Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025)

Overview of Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025)

The IAM’s Self Assessment Methodology+ (SAM+) has been comprehensively reviewed, updated and enhanced to align with the latest asset management standards and the evolving global asset management environment.

Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025) is now available in two variants, designed for:

The development of SAM2025 has gone beyond a simple technical refresh. It has been informed by extensive research into the real-world use of SAM+, exploring how organizations and individuals use the tool, how its application varies across sectors and regions, where customized or hybrid models have emerged, and how the asset management landscape has evolved over the past decade.

 

Key features of SAM2025

SAM2025 has been developed to: 

  • Be applicable across all sectors and geographies.
  • Enable assessment of capability against ISO 55001:2024.
  • Complement certification to ISO 55001:2024
  • Allow organizations to asset their ‘core’ asset management maturity (Levels 0-3) against the 40 subject areas of the IAM’s Asset Management Anatomy v4.
  • Support assessment of ‘higher’ asset management maturity (Levels 4-5) using the IAM’s Conceptual 10-Box Model.
  • Enable organizations to (optionally) share and compare capability with industry peers or stakeholders. 
  • Facilitate the identification of best practice and the development of targeted improvement plans.
  • Enable organizations to track and demonstrate continuous improvement in their asset management systems.

 

Using SAM2025

ISO 55001 tool

The SAM2025 ISO 55001 tool enables organizations to evaluate their capabilities against the requirements of ISO 55001:2024. Reference to this standard and its supporting documentation is essential.

This Microsoft Excel-based tool includes:

  • User guidance notes for applying SAM2025 ISO 55001.
  • A generic maturity scale based on the scale developed by the IAM Maturity Group displaying results on a scale of 0 to 3 (the level of compliance with ISO 55001). Note: The scale also allows for greater scores to be recorded ‘beyond’ ISO 55001 compliance requirements.
  • Structured questions and sub questions covering every shall statement contained within the 31 clauses and sub-clauses of ISO 55001:2024.
  • A simple question-specific evidence box for capturing, listing, and cross-referencing documentation and assessment evidence, plus a consolidated evidence tab.
  • A ‘why statement’ and ‘question-specific guidance’ to assist assessors in consistent and accurate scoring.

 

IAM Asset Management Anatomy (AMA) tool

The SAM2025 AMA tool enables assessment of organizational capability against the 40 subject areas defined in the IAM Anatomy v4 document. Reference to this publication is essential.

This Microsoft Excel-based tool includes:

  • A list of acronyms and user guidance notes for applying SAM2025 AMA.
  • Subject definitions for each of the 40 subject areas, taken directly from the GFMAM Asset Management Landscape v3.
  • A ‘generic’ maturity scale based on the scale developed by the IAM Maturity Group displaying results on a scale of 0 to 5.
  • Focused ‘core’ maturity questions (Levels 0 to 3), aligned with the IAM Pathway to Excellence document, to assess against the 40 subject areas of the IAM Anatomy v4.
  • Focused ‘higher’ maturity questions (Levels 4 to 5), drawn from the IAM Pathway to Excellence document, to assess against the IAM Conceptual 10-Box Model.
  • A simple question-specific evidence box for capturing, listing, and cross-referencing documentation and assessment evidence, plus a consolidated evidence tab.
  • A list of typical artifacts relevant to each subject area.

 

Internal or third-party assessment?

Both SAM2025 tools can be used for internal/self-assessment or for third-party assessment.

The IAM believes that independent third-party certification is only of value to an organization if its stakeholders value that certificate of conformance. True value comes from absorbing the philosophy of asset management and implementing an appropriate management system that ensures consistent practice. For many organizations, including large, international ones, internal or self-assessment may therefore be more appropriate approach.

 

Assessment requirements

The scope of an asset management assessment should reflect the scope of an organization’s asset management system. Further guidance on defining the scope of an asset management system can be found in Section 7.3.3 of the IAM’s Asset Management – an anatomy, Version 4, July 2024.

Effective use of SAM2025 requires a minimum level of asset management knowledge and understanding. The IAM endorses the competency specification agreed by the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM) and recommends ensuring assessors meet this level, whether assessments are internal or external.

For organizations opting for third-party assessment, the IAM recommends using its directory of IAM Endorsed Assessors.

Note: It has come to our attention that some organizations not endorsed by the IAM have claimed to offer certification or assessment ‘approved’ by the IAM. This is incorrect. The IAM Endorsed Assessor Scheme was created specifically to identify providers with verified expertise in asset management.

 

Background

SAM2025 enables assessment against both ISO 55001:2024 and the 40 subject areas of the IAM Anatomy V4. It does not replace the previous SAM+, which remains available as a legacy version for organizations wishing to continue assessments aligned with PAS 55, ISO 55001:2014, and Anatomy v2.

 

Download the Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025)

The Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025) tools are now available in two variants, and are available to IAM paying members, or employees of an organization who are a member of the IAM. Login to your IAM account to access the tools through the knowledge library. Once logged in, you will be able to access the tools here: Self Assessment Methodology 2025 (SAM2025).


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