Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems promise a lot: higher reliability, lower costs, more innovative maintenance planning, and better visibility into what needs to be done. In theory, they centralize asset data, allowing organizations to manage their physical assets more effectively throughout their lifecycle. But in practice, something else often happens. 

Despite their purpose, studies show that 30 to 50% of the data within EAM systems is incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. That means that many systems intended to give organizations control are often built on shaky data foundations. 

Why does this happen? Manual data entry, outdated IT systems, and a lack of standardization all contribute to a misleading view of the real situation. And the consequences are far more serious than many organizations realize. 

The Hidden Costs of Unreliable Asset Data

When asset data can’t be trusted, the whole asset management process is affected. Maintenance work becomes reactive rather than planned, driving up operational costs, while decisions about investments, replacements, or resource allocation are made on guesswork rather than facts. Compliance risks increase, safety becomes harder to guarantee, and collaboration suffers as teams rely on different versions of the truth. 

Poor data doesn’t just slow you down; it creates risk, inflates costs, and limits your ability to scale responsibly. For organizations managing critical infrastructure, it can even threaten operational continuity.

Why Accurate Asset Data Matters

When organizations take control of their asset data, the transformation is immediate and decisive. Decisions about replacements, investments, and asset optimization are no longer based on guesswork but guided by reliable insights. Maintenance can be planned with precision, unplanned downtime becomes rare, and the lifespan of the asset can be extended through proactive care. 

At the same time, organizations gain confidence that their compliance and safety obligations are met, thanks to reliable maintenance records and inspections. In this way, complete and trustworthy asset data isn’t just administrative hygiene. It’s the foundation for innovative, predictive, and safe asset management practices.

How to Regain Control Over Your Asset Data?

Creating trustworthy, actionable asset data requires structure, standardization, and practical support. At Semmtech, we believe that organizations strengthen asset data by:

1. Centralized Asset Definitions (OTL)
   Think of this as creating a shared language for your asset. With a structured Object Type Library (OTL), every asset type (e.g., a pump, a valve, or a sensor) has a clear, consistent, and traceable definition. No more confusion about what a particular asset is or where its data resides. Your EAM, ERP, CRM, BIM, and GIS systems all benefit from a single source of truth.

2. Standardized Information Exchange (IDS)
   Next, you need a predictable way to share information. An Information Delivery Specification (IDS) defines what data is exchanged, when it is exchanged, who delivers it, and in what format. This eliminates ambiguity, ensures data arrives complete and clean, and removes the costly burden of manually “fixing” or translating information so it fits into other systems.

3. Practical EAM support
   Finally, we ensure your systems work effectively for you. Whether it is Maximo, Ultimo, Hexagon, or another platform, we provide hands-on support for data handovers, integrations, and ongoing maintenance. This turns your EAM system into not just a repository, but a reliable tool for managing assets effectively.

Organizations that combine these three components, structure, standards, and support, see real impact: fewer errors, smoother processes, more predictable operations, and better collaboration across teams and projects.

Bring Your Asset Data Vision to Life

Accurate asset data isn’t just about cleaning up spreadsheets or EAM records; it’s about creating a foundation for intelligent decision-making, safer operations, and efficient processes. It’s about transforming your EAM system from a static repository into a robust and reliable tool that supports your organization’s goals. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, Semmtech can guide you from the first definitions to standardized exchanges and practical system improvements.

Would you like to learn more about our approach? Get in touch with Herman Hoekman.