Voices: Asset Manager
David Berger, P.Eng. has been a contributing editor since 1992, providing advice to management from Maintenance, Engineering and Operations on how to manage assets more efficiently and effectively. His monthly column, Asset Manager, covers a broad range of topics including asset management strategy, CMMS/EAM, asset management best practices, and organizational design issues.
The risk management balancing act: How to recognize and navigate the tradeoffs
David Berger explores using your CMMS to maximize asset performance, availability, and reliability.
Dec 8, 2014
Risk is a key consideration in striking the right balance between minimizing the total cost of ownership of your assets, and maximizing their performance, availability, and reliability. It is all about tradeoffs you make when you try to optimize your asset design, work program, and work schedule. This column provides some basic guidelines on to how to recognize and navigate these tradeoffs.
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Learn how to manage campaigns with your CMMS
Nov 10, 2014David Berger describes how best to mount a campaign and carefully track progress until its successful completion.Management of Change and your CMMS
Sep 29, 2014David Berger outlines an approach to more successfully manage change, including relevant features available from today’s more advanced CMMS packages.Managing the unexpected with your CMMS
Aug 25, 2014David Berger uses case management to investigate anomalies, surprises, and occurrences of the unexpected.RFP options for CMMS solution procurement
Aug 5, 2014David Berger says help vendors to know your needs.The upside of CMMS mobile solutions
Jun 23, 2014David Berger says interface, function, running clock, GPS, and change management lead to increased productivity.Lines blur between maintenance and operations
May 29, 2014David Berger says data in CMMS and control systems should reflect evolution of skill positions.Asset management in leadership change
Apr 21, 2014David Berger says system health teams offer a sustainable means, regardless of management structure.Find the best-fit CMMS while minimizing trade-offs
Apr 3, 2014David Berger outlines important differences in how CMMS vendors bundle and market their software.Who owns your assets, processes, products, and relationships?
Mar 10, 2014David Berger says get to know the responsible parties at your plant.Optimize CMMS with organizational structure
Jan 28, 2014David Berger says get more out of your asset management software by defining management roles and team responsibilities.How do you define maintenance work?
Jan 6, 2014David Berger says simplify and manage the way work is initiated.8 get-ready activities to prepare for CMMS replacement
Dec 9, 2013David Berger explores the steps needed for a successful CMMS implementation.How to determine the best maintenance policy
Nov 6, 2013David Berger explores the differences between use-, failure-, and condition-based maintenance.How to build an effective work program
Oct 1, 2013David Berger explains the 7 steps to a planned environment.How contract maintenance can affect your CMMS
Sep 6, 2013David Berger says consider these 3 options when evaluating alternative CMMS support.Follow these 4 steps to find the right CMMS
Aug 2, 2013David Berger says tech requirements, cash flow, vendor partnerships, and business case will get what you need.How to configure CMMS tools to fit the needs of your plant
Jul 8, 2013David Berger says align maintenance processes with CMMS functionality.4 facts (or myths) about PAS 55 and its influence on your asset management program
Jun 10, 2013David Berger says approach PAS 55 implementation with skepticism.4 steps to defining maintenance roles
May 13, 2013David Berger explains how well-defined roles and responsibilities can help to get the most from your CMMS software.Ask the right questions before upgrading your CMMS
Apr 3, 2013David Berger says balance the costs and benefits of a CMMS upgrade if you hope to achieve improved performance.Converting data to a new CMMS might not be as easy as you think
Mar 5, 2013David Berger explores the art and science of data conversion.CMMS value proposition
Feb 5, 2013David Berger says sell management on it to ensure success.Setting the standard for improved maintenance
Jan 10, 2013David Berger says strike a balance between local standards and industry best practices.Optimize maintenance workflows
Dec 10, 2012David Berger reveals four triggers that pull your maintenance staff to work.Is your CMMS too complex?
Nov 12, 2012David Berger says focus on the basics when your CMMS is so advanced.Integrating maintenance and spare parts management
Oct 2, 2012David Berger describes the critical areas of integration that yield maximum benefit.To CMMS or to ERP?
