THE HIDDEN COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING WORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Utilities are relying on technology more and more as a tool to manage their maintenance operations. As utilities move in the direction of increased integration, there is a need to transition from what is typically a very simple system of managing work orders to a more sophisticated integrated Work Management System (WMS). The asset intensive nature of utilities makes a WMS a key component to manage activities, however, implementing a complex WMS poses great challenges.The benefits of a WMS are well understood by the organization and are usually well communicated by the vendor. These benefits include access to more information on a single database, access to best practice systems and procedures, more integration, and the automation of tasks. What is less understood and less communicated are the additional cost and effort necessary to successfully implement a system. Organizations often times do not understand the cost and effort associated with implementing a system. The level of functionality desired, number of departments to use the system, and an organization's resistance to changing business processes all effect the cost and effort required for a successful implementation. It is important to understand what are the potential pitfalls and potential hidden costs when implementing such systems.