International Journal of Strategic Engineering Asset Management (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• A maturity model for valuable maintenance data management  
  by Salla Marttonen-Arola, David Baglee 
  Abstract: The increasing data provide new opportunities for data-based maintenance management. However, decision makers are struggling to optimally harvest value from their data. This paper presents a maturity model to support analysing maintenance data management processes from the value perspective. Maturity models related to data management and business intelligence have been presented before, but they have not addressed the specific features of maintenance, and have not analysed what makes data valuable. The model presented in this paper categorizes value of data into six dimensions, and defines five maturity levels to assess them. A real-life industrial case example is presented to demonstrate the use of the model. The model takes into account that the most advanced data management solutions do not always represent the optimal target level for every situation. For instance many small and medium enterprises would struggle creating enough additional value from big data to make the required investment profitable.
  Keywords: maturity model; maintenance; value; data; information; strategy; decision support; case study.
  
  
• Asset life cycle management for Smart Grids: Challenges and implications  
  by Helena Kortelainen, Jyri Hanski 
  Abstract: Electricity transmission and distribution companies implement advanced information and communication technologies to facilitate reliability and efficiency and to integrate renewable energy, electric vehicles and a range of devices to their networks. This Smart Grid initiative is driven by the need for more energy, increased usage of renewable energy, sustainability, competitive energy prices, security of supply and ageing infrastructure and workforce. However, Smart Grid introduces challenges for asset life cycle management. This study focuses on these challenges for the main transmission and distribution actors, and how asset life cycle management can meet them. The study utilises case study research strategy. The research data consists of a literature review, survey and expert interviews. The main challenges for asset life cycle management of Smart Grid include presenting the business case for and implementation of novel technology and information management-related issues.
  Keywords: asset management; life cycle; smart grid; electricity transmission and distribution network; case study.
  
  
• Human Performance as an Asset Value Creator: An Automated Service Impact Model  
  by Katja Gutsche, Jennifer Griffith 
  Abstract: Industrial services as e.g. maintenance are essential for producing industries while also confronted with the technological options digitalization provides. Automation within service operations are steadily increasing, which will have an effect on the sociotechnical systems of service technicians (e.g., asset and service tools) and on the overall asset value. Following the path of service digitalization requires service managers to design an organizational change process that matches technicians needs to best ensure their performance and productivity. This paper outlines the general theory and empirical research findings from the areas of human automation, job performance, and service operations to propose a framework for successfully designing automated service operations that result in optimal human impact on the asset value.
  Keywords: asset value; service operation; service productivity; human-machine interaction; human performance; service automation; maintenance; smart services.
  
  
• Strategic Asset Management of a Heterogeneous Locomotive Fleet  
  by Prasanna Illankoon, Asela Kulatunga, Phillip Tretten, Asela Pathirathna 
  Abstract: The locomotive fleet of Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) is highly heterogeneous, and their operating conditions vary. Effective asset management of this fleet requires the examination of various phases of the life cycle. This study is set to propose an improved asset management strategy for SLR. Our methodology is based on the Reliability-Availability-Maintainability-Safety framework and Life-Cycle Management approach. We analysed maintenance performance, and we also conducted a Qualitative Content Analysis of how performance is perceived by the SLR employees. After a thorough analysis of the heterogeneity of locomotives and their phases in the life cycle, we recommend a mixed Asset Management strategy that can improve the availability through a maintainability focus, while ensuring safety and reliability. We conclude that Predictive Maintenance of the new fleet and the remanufacturing of scarce components for the ageing fleet can be the main contributors to an improved asset management strategy for SLR.
  Keywords: Railway; Locomotive; Maintenance; Assets Management; RAMS; Life Cycle Management.