From Fragmented Data to Smarter Operations: AI’s Role in Modern Asset Management
Armonk, NY (May 27, 2026) – Artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful enabler of asset management but only when paired with trusted data, clear governance, and strong organizational change. That message resonated during a recent IBM-hosted discussion that brought together asset management leaders from public and private sector organizations to share practical experiences with AI‑enabled asset management.
Participants emphasized that AI is not a quick fix, but a long‑term accelerator of established practices. Denzil Solomon, VP Emerging Technology, Thought Leader and Advisor at FAHM Technology, underscored the importance of patience and strategy: “AI is in it for the long term, just like asset management,” he noted. “You might see quick gains, but the real value builds over time.”
For municipalities, early investments in enterprise asset management have already delivered measurable benefits. Jennifer Wrzala, Business Analyst and innovative thinker with the City of Cambridge, reflected on her organization’s journey: “Right away, we started seeing benefits,” she said. “We went from everyone speaking different languages about the same assets to having one common language and one system.”
Reliable data surfaced as a consistent theme throughout the discussion. Participants repeatedly highlighted that technology alone cannot compensate for weak foundations. Without accurate, standardized asset data, organizations struggle to trust insights and act on them with confidence.
Workforce challenges also featured prominently. As experienced employees retire and turnover increases, asset owners are turning to digital platforms and AI to capture institutional knowledge before it is lost. That expertise can be then embedded directly into day-to-day operations.
“Asset management is the glue that pulls the chaos together. It connects people, process, and technology,” added Denzil Solomon.
Roop Lutchman, Principal Advisor at ROLU INC. and a certified Asset Management Professional, shared perspectives from across sectors, noting that organizations with strong foundations are best positioned to realize value from AI. When data and processes are aligned, AI can help teams identify risk, improve reliability, and support better planning decisions.
With stronger foundations in place, organizations are beginning to explore more advanced AI use cases. These include visual inspections using cameras, feedback loops that connect maintenance outcomes to asset design, and AI‑assisted planning and scheduling.
Canadian organizations are facing mounting infrastructure demands and constrained resources. The discussion underscored a clear conclusion: when grounded in strong fundamentals, AI can help asset‑intensive organizations move faster, work smarter, and unlock long‑term value.
Learn more about IBM’s AI solution for asset management at www.ibm.com/products/maximo.
About IBM
IBM (NYSE: IBM) is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com.
Source: IBM