Information technologies implementation and organizational behavior: An asset management perspective

The rate of automation in managing engineering and infrastructure asset has gained momentum since the turn of the century. Introduction of information technologies to manage assets lifecycle, however, is fundamentally disruptive, one that requires effective change management to enable it to gain optimum advantage from the use of technology. It poses a substantial change in organizations that involves a break from existing routines and a shift to new kinds of competencies that challenge, complement, and enhance organizational knowledge. Implementation of technology is multi dimensional and its successful implementation depends on a variety of factors. Apart from the obvious issues of standardization and integration of new technology with the existing technological infrastructure, there are many human, social, and cultural issues that impede optimal utilisation of technology. Change management, therefore, is critical to smooth transition and institutionalisation of technology in the organisation. This paper reports findings of an Australian study and concludes that implementation of information technologies for asset management is a humanistic process and is shaped by human action and interpretation.