Andy Koronios

A Data Quality Framework for Engineering Asset Management

Data Quality (DQ) is a critical issue for effective engineering asset management (AM). DQ problems can result in severe negative consequences for an organisation. Several research studies have indicated that most organizations have DQ problems. This research aims to explore DQ issues associated with asset management in engineering organisations. The study first develops an AM specific DQ framework, and then tests it in a preliminary case study of two large Australian engineering organisations. The empirical findings of the DQ issues from the research are used to validate the proposed AM DQ framework. This study provides a better understanding of DQ issues for engineering asset management. This in turn will assist in providing useful advice for improving DQ in this area, leading to activities which will help ensure DQ. The research suggests that the importance of DQ issues for engineering asset management is often overlooked; thus, there is a need for more scrutinised studies in order to raise general awareness.

You Cannot Manage What You Cannot Measure: An Information Systems Based Asset Management Perspective

Measuring the impact of implementation of information systems for asset management is a complex issue; due to the stochastic nature of process variables, substantial effects of information systems on the way users embrace these systems and consequently execute the business processes, and the high expectations that asset managing businesses associate with the use of information systems. This complexity can partly be attributed to the technology push strategy, rather than technology pull strategy, that asset managing businesses adopt to introduce information systems in to the business. Therefore, in order to take optimum advantage of information systems with regards to process efficiency, effective control, and management, it is important to have effective measurement mechanisms that help managers to measure Information systems utilisation for asset management process. This paper presents a measurement framework that assesses the impact of information systems at each stage of asset lifecycle management. The proposed framework based on generative learning, such that it examines the interpretation of asset management strategy through the use of information systems within the business and its assessment provides for strategic indicators for recalibration of asset management strategy as well as highlights the roadmap for future technology investments. This assessment allows for asset management processes and their stakeholders to adopt a technology pull strategy, which provides the strategic fit between processes and technology; thereby allowing the business to leverage optimum advantage of technology through rationalized investments.

Australian experiences with designing and implementing e-commerce degrees

This paper reports on the development of professional degrees in the field of electronic commerce in Australia. Programs offered by three Australian universities are discussed comparatively, namely those at the Deakin University, the University of Ballarat, and the University of South Australia. Two programs offered by the University of South Australia-master of information technology (electronic commerce) and bachelor of engineering (mobile electronic commerce)-are presented in greater detail.

RFID for Asset Management: A Fact or Fad

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful data capturing technology that provides electronic identification, tracking, and storing of information contained on tags attached to or embedded in items, such as products, cases, or pallets. However, main trust of businesses in adopting this technology has been on logistics and warehouse management. RFID has particular significance for industries like defence where inventory consists of a variety of items; in order to alleviate capacity constraints, flow of materials in reverse direction is high; supply and demands factors are not as stable as compared to some other supply chains; and geographic end points of supply chain are not stable. RFID technology takes workforce mobility to a higher level by enabling eliminating the human computer interaction in tasks such as inventory tracking and management, and even condition monitoring, thereby allowing for reduction in data entry errors, speed of data flow, and real time access to information. This paper presents the results of an evaluation study undertaken for the Cooperative Research Centre of Engineering Asset Management to explore the efficiency of RFID technology for Asset Management. It identifies the major initiatives taken by different industries to use the technology; discusses current trends; and provides an evaluation of three technologies used to investigate the potential and limitation of RFID technologies. Drawing upon the conclusion it provides further insights into areas where RFID technologies could be used in the area of asset management.