In episode 153 of the Asset Champion podcast, host Mike Petrusky speaks with Joe Alvarez, president and CEO of National Office Systems (NOS), where he’s helping to bridge the gap between processes and technology for organizations considering storage and asset management systems. They chat about RFID technology and the ways it offers a more efficient and accurate way to track assets compared to traditional methods like barcodes and manual audits. Alvarez believes the biggest challenge in asset management is the fragmentation and inefficiency caused by siloed legacy systems, so he shares strategies and solutions to consolidate and streamline asset tracking to reduce waste and improve decision-making. Successful implementation of new technology often involves starting small and smart, he explains, so organizations should allow for incremental adoption and visible success before scaling up.
Agenda
- Transition at NOS from paper storage to RFID-based asset management solutions
- Challenges faced by facility managers, particularly with siloed legacy systems
- RFID technology and its applications in tracking and management
- Tool ecosystems and platforms for effective asset management
- Advice for facility managers looking to implement new asset management solutions
What you need to know: Facility and maintenance takeaways
Takeaway 1: Starting small and smart can help gain buy-in for new asset management solutions from top management
“Once you do that and you see the product working, the C-level management is going to have an easier way to say, I can buy into this because I’ve seen it work,” Alvarez explains. The approach allows you to create tangible results, making it easier to convince higher-ups of the value and potential of the technology.
A recommended starting point: a department where the facilities manager has significant control. “For example, tracking furniture for the assets of one building, and once you do that and you see the product working, and you integrate it with a CMMS or Archibus product or whatever they’re using,” Alvarez suggests. These small wins serve as a foundation for broader adoption and integration across the organization.
He also warns of taking an all-at-once approach. “It’s very difficult to go in there and say, ‘Hey, from today to tomorrow we’re going to change the entire environment,’ and I think that’s a tougher go of it than starting small,” he cautions. A gradual implementation strategy helps mitigate risks and ensures a smoother transition to more advanced asset management practices.
Takeaway 2: A connected ecosystem of technologies is crucial for effective asset management in the modern workplace
“Focus on creating a connected ecosystem that scales rather than choosing one-size-fits-all platforms,” Alvarez says, because it allows for better integration and scalability of asset management solutions.
He highlights the benefits of integrating various systems. “The most effective organizations are no longer relying on one single system. I mean, the world today has really changed and the connectivity between products, as opposed to just one system has become the way to go,” he says. Examples include integrating RFID tracking with CMMS platforms, space planning tools, and building automation can provide a more comprehensive view of asset management.
It’s integration that can lead to significant improvements in data visibility and decision-making.
Takeaway 3: The biggest challenge in asset management is fragmentation from siloed legacy systems
In fact, “The biggest challenge that I see today is the overwhelming number of silo legacy systems that don’t talk to each other,” Alvarez explains.
The issue is particularly prevalent in organizations that have grown through mergers and acquisitions or have not modernized their systems. “So facility teams are often juggling outdated databases, spreadsheets, paper records and separate software platforms for things like maintenance, inventory, and space management. And none of them are integrated.”
The solution? Consolidating and centralizing data.
“Our RFID driven same platform consolidates and streamlines asset tracking, helping clients sunset those legacy systems and centralize their data onto one system,” Alvarez explains. By breaking down these silos, organizations can transform their asset management practices and improve their overall operational effectiveness.
Maintenance management insights
- The shift from paper-based storage to RFID technology has been driven by the need for more efficient and accurate asset tracking.
- One of the biggest challenges in facility management is the fragmentation caused by siloed legacy systems that do not communicate with each other.
- Organizations can integrate RFID technology into platforms like CMMS, space planning tools, and building automation to create a more connected and efficient ecosystem.
- Practical advice for implementing new asset management solutions includes starting small and smart, focusing on creating a scalable connected ecosystem, and demonstrating the value of the technology to C-level management through small wins.
Do a deep dive into more asset management insights by exploring all Asset Champion Podcast episodes.
