ISO 55001asset management standard offers a universal framework to manage the use of physical assets including portable or fixed operating device and equipment. This standard addresses six vital aspects of an organization. These aspects are- internal and external environment, planning processes, support processes, operational processes, performance evaluation processes, and ongoing improvement processes. ISO 55001 document outlines a framework that should be structured to fit these six vital aspects. If you are looking for ISO 55001 certification, then your organization should comply with all the requirements of ISO 55001 Standard.

Since building an effective asset management system is one of the prime requirements of this standard, it is important for you to discover the easiest ways of building the system for gaining the certification. We are going to make this task a little easier for you. How? In this article, we have listed some most-effective ways through which you can build an asset management system to comply with the ISO 55001 Standard.

Let’s get into seven easy ways that can take you to the certification:

Develop a Proper Understanding of ISO 55001 Standard

No matter you are looking for which ISO standard, having a sound knowledge about the standard is mandatory. Well, we are not asking you to be an expert, but you should have a basic understanding of the standard. Even before consulting with an ISO expert, you should educate yourself about the standard.

Try to understand what the standard is, what’s the main aim of the standard, which requirements are essential to a business for being compliant with the standard, which organizations can enjoy the advantages of the standard, etc. Along with this, you should consider how this standard can add value to your business and how you should combine your business objectives with ISO 55001 requirements.

Perform a Readiness Review

Once you have developed an understanding of the standard, you will be able to identify what your organization needs for the certification. You should perform a readiness review to find out the major gaps existing in your asset management system. A readiness review will help you make the right strategy for implementing a sound Asset Management System. When you know the loopholes, you will be able to make a strategy that that fills those loopholes. Moreover, it will help you improve the performance of your asset management system.

If you have an existing risk management system for dealing with the risks associated with asset management, you may determine the readiness of this system as well.

Make a Plan for the System

Sometimes, businesses commit blunder. They started developing the asset management system without any proper plan. As an outcome, they end up with a disaster. If you do not want to experience such a disaster, you should come up with a master plan first. You can ask ISO experts for developing a sound plan.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

Having a gap analysis will help you determine whether there are any gaps within your existing system or in the plan you are making. If you find any gaps, don’t waste time. The issues should be immediately resolved.

Work on the Identified Gaps

Once you have identified the gaps, fill them. Well, filling the gaps can be difficult for you. In such a case, your ISO consultants will help you fill the gaps.

Arrange Internal Audits

Internal audits are an exact replica of the certification audit that you will face at the end of your preparation. Internal auditing program will prepare you for the certification audit. It measures your asset management system against the rules set out for ISO 55001 Standard. By performing a successful internal auditing program, you will be able to ensure ISO 55001 certification.

Face the Certification Audit

Here ends the preparation process; you are now only one step away from the certification. An authorized certification body will review your asset management system to confirm whether your system is meeting all the ISO 55001 requirements or not. By meeting all the requirements, the certification body will give you a green signal and you will be entitled to the certification.

Does it sound complex? Not at all! You should employ a systematic and step-by-step approach to achieve the certification without any hassle.

Author's Bio: 

Damon Anderson is a professional ISO consultant who is working with a leading ISO 55001 certification consultancy. He has been associated with the ISO industry for many years. He develops informative blogs and articles on ISO standard and multiple management systems such as quality management system and risk management system.