ISO 55001 Certification for an Electricity Distribution Network Service Provider

The client

Our client is a distribution network service provider in Australia who builds, operates and maintains one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks.

The Opportunity

Following a series of ISO 55001 gap assessments performed by Assetivity in 2020 and 2021, our client required assistance in progressing the development of various documents and processes identified as part of the recommendations from the assessments with a view to obtaining certification against the requirements of ISO 55001.

Our client specifically required assistance with the development of the following Asset Management documents and processes/procedures:

• An Asset Management System (AMS) Manual
• The Asset Management (AM) Communication Plan
• A Change Management Process – specifically technical change management
• A Non-conformance Process – asset management related
• An Internal Audit Process Improvement

This was done in preparation for follow-up asset management health check and ISO 55001 trial certification audits performed by Assetivity, prior to our client proceeding to a formal ISO 55001 certification audit.

How We Helped

A team of Certified Asset Management Assessor (CAMA) qualified consultants assisted the client to develop the documentation and processes in scope to close the gaps in compliance.

We worked with our client to develop the Asset Management System Manual that covered the following main elements:

• The Asset Management System description, consisting of the:
  • Organisational Context
  • Stakeholders – Identification, Needs and Expectations
  • Scope of the Asset Management System
• The Asset Management System Framework Elements
• Competence
• Resourcing
• Communication
• Information Management
• Performance Measurement and Evaluation
• Non-Conformance, Corrective and Preventive Actions
• Continual Improvement
• Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities.

The Asset Management System Manual provided the high-level view of what Asset Management will look like in support of the delivery of the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP). Next, we assisted in the review, improvement and development of the other documentation and processes in scope.

We reviewed the draft Asset Management Communication Plan and made recommendations for improvement.

We developed a draft Asset Management System Non-Conformance procedure using our experience and the guidance of the ISO 55001 standard. The procedure covered the process steps shown below at a high level.

We further developed a Change Management procedure which focussed on:

• Planned Changes (multiple people impacted, risks introduced, long term impacts) – the simplified process is shown below.

• Reactive Changes (changes to asset, system or process configuration / non like-for like repairs/substitution) – – the simplified process is shown below.

Both the Non-Conformance and Change Management procedures were workshopped with the relevant client stakeholders, prior to issuing it to the client for upload to their document management system.

We reviewed the existing Internal Audit procedure and created an Asset Management System specific audit procedure complete with a 3-year audit schedule and guidance on the requirements of each ISO 55001 clause. The procedure was complementary to the requirements documented as part of the client’s Internal Audit procedure.

Deliverables and Benefits

Our team:

• Produced three new procedures consisting of:
  • An Asset Management Non-Conformance procedure
  • A Change Management procedure
  • An Asset Management System Internal Audit procedure
• Reviewed and Improved the Communication Plan
• Assisted in the development of the Asset Management System Manual

The assistance we provided in the development of the documentation and procedures permitted the client to credibly progress towards seeking formal ISO 55001 certification.

The client achieved formal ISO 55001 certification at the end of 2021.

Conclusion

If you are looking to improve Asset Management at your organisation, whether you are at the start of the journey or already consider yourself mature and want to improve the outcomes from your assets, contact us now to talk to one of our expert consultants.