Understanding Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Basics

October 2021

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) is the process of managing the maintenance of physical assets and equipment of an organization throughout each asset’s lifecycle. The objective of EAM is to maximize

asset/equipment lifespan, minimize costs, enhance the quality and utilization of assets, increase efficiency, and improve safety.

EAM and CMMS Defined

EAM is frequently associated with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), but a more intensive glance at EAM versus CMMS uncovers there is a slight distinction.

CMMS is a software solution that manages the maintenance work necessary to extend an asset’s usefulness and profitability.

EAM optimizes an asset’s life cycle in order to decrease the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and at the same time maximizing overall asset productivity and Return on Asset (ROA).

Janet Jaquis is a CMMS software specialist with over 8 years at eWorkOrders, where she develops educational content, technical guides, whitepapers, and implementation resources for maintenance management professionals. Her work covers preventive maintenance, work order management, asset reliability, inventory and spare parts, mobile maintenance, and CMMS implementation across manufacturing, healthcare, government, food and beverage, and facilities operations. Janet's content is grounded in customer testimonials, case studies, industry research, and ongoing engagement with the eWorkOrders product team and customer base. Prior to eWorkOrders, she spent her career at AT&T in enterprise technology, working on the development and launch of AT&T WorldNet — one of the first major commercial internet services — and serving as Product Marketing Manager for AT&T WorldNet and AT&T Satellite Services. She holds a degree in Marketing and completed the full PMP (Project Management Professional) certification program.