Organization-Wide Physical Asset Management. Dharmen Dhaliah

      Jerry goes into his den and after a few minutes he returns with a binder from which he pulls out a page.

      Darren places the sheet on the dining table as Jerry comes over to stand next to his mentor.

      “Look here,” Darren starts to explain while pointing to the top of the asset management framework above the area representing the strategic asset management plan. “The corporate asset management policy is like the glue that brings together and aligns the organizational strategic objectives with your strategic asset management plan. Picture for a moment that the SAMP does not exist. You will have a void between the organizational strategic objectives and your asset management plans even though you have a policy in place. A SAMP is required to document how organizational objectives are converted into physical asset management objectives and deliver the physical asset management policy.”

      “As mentioned in Neel’s paper,” Darren continues, “many organizations have been omitting this component and jumped right to developing and implementing their physical asset management plans. This is a formula for failure, and we have seen how organizations are struggling to operationalize their plans.”

      “This means that a plan without a strategy cannot be implemented successfully and deliver the desired results,” Jerry interjects while staring at Darren. “If I understand correctly, the SAMP provides the link and fills the void that exists in a physical asset management framework. In short, the SAMP helps achieve alignment in the organization. Is that correct?”

      Darren agrees with what Jerry said: “Correct! ” he responds and continues: “Alignment is such an important aspect in physical asset management. Even the best people and the best tools cannot guarantee an effective physical asset management system if there is poor or no alignment.”

      “Another very important aspect of a SAMP,” Darren says, “is that it consists of two key elements, as you will find out in the draft paper: the physical asset management strategy and the physical asset inventory and conditions. These two elements form the strategic plan which will incorporate strategies to achieve the physical asset management objectives. As mentioned before, you will need to know at a high level what physical assets you have and what will be required to manage them over the long term. Then you will need a physical asset management strategy consisting of policies, processes, and procedures to get you where you want to be.”

      “Sorry, but I am a little unsure about the physical asset management strategy.” Jerry says, perplexed. “Can you explain what it would consist of?”

      “Sure,” Darren quickly replies as he starts to get very excited with the topic. He swiftly glances at his watch and sees that it’s already ten o’clock. “Or maybe we will not have enough time,” he says in a disappointed voice.

      Just as Darren finishes his sentence, he sees Debbie and Rita walk into the dining room. Debbie is holding little Mia in her arms. Mia has been sleeping tightly all this time they have been here. Both ladies were in the kitchen, but Mia must have woken up while they were chatting.

      “Debbie, are you in a rush to leave, or can we stay for another half hour?” Darren asks, already knowing what the answer will be, as he sees her happily rocking Mia in her arms.

      “That’s fine,” Debbie replies with a smile. “You can take your time, unless Rita and Jerry are tired and need to get some rest,” she adds, looking at Rita.

      “You can stay as long as you want,” Rita replies.