The world of asset management is changing, according to Rich Caplow, director of product marketing of MROSoftware ( www.mro.com). In the past, the focus was on the asset. But now that gaze is shifting to the function the asset performs. Meanwhile, a new service mentality is evolving when it comes to asset management.

As a result, MROSoftware has added new capabilities to its Maximo Enterprise Suite. The software adds a service desk that serves as a single point of end user contact. It also supports processes for incident, problem and change management. The upgrade establishes a response plan for both planned and unplanned events. This includes identifying procedural responses for various situations and which resources should be assigned to them.

The end game, says Caplow, is using the software to meet end user goals and requirements including productivity benchmarks. He cited a large food supplier that uses the software to manage its materials handling assets including conveyors. The target is to raise the asset and service management functionality to maximize the lifetime value of those assets.