Operations & Maintenance

In today’s fast-paced, industrial environment, the importance of effective information management cannot be overstated. The ability to generate, share and access critical operational data more easily and efficiently is key to a successful digital transformation strategy.

In this blog, we will explore why businesses should invest more heavily in advanced information management tools in their digitalization journey, how the challenge of full asset lifecycle history visibility is solved by these technological advancements and the importance of integrated technology.

Key Challenges for Design and Engineering Teams

Unfortunately, many organizations simply do not have visibility into the full asset lifecycle history. Without a robust information management strategy, data easily becomes siloed, making it difficult for teams to access the technical details they need, when they need them.

Take an engineering team who is storing key design documents in an online content management software. When machinery needs repairing, the maintenance team requires access to these documents as they contain important information about the equipment. Without access, maintenance may spend a lot of time trying to understand the machine and unable to identify which engineer to call for assistance. 

The solution? By using tools such as HxGN EAM’s robust information management capability with HxGN SDx2, the maintenance team can directly look up vital information that the engineer team has captured. The integration of these Hexagon solutions gives organizations the opportunity to create a robust system that manages both the physical assets and their associated information throughout the entire lifecycle. Now the maintenance and engineering teams both have access to all the relevant asset information and history needed to make refined asset decisions, improving work effectiveness and ultimately optimizing asset performance from design to replacement.

Enhancing Equipment Lifecycle Management Through Integration

Many companies struggle with data silos that obscure the full lifecycle history of their equipment—from installation to its current condition, often years later. To address this issue, a focus is needed on connecting technical data from the design and engineering teams to operations and maintenance teams. By centralizing and harmonizing their data through integrated software systems, these organizations aim to break down the barriers between design and maintenance processes.

The ultimate goal is to enhance work effectiveness by reducing the time spent searching for information, ensuring access to high-quality data that supports more informed decision-making. Furthermore, establishing an integrated, feedback loop between current asset conditions and future engineering decisions can lead to continuous improvements in operational efficiency.

The Importance of Integrating an Asset Lifecycle Information Management (ALI) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM)

Two critical tools to integrate when considering improving organizational information management capabilities are Asset Lifecycle Information Management (ALIM) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). Their integration offers vital information for organizations when it comes to viewing the whole lifecycle of an asset.

By maintaining data integrity throughout the asset lifecycle, ALIM ensures that organizations have consistent and accurate information. Meanwhile, EAM provides a centralized repository that supports informed decision-making. Together, they streamline operations, reduce downtime and boost workforce productivity, leading to greater overall efficiency.

Compliance with regulatory requirements is crucial. With an EAM system to assist in this compliance, organizations demonstrate adherence to necessary standards. ALIM complements this by facilitating accurate documentation, creating a solid foundation for effective compliance and risk management.

Cost management is another vital aspect, with EAM tracking expenses throughout the asset lifecycle, while ALIM enhances operational excellence, ultimately improving profitability. 

Hexagon’s EAM Capabilities 

In independent research and advisory firm Verdantix’s Green Quadrant: Enterprise Asset Management Software 2024 report, the firm highlights Hexagon’s solution, HxGN EAM, as a ‘Leader.’ Leveraging powerful features such as integration options through HxGN EAM Databridge Pro, market-leading operational risk and information management capabilities and an integrated product suite, HxGN EAM is at the forefront of the EAM market today.

HxGN EAM is Hexagon’s asset management tool that offers improved visibility into the entire asset lifecycle, helping further organizations' journeys toward digital transformation. Having served the industry for over 30 years, HxGN EAM aims to prolong asset lifecycles and enhance productivity. It also ensures the effective tracking of multiple critical assets, predicts maintenance requirements and avoids unwarranted downtime.

Recognized for outstanding operational risk and information management capabilities, HxGN EAM, part of Hexagon’s expanding product suite, holds an enviable position in the latest Verdantix Green Quadrant assessment for EAM software. Click here to take a deeper dive into HxGN EAM’s key highlights and capabilities.

Embracing Digital Transformation for Operational Excellence

Integrating advanced information management tools like Asset Lifecycle Information Management and Enterprise Asset Management is crucial for organizations seeking to improve equipment lifecycle efficiency and drive digital transformation. By breaking down data silos and promoting collaboration between design and maintenance teams, businesses can enhance operations and decision-making. Investing in these interconnected solutions minimizes downtime, ensures compliance and increases profitability. Embracing these technologies is essential for achieving operational excellence in today's competitive industrial landscape. Discover how Hexagon can support your digital transformation journey.