Re-imagining Asset Management

Our opportunity

Our client was facing a significant challenge with its asset management. They were operating with an ageing asset base that was exceeding available funding for maintenance. Responsibility was spread across multiple teams and regions, leading to an inconsistent approach to seek investments or carry out maintenance. This lack of cohesion meant the process was incredibly inefficient, delaying much needed repairs and potentially increasing the cost, and confusing for those involved.

Our client was looking for a clear and connected approach that gave them visibility over their asset base and enabled them to make meaningful decisions around maintenance and upgrades.

Our approach

To set the direction for change, we first needed to understand how asset management was - and wasn’t - working. We used this as an opportunity to engage those involved in the process, building buy-in for change while capturing insights, challenges, and ideas for the future.

What we did

  • Built a clear picture of the current state: We worked with staff across the organisation to map the asset management process end-to-end, highlighting pain points and coordination gaps. This revealed where inconsistent practices and bottlenecks were slowing progress and decision-making.

  • Developed targeted recommendations: From this insight, we shaped practical recommendations to simplify and unify how asset management was carried out.

  • Clarified accountability and decision-making: We supported leadership to explore structural options and ultimately recommended establishing a new Asset Directorate as a single point of accountability for the function.

  • Established a shared vision: Alongside leadership, we helped define the capabilities, ways of working, and governance needed to embed a cohesive, organisation-wide approach to asset management.

Outcome

The result was a leadership team with a shared understanding of current-state challenges and an aligned vision for accountabilities within the asset management system. The process gave them clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation to lead change.

“This makes so much sense — you’ve managed to explain a complex function and really ground it in what it means for our people.”