Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software enables companies to manage the lifecycle of their physical assets. This includes planning, maintaining, and analyzing equipment to support better decisions and extend asset life. Selecting the right EAM software can enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
This guide explains how EAM software works, what key features to consider, and how to select the right system for your business needs.
What Is EAM Software?
EAM software helps track, maintain, and optimize assets like vehicles, facilities, tools, and machinery. It includes capabilities for preventive maintenance, repair tracking, parts inventory, and data collection.
EAM is critical for companies managing large or distributed asset networks. This includes manufacturing, logistics, aviation, utilities, and landscape operations. It also supports predictive maintenance software strategies by collecting real-time performance data to forecast issues before failure.
Benefits of Enterprise Asset Management
Using enterprise asset management software leads to several measurable benefits:
Improved uptime: Maintain critical assets with scheduled servicing.
- Lower repair costs: Prevent emergency breakdowns with regular care.
- Data transparency: View reports on asset health, costs, and downtime.
- Better compliance: Track inspections and certifications automatically.
- Streamlined inventory: Keep spare parts accurately and affordably stocked.
Key Features to Look For
Choosing the right EAM software requires understanding your needs and the features that match them. The following capabilities are essential:
- Asset Lifecycle Tracking
The software should track all stages—purchase, usage, maintenance, and retirement—of each asset. This helps with budgeting and long-term planning. - Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
Look for enterprise asset management software that schedules maintenance and uses condition-based insights to suggest service before breakdowns occur. - Work Order Management
A good EAM software system enables you to create, track, and close work orders, including notes, labor hours, and task completion history. - Inventory and Spare Parts Control
Track spare part levels, reorder points, and part usage by asset. This helps you avoid excess inventory and reduce downtime due to missing parts. - Mobile Compatibility
Technicians should use mobile devices to check work order assignments, update equipment and work order statuses, and access technical manuals directly from the job site, or point of performance. - Reporting and Analytics
Use built-in reports and dashboards to perform analysis and asses asset performance. - System Integration
The software should integrate with ERP, purchasing, and RCM reliability-centered maintenance tools to provide a comprehensive view of asset health and operations.
How to Select the Best EAM Software
Selecting the right enterprise asset management software depends on your company’s structure, goals, and asset portfolio.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Define Your Objectives
Identify what you want to improve—uptime, labor use, spare parts spending, or compliance reporting. - Step 2: Understand Your Assets
List all key assets and group them by type, value, and maintenance requirements. This will help you match software features to asset needs. - Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget
Include software licenses, onboarding, data migration, and support. Consider both cloud-based and on-premise options. - Step 4: Compare EAM and CMMS Software
Evaluate different systems. Compare the best CMMS software for a more informed decision, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight system focused on maintenance management. - Step 5: Plan for User Adoption
Make sure the interface is simple and that staff can be trained quickly. Include users in the demo and selection process to increase buy-in. - Step 7: Think Long-Term
Choose software that can grow with your business. It should support new assets, remote access, and expansion into other business units or geographies.
RCM and Maintenance Integration
Modern EAM systems often include or integrate with RCM (Reliability Centered Maintenance) tools. These tools prioritize asset functions and assess the risks of failure.
Look for systems that include or support:
- RCM training for internal teams.
- Reliability-centered maintenance software to assess risk and performance.
- Reliability-centered maintenance training to help your staff apply proven frameworks effectively.
EAM software combined with RCM principles supports continuous improvement and mitigate or prevent the consequences of a failure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying based solely on price: Inexpensive tools may overlook key features or provide inadequate support.
- Skipping asset planning: Poor asset visibility leads to bad data and missed opportunities.
- Failing to include technicians: If they don’t use the system, the data will be inaccurate.
- Ignoring training: Without proper onboarding, even good tools will underperform.
EAM Success Starts with the Right Partner
The right EAM software enhances equipment performance, minimizes downtime, and provides leaders with the insights necessary for informed decisions. It supports compliance, saves money, and helps extend the life of assets.
Andromeda Systems Incorporated (ASI) supports asset-intensive industries with tools and services that improve visibility, optimize support, and deliver cost savings. Whether you’re managing fleets, facilities, or specialized systems, ASI has the expertise and technology to help you succeed.