Sep 7, 2012David Berger says optimize spare parts management with the most appropriate software.Tailor your maintenance program for each asset
Aug 9, 2012David Berger says optimize your maintenance program for different work types.Know what's in your CMMS contract before you sign
Jul 5, 2012David Berger offers tips and traps to consider when negotiating CMMS contract terms.4 must-have maintenance roles — Part II
Jun 12, 2012David Berger explains how well-defined roles and responsibilities can help to get the most from your CMMS software.4 steps to defining maintenance roles — Part I
May 8, 2012David Berger explains how well-defined roles and responsibilities can help to get the most from your CMMS software.Keep tabs on movable assets
Apr 10, 2012David Berger says real-time asset locating and tracking systems can help to ensure resources are available.Configure your own CMMS software
Mar 12, 2012David Berger says today's software should allow users to modify without the expense or risk of customization.5 tips for managing spare parts
Feb 1, 2012David Berger explains what role CMMS should play in spare parts inventory.How to digitize documents with CMMS
Jan 5, 2012David Berger offers a checklist of information you can manage electronically.Optimize industrial plant maintenance time
Nov 8, 2011David Berger says maximize wrench time, minimize employee downtime and ensure CMMS data integrity.Answers to your CMMS questions are just a click away
Oct 11, 2011David Berger says make sure your CMMS advice is accurate and relevant.Understanding asset failure
Sep 13, 2011David Berger says implement maintenance practices to predict, prevent or react to a failure.Asset management interface
Aug 5, 2011David Berger explains hardware options for running CMMS software.CMMS for the asset lifecycle
Jul 7, 2011David Berger discusses mobility, contract maintenance, risk assessment and other CMMS functionalities.Optimize your CMMS with value-added features
Jun 6, 2011David Berger reveals potential for decision-support functionality in your CMMS.The pros and cons of enterprise-wide asset management and the silo approach
May 10, 2011David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores the differences between integrated asset management and asset classes.The CMMS evolution: New features and functions spearhead CMMS software advancements
Apr 8, 2011David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says R&D innovations lead to success in the CMMS software market.Implementing or upgrading your CMMS project
Mar 3, 2011David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, compiles a list of preparations designed to ease the CMMS implementation.Convergence of U.S. GAAP and IFRS will require standardization of accounting procedures globally for ERP and CMMS systems
Feb 7, 2011David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says IFRS could change how asset life cycle costs are tracked globally.CMMS implementation isn't done until benefits are realized
Jan 6, 2011David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says plan how to measure implementation success down the road.Data conversion, process design and system setup
Dec 3, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says data needs a well-designed process and trained users.Ensure CMMS data is good enough to trust
Nov 4, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores 16 characteristics of numbers that can be trusted.Use the CMMS to control and track maintenance expenditures
Oct 11, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explains how to manage large maintenance and capital projects.Mobile asset fleets need to be managed differently
Sep 3, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says your CMMS can be an active partner in minimizing mobile asset operating cost.Effective planning and scheduling
Aug 10, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explains how to get out, and stay out, of the firefighting mode.Examining cloud computing formations
Jul 9, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores the dark side, and silver lining, of cloud computing.Use the CMMS to support your strategy for accountability
Jun 4, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores approvals in the digital age.Handling service requests
May 6, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says it's evolved way beyond the primitive telephone help desk.Energy management and the CMMS
Mar 8, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says what it represents will be here long after "Green" is gone.The growing value of a CMMS
Feb 3, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores how to build the business case for better asset management.Asset lifecycle management
Jan 8, 2010David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says it's characterized by complexity, and it's driven by risk.Improving shutdown management
Dec 7, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says it's a matter of timing, scale and using the CMMS for a plant shutdownRecruitment and retention have major impact on CMMS
Nov 6, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says get more from your CMMS with effective recruiting and retention.Regulatory compliance easily handled through CMMS
Oct 8, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explores CMMS strengths that help you handle regulatory compliance.Planning versus scheduling
Sep 2, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says think of it as "what" as opposed to "when."Optimize spare parts
Aug 7, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says get more from your inventory and suppliers.Process mapping gets more from your CMMS
