Asset management

This strategy isn’t just about investments or acquisitions, but helps leaders to develop a decision-making ethos suited to all their assets and systems.

We help clients to take strategic control of their assets in a number of ways:

Develop an asset-orientated corporate strategy

Capital investments in vital assets are never simple decisions. We help clients invest in assets for long-term benefit, driven by a deep understanding of your business’s operating environment, its future risks and opportunities. With a sound strategy underpinning asset performance, you get increased value from day one operations through to higher resale values at the asset end-of-life.

For those investing in new assets we provide technical and financial assistance throughout the process – investment decisions should be backed by the technical advice that can deliver the returns you need.

Many clients, particularly in transport or energy, need to operate an asset-orientated corporate strategy. Our strategy consulting team provides deep sectoral knowledge and understanding of regulatory regimes to help clients define their corporate visions and strategies. 

Plan asset management strategically

Every investment in assets represents a bet the best way to achieve an organisation’s operational goals – whether that’s light rail rolling stock, a new office building, or industrial plant. We help clients to assess their asset management needs in both the short and long term, establishing a balance between upfront costs, development and implementation, maintenance and the related skills that in-house teams might require. 

Define the asset operating model

A robust and insight-driven operational model is vital if asset investments are to return value long-term. We design operating models that align with good asset management practice. We identify the existing model, the future model, and what gaps need to be closed to bridge the two. We also support organisational change and develop resourcing strategies to improve a client’s ability to deliver their business and asset management objectives.

Define the asset management policy and assurance framework

We extract principles and requirements consistent with our client’s corporate strategy and use these as a framework for the development and implementation of asset management policies and the setting of the asset management objectives. 

It’s also vital to establish mutually recognised expectations for both the asset owner and the asset operator. We develop asset management frameworks and information requirements for asset owners and to build a robust assurance regime. 

We begin with the development of a capability map, based on the organisation’s vision for the future. This is an opportunity to benchmark against peers, and work closely with subject matter experts to apply to the client’s asset-specific context. 

With this process complete, we will have identified gaps in capability and be able to guide the organisation on how to ‘build’ their existing people or assess they need to bring additional talent in from the outside. To assist clients through the transition to strategic asset management, we offer coaching, employee engagement, process development, and asset management training.

Performance data from single assets can be translated into wider operational intelligence. Digital twins of entire buildings, estates or industrial facilities provide incredible insights, driving cost savings and resource efficiencies. 

Arup is a leading developer of tools and technologies that are turning asset data into the operational business intelligence that organisations need.

Our approach is twofold. Firstly we help clients to bring their assets under digital control, enabling a portfolio level of management, predictive maintenance and greater operational efficiency for decision makers. Second, we develop tools suited to specific industry asset use cases.

Learn more about Arup's digital asset management capabilities