Standards, Landscape, Framework, or Anatomy — Which Document Should You Start With?

You want to understand Asset Management so someone hands you a reading list: ISO 55000, ISO 55001, the Asset Management Landscape, the AMBoK Framework, the IAM Asset Management Anatomy. "Start here," they say. But where exactly is "here"?

In fact, the first thing to do is to understand why each of these documents exist.

Multiple Lenses, One Subject

The asset management body of knowledge isn't a single document—it's a library. And before you can know where to start, you need to understand how the various documents fit together. They're not arranged in a strict hierarchy. Think of them as different lenses on the same subject, each offering a perspective that helps build the complete picture.

The Standards: Where the Requirements Live

ISO 55000 gives you the overview—what an asset management system is and why it matters.

ISO 55001 is where the requirements are found - the "shall" statements you get audited against. If you're implementing or certifying an asset management system, this is non-negotiable reading.

There are additional standards in the ISO 5500x series offering guidance on specific topics—useful depending on what you need.

The Landscape: Because AM Won't Fit in a Standard

ISO standards follow a mandatory structure, and asset management is too broad to squeeze into it alone. That's why the GFMAM produced the Asset Management Landscape - covering 40 subjects that flesh out what the standards can only touch on. If you're pursuing certification, you need to know and understand the standards and the Landscape.

The Frameworks and Anatomy: Making It Accessible

The Standards and the AM Landscape are key, but because they are very structured documents, they may not be the best option to start with if you are new to Asset Management.

There are several general Asset Management Frameworks that are designed to make AM concepts accessible through diagrams and conversational language.  An example is the AMBoK AM Framework published by the Asset Management Council of Australia.  It includes a number of diagrams depicting AM from a conceptual, systems, and execution viewpoint.  Of note is their Capability Delivery Diagram which provides an excellent pictorial summary of the lifecycle of an asset. 

The Asset Management Anatomy published by the Institute of Asset Management (UK) also includes a well-used pictorial model to help communicate the scope of AM.  It is notable in that it covers all 40 Landscape subjects in arguably a more digestible tone than the AM Landscape.

Many organisations also develop their own Organisation AM Framework, designed to communicate to members of that organisation “How AM is implemented here”.  For someone who just needs to understand how AM works in their organisation, that might be the perfect starting point.

Match Your Situation to the Right Document

Once you understand how the documents relate to each other, the next question is: where are you, and what do you need? Someone building an asset management system from scratch has different needs than someone trying to understand where maintenance fits in the bigger picture. The right starting point depends on your situation—but you can only make that choice when you can see how the pieces fit together.

The Real Question

Before you pick up another document, ask yourself: do I understand how the standards, landscape, and frameworks relate to each other? Do I know where I am and what I'm trying to achieve? The answer to those questions tells you where to start.

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The Asset Management College delivers practical training that bridges the gap between asset management theory and real-world practice. From foundational concepts through to advanced methodologies like RCM, our courses are designed for professionals who want to build genuine capability—not just tick a box.

Ready to see the complete picture? info@theamcollege.com.au  |  www.theamcollege.com.au