Effective Linear Asset Management: How Keel Solution Can Help

What is Linear Asset Management (LAM), and why is it important?

Let’s start with linear assets. Linear assets are typically long and narrow structures used to transport goods, people, or utilities from one location to another.

Linear Asset Management (LAM) involves the planning, construction, maintenance, and repair of these assets. This includes a variety of tasks, such as inspecting the assets for damage, identifying and repairing faults, replacing worn components, and managing the asset’s lifecycle.

Linear asset management can be complex. These assets often cross multiple jurisdictions, have different ownership structures, and require coordination between multiple stakeholders. As a result, effective linear asset management requires a holistic approach that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and the general public.

Advanced technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, can be used to monitor the performance of linear assets in real-time, enabling maintenance teams to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Machine learning and artificial intelligence can also be used to optimize maintenance schedules and predict when assets will need to be replaced or upgraded.

Overall, effective linear asset management is essential for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure. It helps reduce costs, increase efficiency, and improve the overall performance of linear assets.

So how can Linear Asset Management be taken care of in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective way, you ask? Let’s look at an example use case of Linear Asset Management for power networks and how it can be managed in SAP.

Linear asset management in SAP

SAP offers several solutions for asset management, including the SAP Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and the SAP S/4HANA for Utilities.  

SAP Linear Asset Management (SAP LAM) is a tool that helps reduce maintenance complexity through the design and operation of effective linear asset maintenance systems. 

With SAP LAM, maintenance teams can create a technical data structure that closely reflects real-world assets while generating more accurate records through enhanced condition monitoring and functionality confirmation.  

Eventually, SAP LAM provides a mechanism for cost reduction through more targeted and effective maintenance of linear assets. 

What can SAP Linear Asset Management provide?

• The possibility of creating a detailed technical structure of linear assets.
• Asset network functionality that allows users to define and display connections among relevant assets.
• Classification capabilities of defining different characteristics across sections of an asset.
• Better methods for planning and executing the work at an exact point in an asset that allows teams to perform the maintenance shift handover.
• Efficient reporting that allows analysis of the asset’s condition not only for a specific section, but also for the full length of the asset.

Ways Linear Asset Management can be used in SAP:  

1. Asset registering: Linear Assets can be registered in SAP as a Technical Object, such as a Functional Location or an Equipment item. The Linear data and Linear Reference Pattern are assigned to each Linear Asset Technical Object.
2. Asset condition monitoring: The condition and performance of linear assets can be monitored in real-time. This can be achieved through either Measuring Points to specify the type of inspection, or IoT sensors installed on assets to collect data on their performance, such as temperature, pressure, and vibration. This data can be analyzed using SAP’s analytics tools to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
3. Maintenance planning and scheduling: A properly configured maintenance setup allows technicians to monitor linear asset conditions, identify damage or defects using the start point, end point, offset, and manage all types of maintenance tasks (planned, unplanned, and preventative).
4. Object Network: Object Links can be used to show links that exist between various technical objects or systems (pieces of equipment or functional locations). For example, such links exist between production units alone, between production systems and supply systems, and between supply and disposal systems. An object network can be represented using object links. Object networks allow you to structure technical systems horizontally.

All-in-all, if used correctly, SAP can be a powerful tool for effective linear asset management in the power network, providing real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, and efficient workflows for maintenance, inventory, and workforce management.

Use case: SAP LAM for the power network 

For power network operators, SAP Linear Asset Management can be used to manage and maintain the assets associated with their power transmission and distribution networks.

A complex asset structure can be created in SAP Linear Asset Management (LAM):

• Linear Assets, such as power lines and towers, can be registered as Technical Objects in SAP. The relevant geodesic information, precise tower location, their types, and the span between them are added as Linear Data.  
• Supporting components within each span (e.g., insulators, vibration dampers, earthing systems) are included in the Technical Structure.  
• Cable lines, including configuration, sequence, and location of underground or overground sections (e.g., cable protection, clamps, joints) are registered accordingly.  

The Technical Objects structure in SAP shows what linear assets within the power network exist. SAP LAM enables users to easily identify characteristics of each asset, such as length, locations, start and end points, etc.  

Based on proper maintenance set-up in SAP, the following event data (short circuit, inspection reports, repair, replacement, procurement, work orders) is processed for all the assets mentioned.  

The work performed on power lines may span multiple shifts. SAP LAM enables recording of precise start and end points, allowing teams to track completed work accurately. The next shift can resume activities exactly where the previous one stopped. 

One great functionality of graphical reporting is that it allows the user to have an overview of the object network in SAP and check all objects, their lengths, and positions. All object links, notifications, work orders, and measurement documents are consolidated within the network report.  

Overall, SAP Linear Asset Management is a valuable tool for power network operators to improve asset management, maintenance, and performance of their power transmission and distribution networks. 

Linear Asset Management with Keel Solution 

Linear Asset Management in SAP is a critical tool for organizations managing linear infrastructure. By providing a comprehensive asset overview and enabling better planning and executing maintenance activities, the LAM module in SAP helps organizations improve their asset utilization and reduce maintenance costs.  

“SAP Linear Asset Management helps organizations manage their linear assets such as power lines, pipelines, railways, roads, etc. With the set of SAP tools, organizations can optimize their asset performance, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.” 

Tetiana Holovchak, SAP Data Management specialist at Keel Solution

Keel Solution is a leading provider of SAP consulting services, specializing in Linear Asset Management. Our team of experts can help your organization implement SAP’s LAM solution, customize and tailor it to your specific needs, and provide ongoing support to ensure you get the most out of your Linear Asset Management and solutions that work for you. 

“Storing all your information in an ERP system provides reliable power network dispatching, maintenance, and fast troubleshooting. This can massively benefit work teams who conduct periodical all-length line inspections/repairs, operators and dispatchers who need a full overview of the network, and procurement to acquire and supply spare parts.” 

Serhii Dmytryk, Senior Engineer at Keel Solutions

Why Choose Keel Solution?

I. Expertise: Our consultants bring years of experience in SAP Linear Asset Management and a proven track record, having helped numerous organizations implement the SAP module. We can provide you with the expertise you need to fully utilize your SAP tools.  

II. Customization: The Linear Asset Management module in SAP is highly customizable. We can work with you to tailor the tool to your specific needs, adding new asset types or modifying data fields as necessary.  

III. Ongoing Support: Our consultants will provide ongoing support to your unique situation. We will work with you to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for optimizing the tool.  

IV. Cost-Effective: Our services are cost-effective, ensuring that you get the best value for your investment. We offer a range of services, including implementation, customization, and support, and can tailor our services to fit your budget.  

Our experts support Linear Asset Management not only in SAP but also in other CMMS platforms such as IFS. We help organizations better manage linear assets and improve their bottom line.

If you are looking for a trusted partner to help you implement the Linear Asset Management module in your CMMS, customize it to your specific needs, and provide ongoing support, Keel Solution is ready to assist!  

Want to know more about how Keel Solution can help you in your specific Linear Asset Management use cases? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the most out of this critical tool!