Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)

A Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) is a document that specifies how the organizational objectives are to be converted into asset management objectives. In addition, it describes the approach the organization takes to comply with these asset management objectives.

SAMP and ISO 55000

ISO 55001, the standard for asset management, provides little requirements for  the content of a SAMP. A well designed SAMP forms are a practical basis asset management in your organization. In addition, a SAMP can cover a wide range of ISO 55001 requirements. Below an overview of topics (not exhaustive) that should be included in a good SAMP is provided.

SAMP content and explanation

Scope - which assets and what (part of the) organization are involved;

Stakeholders – what are the key stakeholders, what are their requirements and expectations regarding performance (financial, operational, etc.) and information. To what extent are these requirements and expectations taken into account when making decisions and in information management.

Setting - what is the setting (political, technical, economic, regulatory, environmental, social, etc.) the organization is operating in and how does this affect asset management.

Asset management policy - this should be aligned with other relevant policies and provides a clear framework for the asset management objectives.

Asset management objectives – conversion of the organizational objectives into asset management objectives. These objectives in its turn can be converted into objectives for the assets (performance) and for the asset management system (processes, information, IT systems, competence, etc.). Where possible, the asset management objectives should be SMART.

Asset status - current performance, cost and risk and its relation to the asset management objectives. Evaluation of the current asset management strategy.

Changes - list of (possible) changes and how these may impact the assets and asset management. These changes may relate to stakeholders or the environment (read: setting). In case of uncertain changes it may be necessary to develop multiple scenarios.

Asset management strategy - how does the organization ensure that the asset management objectives will be achieved, taking into account the (possible) changes. Including the trade-offs that were made in the development of this strategy. General description of measures taken with respect to the assets, the asset management and the asset management system. Including planning and the impact on asset management objectives. (In asset management plans, the asset management strategy for the individual assets can be described.)

Performance management - How will the implementation of the asset management strategy be monitored and adjusted when necessary.

Asset management system - how does the organization ensure that the asset management objectives will be achieved. General description of the approach for asset management planning and the elements and processes required for that.

• Roles and responsibilities
• Risk and opportunity management including decision criteria
• People, competency management and awareness
• Resources (analysis software, analysis methods, information systems, measurement systems, etc.)
• Communication
• Information and information management
• Outsourcing
• Change Management
• internal audit

Evaluation - how, when and who will evaluate the SAMP?

SAMP development

A SAMP may consist of several documents. It can refer to existing sources.

SAMP development is an iterative process. Alignment between different levels and departments that are involved in asset management (or relate to it) is key.