Navigating the Landscape of Asset Management

Welcome to this newsletter, where I invite you to explore the fascinating world of asset management through my personal journey. As a seasoned professional, my career has been shaped by diverse experiences and a robust skill set honed over the years. From groundbreaking endeavors to entrepreneurial ventures, I have witnessed the evolution of asset management firsthand.

In the late 1980s, my team and I embarked on an ambitious project: implementing the largest Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system outside of the USA and substantially larger than those implemented in the USA at that time. Our canvas was Eskom’s Distribution Division, a critical player in South Africa’s energy landscape. But this was no ordinary EAM system.

Eskom, a major electricity supplier, faced the daunting task of managing its vast infrastructure — substations and distribution networks. Our mission was clear: streamline asset management, enhance efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted power supply to millions of consumers.

We delved into the intricacies of Eskom’s operations, collaborating closely with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders. Our canvas expanded across the sprawling South African landscape, from bustling cities to remote rural areas. The EAM system became the backbone, orchestrating maintenance schedules, tracking asset performance, and optimizing resource allocation.

While the USA had pioneered EAM systems, we were determined to create something unique for Eskom. The SAP sales juggernaut had reached South Africa, but we chose a different path. Our system would be tailored to Eskom’s specific needs, aligning with its Distribution Division’s organizational structure and operational realities.

Behind the scenes, lines of code danced, databases synchronized, and interfaces materialized. We integrated asset data, maintenance logs, and performance metrics. Our system could predict equipment failures, schedule preventive maintenance, and minimize downtime. It was a symphony of technology, teamwork, and tenacity.

As the sun dipped below the horizon in the 1980s, I took a decisive step. Farewell to the familiar halls of Eskom — I founded my own company, fueled by passion, resilience, and the promise of uncharted territories. Destiny, however, had other plans. Two years later, I found myself back at Eskom’s doorstep, enhancing their Asset Management.

Our legacy lives on—the invisible threads we wove decades ago continue to power Eskom's lights. Our journey transcended technology: it was about resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment to keep the lights on.

Now, within the walls of my own company, I rekindle my passion for optimizing assets. Consulting is not about imposing solutions; it is about understanding. I listen to clients' stories — their aspirations, challenges, and balance sheets. Together, we craft tailored strategies, dissect depreciation schedules, debate risk tolerance, and envision growth trajectories. My role is collaborative — an architect of sustainable success.

So here I am — no longer an Eskom employee but an advocate for efficient, holistic Asset Management. As the sun sets on each day, I reflect on the paths taken, the lessons learned, and the legacy being woven — one asset at a time.

In September 2009, I authored the attached document, which discusses the critical issue of “Effective Asset Management - Unlocking Value.”