Experience on centralizing the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering function in an Italian multi-utility company

The paper explores the centralization process of the Asset Management and Maintenance Engineering functions drawing from a project experience carried out in an Italian multi-utility company. The path towards centralization of the management of assets emerges as a strategic response to enhance operational synergies, improve resource allocation, and capitalize on economies of scale. The project is described in this paper, providing insights proposing a comprehensive, standardized approach for utility Asset Management, considering diverse utility services (water, gas, electricity and heating) and asset types to be managed. The centralization effort follows a three-step process: maturity assessment, common performance measurement system design, and sharing practices company-wide. This strategic response to evolving business demands offers a valuable framework for utility asset management in diverse industries and may be of help to companies following the same evolution path. Existing areas of research to be further explored are also emerging and discussed.