMC rates are associated with better asset reliability and lower maintenance costs.

Another vital KPI is the Maintenance Backlog, which quantifies the amount of maintenance work that has been identified but not yet completed. While some backlog is normal, excessive backlogs can indicate understaffing, poor maintenance planning, or issues with asset condition. Organizations should aim to maintain a manageable backlog that allows for flexible and responsive maintenance planning.

Cost-related metrics, such as Maintenance Cost per Unit of Production, provide insights into the financial efficiency of maintenance operations. This KPI helps organizations understand the direct costs associated with maintaining assets relative to their output, enabling more informed budgeting and resource allocation decisions. Accenture's research highlights the importance of balancing cost control with investment in maintenance to optimize asset life cycle costs and ensure long-term operational sustainability.

Financial Optimization and Risk Management

Financial performance is a critical aspect of evaluating an EAM system's success. Asset Life Cycle Costing (LCC) is a comprehensive KPI that considers all costs associated with an asset throughout its life cycle, from acquisition to disposal. By understanding the total cost of ownership, organizations can make more strategic asset management decisions, focusing on reducing costs and maximizing value over time.

Return on Assets (ROA) is another important financial KPI, measuring the profitability generated by assets relative to their cost. High ROA values indicate that an organization is effectively using its assets to generate earnings. This metric is particularly useful for comparing performance across different departments or asset categories, identifying areas where asset management practices may need improvement.

Risk Management is also integral to the success of an EAM system. KPIs such as Asset Downtime due to Failures and Safety Incident Rate related to asset management provide insights into the potential risks and liabilities associated with asset failures and maintenance activities. By closely monitoring these metrics, organizations can proactively address safety concerns and minimize the risk of costly downtime and legal liabilities. Gartner's analysis emphasizes the importance of incorporating risk management into EAM strategies to protect organizational assets and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

In conclusion, evaluating the success of an EAM system requires a comprehensive approach that includes KPIs across asset utilization and performance, maintenance management efficiency, and financial optimization and risk management. By carefully selecting and monitoring these KPIs, organizations can gain valuable insights into their asset management practices, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous optimization of their EAM systems. Real-world examples from leading organizations demonstrate the tangible benefits of effective EAM, including reduced costs, improved asset reliability, and enhanced operational efficiency. As the landscape of asset management continues to evolve, organizations must remain agile, leveraging data and analytics to inform their EAM strategies and achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Best Practices in Enterprise Asset Management

Here are best practices relevant to Enterprise Asset Management from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Enterprise Asset Management materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: Enterprise Asset Management

Enterprise Asset Management Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Enterprise Asset Management, take a look at these case studies.

Asset Management Optimization for Luxury Fashion Retailer

Scenario: The organization is a high-end luxury fashion retailer with a global presence, struggling to maintain the integrity and availability of its critical assets across multiple locations.

Read Full Case Study

Asset Management System Overhaul for Defense Sector Contractor

Scenario: The organization is a prominent contractor in the defense industry, grappling with an outdated Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system that hampers operational efficiency and asset lifecycle management.

Read Full Case Study

Asset Management Advancement for Power & Utilities in North America

Scenario: A firm within the power and utilities sector in North America is facing difficulties in managing its extensive portfolio of physical assets.

Read Full Case Study

Asset Lifecycle Enhancement for Industrial Semiconductor Firm

Scenario: The organization is a leading semiconductor manufacturer that has recently expanded its production facilities globally.

Read Full Case Study

Defense Sector Asset Lifecycle Optimization Initiative

Scenario: The organization is a provider of defense technology systems, grappling with the complexity of managing its extensive portfolio of physical assets.

Read Full Case Study

Enterprise Asset Management for a Cosmetics Manufacturer in Europe

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.

Read Full Case Study




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