As organizations look to modernize asset management, many are planning the transition from IBM Maximo Asset Management (MAM) to the IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS). This is more than a typical software upgrade. At a high level, MAS introduces a new cloud-native platform that uses AI, real-time monitoring, and modular licensing and app bundling to deliver smarter asset performance management.
The opportunity to transition to MAS comes with complexity. Organizations must rethink how they license, host, configure, and use Maximo. A successful move to from MAM to MAS requires planning beyond the IT department. It touches data, processes, people, and the long-term digital strategy. Here’s what to consider before making the move.
MAS is built to run in a modern cloud environment (like AWS, Azure, or Red Hat OpenShift). It doesn’t run the same way as old Maximo. Your IT team or partner will need to be ready for that. If you're considering on-premise hosting, know that it requires OpenShift expertise and a different level of system administration compared to legacy Maximo.
Instead of buying one product, MAS uses "FlexPoints," aka a licensing metric that allows users to allocate a single pool of FlexPoints across different software components. The idea if to switch usage between products in a bundle without losing investment. To determine what’s needed, map current technology to what the organization will need in MAS. Carefully model the expected usage to avoid underestimating the points you’ll need, and review IBM’s licensing tiers in detail. Some capabilities that were bundled in legacy Maximo may now be licensed separately.
Customizations like special reports, workflows, or integrations in Maximo may not carry over easily. Some customizations may need to be redesigned or replaced. Conduct a full inventory of customizations early and evaluate whether each one is still necessary or if native MAS capabilities now cover that function.
Old, duplicate, or inconsistent data will cause issues in MAS. Use the upgrade as a chance to clean and organize existing data. MAS’s AI and analytics capabilities are only as good as the data fed to them. Focus on standardizing asset hierarchies, normalizing codes, and resolving inconsistencies in failure data. Clean data will also help during testing, as workflows and performance analytics rely heavily on structured input.
The screens and processes in MAS look and feel different. Maintenance staff, planners, and IT users will all need training to use it effectively. Even experienced Maximo users may experience a learning curve. Create tailored training for different user groups, and plan for refresher sessions post go-live.
It’s smart to test the new system in one part of the organization before going live everywhere. A phased rollout reduces risk and supports learning. Choose a site or department with strong leadership and clear use cases. Use the pilot phase to test real-world processes, uncover gaps, and refine configuration. Document lessons learned during the pilot to apply during broader rollout.
MAS affects many departments. Make sure stakeholders, from maintenance to procurement, understand what’s changing and why. Start with leadership alignment, then cascade messages through department champions. Set clear expectations and share benefits early to frame the change as a value-add rather than a disruption.
IBM regularly adds features to MAS, especially around AI and mobile capabilities. Stay current so as not to miss out on new value. New modules and enhancements are released frequently, and some may directly benefit your use case. Assign someone to monitor IBM release notes and updates. Staying proactive can help organizations adopt new capabilities before they become industry standard.
Upgrading to MAS is a good opportunity to modernize asset management processes and see AI-powered insights. But it’s not just a software switch. It’s really a larger shift in how an organization thinks about assets, data, and operations.
Start by assessing organization readiness, cleaning up data, engaging stakeholders, and building a solid plan. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be in a strong position to take advantage of what MAS has to offer.
At Trenegy, we help organizations navigate software migrations and evolving technology needs by guiding them through system selection, implementation, and long-term adoption. For more information, email info@trenegy.com.
Trenegy is a non-traditional consulting firm based in Houston, Texas.