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According to ISO 55000 an asset is ‘an item, thing or entity that has potential or actual value to an organisation’, but whether aiming for accreditation to this standard or not, it makes sense for any business to be able to manage their assets effectively. Having a handle on what your company’s assets are, where they are and in what state they are in, allows for better business decisions to be made.
If those assets are health and safety related, compliance will also be at the forefront of any consideration.
Inadequate management of any asset can, and will, adversely impact health and safety and therefore any risk control measures already in place. Deterioration of assets due to poor maintenance can affect the undertaking of workplace activities as well as inhibit the business in moving forward. Being unaware of poor assets can affect the performance of that particular piece of equipment or plant, putting both the item and those who maintain it at risk due to possible malfunction; production is likely to be halted if the asset is non-viable, possibly impacting on your business’ bottom line – the impact on budgets when you have to replace said item at a time that may not be suitable to your organisation is an issue we all want to avoid. Proper asset management would allow you to know the condition of any asset, schedule maintenance AND costs at a time to suit your business; working with you rather than against you.
The synergy between smart asset management and reduced risk or better health and safety management is a given and yet so many businesses survive – barely – by managing their assets using paper-based processes that often get mislaid, forgotten or not handed over to new incumbents. Asset management should be seen as a key requirement for any business.
If you’re considering transitioning from a paper-based system or even a software solution that’s no longer fit for purpose, you need to ask yourself what it is you want the new system to do for you.
Consider..
How difficult will it be to transition from your current system to the new software solution. You need to be sure that none of your historic or current information is lost in the move and that the company and software system you select offers a positive on-boarding process that will not only accommodate your old or current processes but all of the information you have accumulated over the years.
- Training on the new system. You need to ensure that everyone, and that includes your current/preferred consultants and contractors, as well as relevant staff are included in the training of the new system, that they understand it and feel confident in its use. Easy to use, easy to navigate and easy yet secure access is all part of a stress-free onboarding process.
- Support for the new system. Make sure the company you choose offers a reliable support service. If the company is selling its own software, they will know the system inside out. If, better still, they created and designed it with all aspects and users in mind, so much the better.
- What do you want to get out of the Asset Management software system? A register of ALL assets… their location… their condition… the uploading of service schedules associated with individual assets, certifications, images, video ‘how to’ guides, operating procedures, training records, legal documents… the ability to audit the individuals assets… the ability to carry out those audits on-site and upload the live data immediately… identify any remedials required and associated costs… a dashboard giving visibility of your organisation’s risk and compliance. Have I missed anything?
- If you’re looking for accreditation to be able to showcase your organisation’s quality standards and set you above your competition, a software solution that is easy to navigate and share with your auditor would be a definite bonus. The clarity of all your assets and the transparency of management will help you attain your accreditation, not to mention having all your live data, documentation and audits in one place.
With these questions in mind, why not put VisionPro to the test? Call 0115 922 0600 for more information or to book an online demo.