Asset Integrity Management Systems (AIMS) outline the ability of an asset to perform its required function effectively and efficiently whilst protecting health, safety and the environment and the means of ensuring that the people, systems, processes, and resources that deliver integrity are in place, in use and will perform when required over the whole life-cycle of the asset.
Originally developed in the UK, Asset Integrity Management was the result of a collaboration between the HSE and leading oil and gas operators resulting in a series of reports (Belfry Report) and workshops, the outcome being a group of documents called Key Programmes (KP Series), currently publicly available.
Inspections, auditing/assurance and overall quality processes are just some of the tools designed to make an integrity management system effective.
[1] Under the operational phase of the life cycle, the asset integrity, for example in the oil and gas industry can be divided into disciplines based on equipment categories: The AIMS should also endeavour to maintain the asset in a fit-for-service condition while extending its remaining life in the most reliable, safe, and cost-effective manner.
Asset Integrity management improves plant reliability and safety whilst reducing unplanned maintenance and repair costs.