Jul 8, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explains how to get more from your CMMS through process mapping.Critical CMMS properties for mobile needs
May 26, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, details critical CMMS properties for organizations on the move.CMMS gives maintenance a clear view
Apr 28, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, explains how your CMMS gives maintenance a clear view of the current situation.A CMMS vendor should be more than just a salesperson
Apr 7, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says you should expect more than a shrink-wrapped box of software from your supplier.The good and bad of OEE
Mar 9, 2009David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says overall equipment effectiveness is a powerful, meaningful metric if you're aware of what it excludes.Don't let a down economy ruin your maintenance
Feb 10, 2009Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says these techniques can help you avoid getting hurt by a sharp budget cut.CMMS versus EAM
Jan 13, 2009Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says it's the most frequently asked question during the past decade.Make the most of your aging workforce
Dec 2, 2008Contributing Editor David Berger, P. Eng., shows you how to make the most of tough demographics.Seven trends to address with CMMS
Nov 10, 2008Here are seven trends that Contributing Editor David Berger, P. Eng., says you'd best address with your CMMS.Don't forget the human factor in your CMMS project
Oct 6, 2008In Part 2 of this article, David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, reminds you not to forget the human factor when designing a CMMS implementation process.Universal buy-in vital for initiative launch
Sep 5, 2008Part 1: David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says it's important to focus on getting universal buy-in when youre trying to launch an initiative.CMMS and GPS work together to keep track of where your assets are
Aug 11, 2008Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says integrating GIS/GPS with your CMMS reveals where your assets are and much more.RFID smart tags simplify data entry
Jul 7, 2008Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says RFID smart tags can minimize your data-entry drudgery.Communications planning vital to CMMS success
Jun 9, 2008Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., explains how communications planning is vital to the success of your CMMS project.Deveoping a risk management plan for your CMMS project
May 8, 2008David Berger says if you steer your CMMS project carefully, you'll be able to manage the risks.Adopt an aggressive energy-management program today
Apr 3, 2008David Berger says many energy initiatives are low-cost and easy to implement.Don't let individual sites deviate from the CMMS solution
Mar 7, 2008David Berger says companies stand to lose a lot by allowing individual sites to deviate from an enterprise-wide CMMS solution.Six Sigma: The new tool in your maintenance toolbox
Feb 5, 2008David Berger says maintenance departments can benefit from Six Sigma programs.Management excellence a snap with people skills and CMMS
Dec 10, 2007Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says frontline supervisors are absolutely critical in ensuring the success of any major change initiative, such as implementing a new CMMS or getting more out of an existing one.CMMS help features are powerful learning tools
Nov 7, 2007David Berger says take advantage of the help features in your CMMS package to find a better way to accomplish a task, or to find new features.Approaches to technical staff management
Oct 8, 2007There are several different organizational approaches to managing your technical staff. Asset Management expert David Berger examines the pros and cons of each in his latest column.Navigation aids for CMMS software helps you through a maze of technology
Sep 6, 2007Helping users navigate their way through the complex maze of todays sophisticated software applications is clearly a priority for modern CMMS vendors. You should be aware of various navigation aids and the principles behind them.CMMS can rank your critical assets
Aug 10, 2007Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Condition-based Monitoring (CBM) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) can be overwhelming. David Berger offers some tips on how to get the most out of these advanced techniques.Improvements in CMMS data entry make systems more efficient
Jul 2, 2007CMMS vendors have developed data tools for helping you enter data as efficiently and painlessly as possible. These are especially useful, given the harsh environments some maintenance departments face.Manage costs with CMMS budgeting and control functions
Jun 7, 2007This second part of a two-part article discusses how your requirements have driven a few CMMS vendors to add more sophisticated functionality. These include advanced budgeting and cost management features, sayd David Berger in his latest column.CMMS budgeting and control functions help manage costs
May 1, 2007Youll find the level of sophistication of the budgeting and costing features integrated into many CMMS packages rivals any ERP or accounting package, says David Berger in this month's Asset Manager column.Advanced failure analysis methodologies and techniques
Apr 7, 2007Use these advanced failure analysis methodologies, such as failure mode and effects analysis, realibility-centered maintenenance and root cause analysis to manage your risk, says David Berger in his monthly Asset Manager column.Learn the basics of failure analysis techniques and risk mitigation
