Asset Management Line of sight is important in managing assets, but what is it? Line of sight is a bi-directional process that flows up and down, from corporate objectives to worker productivity. Then, the metrics of process adherence flow back up to the corporate level as key performance indicators. In the digital world, line of sight is a two-way street that allows conformity within processes, allowing asset management decisions to be based on corporate objectives.
Unified Modelling Language
A good way to make sure that your team is implementing robust asset management software is to make use of a Unified Modeling Language (UML). This standard is an industry standard that was created by Jim Rumbaugh, Ivar Jacobson, and Grady Booch. Its design aims to provide a common, standardized language to describe software systems and to create the documentation and data needed to support those systems.
Using a UML diagram is a common process for describing the behavior and structure of software systems. The tool supports the creation and modification of UML diagrams using three different types of notations. UML diagrams are typically hierarchical, with each level representing different aspects of a system. The resulting document consists of multiple classes, processes, and entities. These elements are represented by graphics.
Functional Information Requirements (FIR)
An asset management line of sight improves asset management by aligning top-down aspirations with bottom-up realities. This alignment requires information sharing and optimization across different silos. This begins before an asset is purchased and continues through its lifecycle. It is an ongoing, iterative process, and the lines of sight between asset managers and IT departments should be unbroken. However, there is some apprehension about adopting this method.
The Line of Sight Methodology is a structured and repeatable approach to asset management that uses Functional Information Requirements (FIRs). It is a framework for capturing information at the asset level to support the alignment of assets to organizational objectives. Jacobs is implementing this methodology on the Network Rail Transpennine Route Upgrade and developing industry-friendly tools and guidance.
Organizational objectives
The Line of Sight Methodology is a structured approach to information requirements that supports a direct line of sight between organizational objectives and asset performance. It enables organizations to make informed decisions and realize digital twins of TRUs for whole-life asset management. This approach requires a clear understanding of the organization’s objectives and identifies the functions of the assets to meet these objectives. Line of Sight Methodology is based on the concept of functional information requirements.
The principle of a line of sight can be defined as aligning top-down aspirations with bottom-up realities by defining, sharing, and integrating the knowledge of different stakeholders. This line of sight is essential for aligning the values and risks of the organization. The approach requires information sharing and optimization across silos and takes place before, during, and after the asset is purchased. Here are some common objectives for asset management.
Digital line of sight
A digital line of sight in asset management is critical to achieving business objectives and optimizing the deployment of scarce resources. The ability to see asset information at any given moment in time is necessary to support the younger generation of workers, who have grown up in a world of constant connectivity and always expect to have access to information. With the massive amounts of data involved in managing assets, digital support is key. Immersive digital twins are the ideal way to create this capability. Employees are more likely to be productive if they understand the reasons behind their daily activities.
By aligning assets and workers, a digital line of sight can improve the way work is done and increase compliance across the organization. Unlike traditional management practices, a digital line of sight makes it possible for workers to work more efficiently because they can see the data at any given time. In addition, it ensures that workers are doing only the bare minimum work necessary to maintain the asset’s function. A digital line of sight enables organizations to create conformity across processes while delivering the expected results.