Because of this resistance to change, and need for third party integration and potential customization, asset intensive companies may need to consider a hybrid approach to cloud computing. This means a possible hybrid strategy that initially adopts Cloud such as Finance or SCM while maintaining legacy systems.

Standardization of Processes

Cloud applications do not always readily support or allow customizations or extensions. The approach tends to be “Out of the Box”hat implies that each business site needs to be willing to adopt a series of standard processes. The concept of “we call it this” and “they call it that” will need to be addressed.

IT organizations need to consider the introduction of Cloud Asset Management as a “re-implementation” or replacement of their current solutions. There should be a plan that includes all facets of an implementation such as evaluating business requirements, data conversions, extensions, customizations and replacement of third party solutions.

The standardization of processes and data will become a prominent factor. This could be interpreted as a positive step as well as a challenge for the IT organization to facilitate. Support from executive management is critical.

While this may require a broader implementation, the opportunity can be leveraged to review outdated or misaligned maintenance and supply chain business process. Over the past several years, many industries have acquired myriad new companies, all of which may have their own unique approaches to the similar business process. Some of these acquisitions have included legacy software solutions that need to be consolidated under a single solution.

Many large organizations that have been successful at re-implementation typically appoint a team of Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) that represent different maintenance organizations.

Cloud and Third Party Apps

Those organizations that require integration into other third party systems such as Mobile Devices, EHS, and RFID, Fuel systems, GIS, RCM or compliance /regulatory requirements applications will need to reach out to these software vendors and assess their ability to integrate into Cloud services. There may be significant gaps as some suppliers may not have Could services readily available. This may be a game changer and impact the ability for the organization to easily move into the Cloud. It may also require organizations to find new suppliers that offer cloud applications.

Asset Management organizations that have widely distributed assets, such as rigs, pipelines and utilities should evaluate their need for constant connectivity to the Asset Management solution. Current design of Cloud technology is to function only in a connected mode.

Overall Cloud Strategy, the impact and priority

Asset Management should be included as a critical component in any Cloud strategy. Non asset intensive industries that do not have complex requirements are good candidates for Cloud implementation.

CIOs need to consider the following regarding a Cloud Replacement for Current Asset Management: Is your Asset Management/Maintenance Open to Change?

•Moving from current solutions

•Standardize Business Processes to “Out of the Box”

•The business case to justify the shift in technology

•Change Management for the organization and users

Does the Cloud technology meet the requirements essential to the Maintenance Organization?

• Regulatory Compliance

• Reporting and Analysis

• Third Party Applications

• Mobile Computing

Asset intensive industries that wish to leverage SaaS (Software as a Service) technologies via the Cloud should start the planning process soon. It will likely be a transformation over a period of years and perhaps be a hybrid approach that eventually leads to a complete transformation to a Cloud solution with low risk, high value and increased user adoption.