ServiceNow vs. IBM Maximo: Why ServiceNow Is the Stronger Choice for Asset Tracking in Manufacturing

In the modern manufacturing landscape, efficient asset tracking is no longer an option but a competitive necessity. Organizations must ensure real-time visibility into equipment performance, maintenance schedules, and compliance requirements to minimize downtime and optimize operations. Traditionally, IBM Maximo has been a go-to system for enterprise asset management (EAM). However, in recent years, ServiceNow for manufacturing has emerged as a powerful, more agile alternative that better aligns with the pace and complexity of modern manufacturing environments.

We will compare the two platforms and explore why organizations are turning to ServiceNow for asset tracking in manufacturing.

Quick Comparison of ServiceNow and IBM Maximo:

1. Unified Platform vs. Siloed Tools

• Maximo: IBM Maximo has long been respected for asset management in manufacturing. But its structure can feel siloed, requiring multiple modules or integrations to achieve full lifecycle visibility. This can lead to fragmented data, slower reporting, and higher costs to maintain the system.
• ServiceNow: ServiceNow’s asset management strength lies in its single data model across the entire platform. With ServiceNow for manufacturing, organizations can manage asset tracking, configuration management, incident handling, change management, and even predictive maintenance data in one unified environment. This eliminates duplicate data entry, streamlines workflows, and provides a 360-degree view of assets and their related processes. 

2. Speed of Implementation & Flexibility

• Maximo: Implementing Maximo in a manufacturing setting can be a lengthy and highly customized process, often requiring dedicated development teams to tailor the platform to the organization’s specific needs. This can slow down time-to-value.
• ServiceNow: ServiceNow’s low-code/no-code configuration tools make it faster and easier to stand up asset tracking workflows. Manufacturers can quickly adapt the platform to new processes or regulatory changes without heavy custom coding, which significantly reduces both deployment time and ongoing support costs.

3. Integration with Enterprise Systems

• Maximo: While Maximo offers integrations, they often require specialized middleware or complex connectors. This can complicate communication between ERP, MES, and other enterprise systems.
• ServiceNow: With its robust integration hub and REST API framework, ServiceNow seamlessly connects with ERP systems (like SAP), IoT sensors, and manufacturing execution systems (MES). This real-time data exchange allows manufacturers to see asset performance metrics alongside financial and operational data, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

4. User Experience & Adoption

• Maximo: Users often mention a dated interface that can be cumbersome for non-technical staff. Training overhead can be high, especially for plant-floor employees.
• ServiceNow: ServiceNow is known for its modern, intuitive interface — an important factor in driving adoption among frontline teams. Mobile-friendly design and personalized dashboards empower maintenance crews, supervisors, and executives alike to simplify ServiceNow asset tracking, driving higher ROI and obtaining information with minimal friction.

5. Predictive and Preventive Maintenance Capabilities

• Maximo: While Maximo offers strong preventive maintenance scheduling, advanced predictive capabilities often require third-party tools or additional modules.
• ServiceNow: With AI/ML-powered ServiceNow for predictive asset maintenance in manufacturing, organizations move from reactive to proactive operations. By reducing downtime and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), ServiceNow asset management delivers measurable impact. ServiceNow integrates AI/ML out of the box (e.g., Predictive AIOps and Performance Analytics) to help manufacturers move from reactive to predictive maintenance. This helps reduce downtime, extend asset life, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

6. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

• Maximo: Licensing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance costs can accumulate quickly due to the complexity of the platform and the need for specialized resources.
• ServiceNow: By leveraging a single platform with built-in workflow automation and easy customization, ServiceNow asset tracking often lowers TCO over the long term. Fewer third-party tools and less time spent on system administration translate directly to savings.

Conclusion: A Modern Solution for a Modern Challenge

IBM Maximo has served as a trusted asset management platform for decades, but manufacturing environments today demand a more flexible, integrated, and user-friendly solution. ServiceNow for manufacturing delivers all three with its unified data model, low-code adaptability, seamless integrations, and predictive analytics capabilities. 

As organizations continue to embrace Industry 4.0 technologies, from IoT sensors to advanced analytics, ServiceNow provides the scalability and agility needed to stay ahead. By investing in a platform that unifies asset tracking with the broader enterprise ecosystem, manufacturers can reduce downtime, control costs, and gain the real-time insights necessary to drive operational excellence.

Why Choose Jade Global for ServiceNow Implementation?

1. Deep Manufacturing and Industry Expertise: Jade Global brings extensive experience in manufacturing processes and specific industry regulations. This allows manufacturing organizations to tailor ServiceNow solutions that truly address the unique challenges and opportunities within their operational environment, from the shop floor to the top floor.

2. Proven Track Record and Accelerated Deployment: Jade Global has a proven track record of successfully implementing ServiceNow across various industries. By leveraging best practices and pre-built accelerators, we can significantly reduce deployment time and risk. Our methodical approach guarantees a seamless transition and a quicker return on investment. End-to-End Service and Continuous Improvement.  Jade Global provides ongoing optimization, integration with current systems (ERP, MES, IoT), training, and other comprehensive support after initial implementation. This dedication ensures your ServiceNow platform grows with your company, optimizing its long-term advantages and supporting continuous improvement efforts.

For more information on implementing ServiceNow asset tracking and management in manufacturing, contact the Jade Global team today.