From digital disappointment to measurable technology ROI

Over the years, digital transformation in asset maintenance has promised a lot: better visibility, streamlined work, evidence-based decisions, and higher performance. In many ways, the promise made sense, especially in asset-intensive industries where efficiency, uptime, and cost control are critical.

But in practice, it seems that many asset maintenance teams have been left underwhelmed.

According to Mainstream’s 2025 State of Asset Management Report, 83% of industrial businesses have invested in digital asset management tools. Yet only 34% report achieving their expected return on investment. That gap between expectation and reality is growing.

In this article, we take a look at what’s getting in the way and provides steps asset intensive organisations can take to ensure digital transformation projects and implemented solutions meeting expectations and ROI.

What’s leading to digital disappointment

1. Undisciplined digital strategies

Over the past decade, many asset-intensive organisations have introduced a mix of digital tools to modernise their maintenance operations - everything from CMMS and EAM platforms to condition monitoring software. These are often deployed in isolation, with different departments or sites choosing tools based on local needs. The result? No overarching digital strategy and little if any standardisation.

When teams use different platforms, training becomes harder, data becomes less reliable, and improvements are difficult to scale. What emerges is a fragmented technology landscape marked by limited integration, inconsistent usage, data overload, and unclear connections between digital activity and business outcomes.

In contrast, the organisations seeing real results from digital maintenance tools aren’t chasing features, they’re aligning technology with operational goals. These organisations invest in technology partnerships - working in collaboration with vendors to implement tools that are fit for purpose, easy to adopt, scalable across the business, and importantly, capable of integrating seamlessly with existing business systems. The focus is on creating a cohesive, efficient ecosystem, not just adding another platform.

2. More tools but less clarity

Many organisations are cautious about consolidating tools, but concerned that relying too heavily on one or a few platforms could introduce risk. The belief that putting “all the eggs in one basket” is dangerous and remains common. However, the greater risk often lies in the opposite approach.

Using too many disconnected platforms can lead to digital clutter that slows teams down, fragments workflows, and introduces data integrity issues. It also makes it harder for decision-makers to get a clear, timely view of what’s happening in the field.

Many maintenance leaders find themselves navigating multiple systems to piece together a complete view of maintenance performance, teams and assets.

A technician might check the CMMS for maintenance history, switch to a separate condition monitoring system for vibration data, then dig through the document management system for technical specifications.

What began as a drive to modernise has, in many cases, turned into a source of inefficiency and frustration.

3. Sunk-cost thinking blocking smarter technology choices

Holding onto underperforming systems because of past investment is a common but costly mistake. Sunk costs, whether time, money, or effort already spent, should not dictate future decisions.

Continuing with digital tools that are outdated, difficult to use, slow the team down, or no longer align with operational goals only compounds the issue. A fresh, objective review often reveals that consolidating or replacing certain tools will lead to better performance, lower costs, and faster returns.

How to simplify the tech landscape and achieve ROI

Don’t procure more software - partner with your technology vendor

Effective work management is the foundation of asset management excellence. Yet many organisations still struggle with the planning, scheduling, and execution disciplines that underpin maintenance efficiency. There is still significant room for improvement.

But procuring more maintenance software or tools is not the silver bullet - but rather you should work with a technology solution partner that understands maintenance strategy, how to bring it to life and how frontline maintenance teams work.

The right technology solution partner does more than deliver a tool. They will collaborate with you from the outset, helping shape, implement, and embed a work management system that fits your organisation’s goals, processes, and existing platforms.

Look for a partner who helps plan and implement a system that integrates seamlessly with your business platforms, simplifying your technology landscape and removing complexity.

How can Obzervr help?

Obzervr’s Digital Work Management Solution is the leading end-to-end fieldwork automation and mobility solution that moves maintenance teams from paperwork and admin to digital work execution and performance.

We understand maintenance strategy and how to operationalise it through technology and automation.

Our approach starts by reviewing your existing digital landscape. We then configure a solution aligned to your goals, designed to support frontline teams, and integrated with your core systems.

In many cases, Obzervr replaces fragmented tools with a single, connected platform, bringing everything together, without sacrificing flexibility.

The result? Consistent execution, cleaner workflows, unparalleled visibility, and measurable ROI.

What to learn more?

‍SEE US AT:
Join us at the 2025 Mainstream Conference, 28-29 July 2025 in Melbourne, Australia - come and speak to our team on booth P2.

CONTACT US:
Book a 30min Discovery Session, or Contact our team to explore how Obzervr can help improve safety and drive culture change.

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