EAM/CMMS internal preparedness - are you ready to gain the benefits?

The literature tells us that the failure rate for EAMs and CMMS's is about 70% - or putting it the other way, only about 30% meet their objectives. This - despite all the articles, consultants reports, vendor services and sheer hard work by the user.

The question is "why?" (and what can we do about it?)

The overwhelming reason is that the user community is rarely well prepared for the changes that are necessary to turn the system from a shelf-tool into a valuable tool.

Here are some questions to test your own preparedness:

1. Do all of your users know why you are installing a new system?
2. Do you now who ALL of the users are?
3. Do they understand what will be different in their jobs?
4. Do they know whether they will have a job?
5. How will they blend their regular jobs with the extra work needed to implement the system?
6. Will you still be following the same work practices as now?
7. Have you worked out who needs to be trained in what, why and when?
8. Has this been clearly communicated to the users?
9. What happens if the training does not work?
10. Will the users have performance measures that will define how well they are doing their (newly changed) job?
11. If so, have they had input to the process?
12. If not, how do you know whether the system is meeting its goals?

We've taken the human side of the system implementation here (check-lists for hardware upgrades, materials and equipment verification are much easier - and equally essential). The truth of the matter is that it will be the users, their attitudes and abilities that will largely determine whether the system meets its goals.

Managing change is difficult and critical - but there are standard ways to make it work for your organization.

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