When it comes to a new enterprise asset management (EAM) solution, one question often comes up: “Will my organization actually see value from this?” Based on years of experience migrating, implementing, and deploying a cloud-based EAM system, we not only deliver the benefits but can show you what value looks like upfront.
Still, that can be a bitter pill to swallow. Because for some teams, EAM implementations go off track — and they don’t always know why. Typically the organization hasn’t considered the full picture that includes EAM maturity, EAM modernization, and user adoption. In this final post in the series, we’ll break down why selecting an EAM system is just the beginning. Real value comes from proper implementation and continuous improvement.
Migration, implementation, and deployment: know the difference
If your EAM system has been purchased but still isn’t in use, your implementation is off track. One of the first steps to getting back on course is understanding the difference between these three stages:
Migration – Securely migrating data begins with templates and industry best practices for efficiency and effectiveness. Migrating to a new EAM system allows you to evaluate your existing data –– and only bring over what is still relevant to your business processes today.
Implementation – Cloud-based EAM systems are installed to replace the old system and easily configured to make it operational very quickly. Effective implementation is based on deep experience of five stages: Plan, Design, Build, Roll Out, and Stabilize.
Deployment – This is when the system gets used in real, day-to-day work. It means training people properly, making sure everyone knows what they’re responsible for, and using the system to actually support your maintenance processes.
Migration of clean, useful data
Many companies stay stuck with outdated systems because migrating data feels like a massive project with high risk of data loss. We use templates and proven methods to gather, map, and migrate data from older systems, spreadsheets, and homegrown databases.
Migration is also a chance to reassess your business priorities. What data still supports your goals and what can you leave behind? A clean start means bringing over only what helps you move forward in your EAM modernization and maturity journey.
It's not as hard or as costly as you think
Many teams assume that switching EAM systems means major downtime and high costs. In reality, it can lead to long-term savings, especially when moving from on-premise systems to a cloud-based subscription license model. Working with established EAM solution providers can help you to analyze total cost of ownership, including OpEx vs. CapEx and ongoing maintenance costs.
Make sure your EAM vendor has tools in place to speed up migration and reduce disruption. In most cases, we time the switch for minimal impact — like during a shift handover or the start of a new financial period — so the impact to users is minimal.
Implementation: getting the foundation right
Implementation is about making the system work: setting it up, connecting it to existing systems, and configuring it for your business needs. But it’s not just a technical step. Success also depends on smart change management. Involve your users early so they can understand the benefits of the new EAM system.
Fast time to value, right from day one
A good implementation delivers value quickly. One way to get value from day one is to define what success looks like, and how you'll measure it, before implementation even begins. A flexible, scalable, and configurable EAM solution has out-of-the-box readiness. This means teams can start using the system at the start of a shift — and feel comfortable by the end of it. You can start small, prove the value, and then expand to more departments or add new modules as your needs grow.
Deployment: A cloud software in the real world
Deployment isn’t just flipping the switch; it’s about making sure the system becomes part of daily operations. That means training users well, setting clear roles, keeping data accurate, and making sure your maintenance processes match how the system works. The goal is full user adoption, with minimal disruption, so the system starts delivering a return on investment (ROI).
Deployment brings ultimate value
To get the most from deployment:
Build the business case. Show what the system will do and how it ties to business goals.
Improve your processes. Use the system to streamline and optimize how work gets done.
Keep data clean. Regular audits and updates keep the system running smoothly.
Track the right KPIs. Use dashboards to measure progress, reduce downtime, and extend asset life.
Train and retrain. Ongoing training keeps teams confident as things evolve.
Encourage adoption. Listen to users, involve them early, and build a feedback loop that keeps improving the system over time.
A partnership delivering continuous improvement
Ultimo and MaxGrip have over 60 years of combined EAM experience. Not only do we make switching to a new enterprise asset management system easier — we help you determine how much value the move will deliver. Now is the ideal time to assess your position on the EAM maturity curve and identify which business objectives require modernization to move forward.
As always, success depends on bringing your people along on the journey. The marketplace has evolved, and the legacy systems and practices of 10 or 20 years ago are no longer delivering the value they once did. A flexible, scalable, cloud-based EAM solution accelerates time to value — strengthening reliability and asset management strategies across your organization.
Learn more about EAM deployment?
Discover more details about our successful EAM implementations, or book a demo directly!
More information about MaxGrip, who were awarded with the Ultimo Implementation Partner of the Year 2024 award, can be found here.
