MAS 9 Adoption: What Goes Wrong (and How to Get It Right)

By info@electralearning.comMaximo

It’s tempting to think the hardest part of rolling out IBM Maximo is choosing the right provider. But that’s just the beginning. The real challenge, and the real opportunity, lies in how you introduce Maximo to your workforce. Done right, it can transform asset performance. Done wrong, it can stall progress before it starts. 

In this blog, we discuss five common pitfalls to avoid when adopting Maximo Application Suite (MAS) 9. 

1. Treating Maximo as “just another IT project” 

Maximo may be software, but its impact goes far beyond IT. When organisations hand the reins solely to the tech team, they risk missing the bigger picture: this is a people first transformation. 

MAS 9 is packed with powerful tools, from AI driven assistants to predictive maintenance. But none of it matters if your teams aren’t engaged. The most successful rollouts start by involving users early, building buy in, and showing how Maximo will make their jobs easier, not harder. 

2. Thinking one training session is enough 

Maximo isn’t a plug and play tool. It changes how people work, how data is managed, and how decisions are made. That means training can’t be a one-off event, it needs to be continuous, tailored, and embedded into your culture. 

We still see companies relying on a single external session and a few handouts. The result? Confused users, inconsistent data, and missed opportunities. MAS 9 introduces new applications like Maintenance Cost Insights (MCI) and Asset Investment Planning (AIP). These require new ways of thinking, not just new clicks. 

3. Overloading “Super Users” without support 

Let’s be honest, being a Super User often means being thrown in at the deep end. They’re expected to master the system and train everyone else, often without proper guidance or time. 

Even with the best intentions, this approach leads to uneven knowledge across the organisation. Some users thrive, others flounder. Instead, invest in structured training programmes that support all users, not just the “super” ones, and build consistent capability across the board. 

4. Waiting too long to engage your workforce 

In busy organisations, it’s easy to delay engagement until just before go live. But that’s a recipe for resistance. People need time to understand the change, ask questions, and feel confident. 

MAS 9 is a leap forward in functionality, and it deserves a rollout that reflects that. Early engagement helps build a culture of innovation and adaptability, one that embraces change rather than fears it. 

5. Focusing on tech instead of people and processes 

Maximo is a powerful platform, but it’s only as good as the people using it. Successful adoption means aligning your people, processes, and data. When those three elements work together, you unlock insights that reduce downtime, improve planning, and drive performance. 

MAS 9 AI enhancements, SaaS based add ons, and expanded industry solutions are game changers, but only if your teams are ready to use them. That’s why Electra puts people at the heart of every Maximo project.  

Contact our team to see how our Maximo training and change services can support you through the transition to MAS 9: https://www.electralearning.com/ibm-maximo/  

Sources and Further Reading 

IBM Resources 

Industry Best Practice 

Electra Learning Resources