Harmonizing asset management standards: Bridging the gap between ISO 55000 concepts and classroom application

The evolution of asset management standards, exemplified by the development of PAS 55 and the subsequent ISO 55000 series in 2014, signifies a pivotal shift in providing effective guidelines for intensive asset users to optimize resource utilization. Before the advent of PAS 55, maintenance strategies were commonly perceived as an integral part of asset management, leading to diverse terminologies and philosophies among practitioners. The ISO 55000 suite introduced a groundbreaking concept, emphasizing that asset management is not merely an enhanced version of maintenance management but a distinct discipline in its own right. 

Drawing parallels with Human Resource Management, it addresses the entirety of an asset's lifecycle, from recruitment and training to duties, responsibilities, and retirement. ISO 55000 focuses on foundational concepts and definitions in asset management, while ISO 55001 delineates requirements, providing guidance for achieving the objective of maximizing asset value. ISO 55002 complements these standards by offering guidance on how these requirements can be effectively met.

Despite the wealth of models, concepts, and fundamentals outlined in ISO 55000, challenges arise in aligning them with the seven identified groups of clauses. This misalignment often leads to confusion among students in the classroom setting, hindering their ability to connect these clauses and concepts. Moreover, students face difficulties in developing solutions for the "shall clauses." This paper advocates for a comprehensive review of the structure of these standards to ensure a harmonized alignment, facilitating clearer comprehension and effective application, particularly in educational contexts.