Mar 7, 2007As CMMS vendors search for ways to differentiate their products and services in light of increased competition, many have enhanced their offerings to include a variety of powerful failure analysis techniques and risk mitigation strategies. Asset Management Expert David Berger illustrates some of the more basic techniques and simple strategies to mitigate risk and exploit improvement opportunities.Management affects profitability through people
Feb 7, 2007Although most companies spend more money on hard assets such as facilities, equipment, and infrastructure, its unquestionably true that people are your greatest asset. How well management determines the business needs that drive job requirements, then matches the right people with the right jobs, affects profitability, says David Berger, P. Eng., in his latest Asset Manager column.How to minimize waste and increase sustainability through maintenance
Jan 1, 2007Learn some of the ways a maintenance department can minimize waste, use more sustainable materials and systems, and use energy more efficiently.Use CMMS features to optimize workflow
Dec 4, 2006If youre looking for ways to improve maintenance department efficiency and effectiveness, and ultimately get more out of your assets, consider streamlining your critical workflows - work order management, PM and condition-based maintenance, scheduling and reporting.Manual CMMS has a place at small plants
Oct 30, 2006Managing maintenance need not be costly or difficult. If you have plant with five or fewer technicians, it's possible to forego a formal CMMS and keep track of everything with good ol' fashioned paper and pencil, says David Berger, P. Eng., in his latest column.Niche CMMS products seem like a good idea, but make sure vendor's credentials are in order
Oct 7, 2006As software functionality and user needs become more sophisticated, CMMS vendors are developing niche features, modules or entire product lines that cater to a given market segment. Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., says for true industry specialization, look for CMMS vendors with industry experts on staff.How to avoid common mistakes and successfully implement CMMS
Aug 30, 2006Implementation is hard, especially with programs such as Lean, Total Productive Maintenance, Reliability-Centered Maintenance or CMMS. Learn the common pitfalls and how to successfully implement CMMS.Six steps to condition-based maintenance
Jul 26, 2006An exciting trend in the world of CMMS is the increasing sophistication of condition-based maintenance (CBM) features and functions vendors offer and maintenance professionals actually use. Perhaps were finally turning a corner on the age-old firefighting mentality, replacing it with a more planned environment.Keeping your yardstick consistent
Jun 5, 2006The demand for calibration from your CMMS product has increased dramatically in recent years, as competitive and regulatory pressures force manufacturers to become more vigilant about ensuring product quality.Corporate social responsibility
May 1, 2006Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a growing phenomenon worldwide thats trying to change the role and nature of corporations. CSR deals with the thorny issues around a corporations responsibility to society, and how it relates to the companys traditional commitment to maximize shareholder profits.When it comes to asset management, stick to the plan
Apr 5, 2006Financial pressures often force companies to make hasty short-term changes, like cutting costs in maintenance and consulting. David Berger says in his monthly Asset Manager column that it's best to maintain focus and stick to a capital asset management plan.CMMS can reduce the risk of personal injury
Mar 6, 2006Software can help reduce the risk of personal injury, says David Berger in his monthly Asset Manager column.A solid training program motivates your employees
Feb 7, 2006A popular best practice for maintenance management is employee motivation. Sometimes the best motivation is a solid training program.MRO chain can hold additional efficiencies worth tapping
Jan 2, 2006Contributing editor David Berger says it's wise to look at the MRO chain for additional efficiencies.The best practices project
Dec 6, 2005Heres an opportunity to benchmark using real-world dataIs your CMMS system really secure?
Jul 30, 2003David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says CMMS security means protecting the system from unauthorized or accidental deletion, addition, editing, access or even viewing of data.The advantages and disadvantages of writing a CMMS from scratch
Mar 18, 2003David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says homegrown CMMS can be terrific, but getting one to flower may require a fertile patch of ground and lots of liquid assets.Four levels of enterprise operations
Dec 15, 2002Achieving smooth data transfer requires examining enterprise operations at four levels.CMMS applications can be much more than a data depository and report generator
Oct 15, 2002David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says search engines, data warehouses and workflow engines can enhance your information gathering and analysis.Where CMMS and the internet meet: improving your computerized maintenance with the power of the net
Sep 15, 2002David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, suggests ways you can use the Internet with your CMMS.E-procurement can help you get a better grip on MRO purchases
Aug 15, 2002David Berger, P.Eng., contributing editor, says e-procurement can help you streamline maintenance operations.