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The APM Readiness Gap: Why Most Programs Stall Before They Start

Ever watched an APM initiative die on the vine, technology in place but no impact to show? You are not alone. The real reason most Asset Performance Management (APM) programs falter is not the software. It is the readiness gap lurking beneath the surface. Let’s look at why so many organizations fall short and how to overcome it.

The Core Problem: APM Readiness Is Not Technological, It Is Organizational

Many teams leap into APM implementation believing that once the tool is live, value will flow automatically. In reality, without alignment across data governance, workflows, culture, and change management, APM tools often sit idle. Without readiness, even the smartest analytics will not lead to better decisions or measurable outcomes.

Reframing the Stakes: Why Readiness Drives Success

A few simple truths:

Data quality is foundational:

Canadian utilities found their APM dashboards were unreliable because sensor data lacked consistency and format standards. High-quality data underpins trustworthy insights.

Cross-functional alignment is essential:

APM cannot live solely in maintenance. Operations, IT/OT, and leadership must share goals, KPIs, and ownership for true impact.

Culture eats technology for breakfast:

Even the most powerful tool fails if operators do not trust its outputs or cannot act on them. Adoption depends on trust and usability.

Crucial Readiness Elements and Where Most Programs Falter

Readiness Element

Pitfall to Watch For

Data and Governance

Incomplete, siloed, or inconsistent OT/Maintenance data

Process Integration

Tools deployed in isolation instead of embedded in decision flows

Cross-Functional Buy-in

IT-led projects without operational co-ownership

Capability Building

No operator training to interpret or trust predictive results

Change Management

Lack of communication and stakeholder alignment

How Dexcent Helps Close the Readiness Gap

1. Data Strategy and OT Integration

We create coherent, reliable data structures from OT sources to APM platforms so your analytics are genuinely actionable.

2. Embedding APM into Operational Flows

Dashboards are not destinations. Operational tools are. Dexcent tailors workflows so insights translate into action, whether on the plant floor or in the boardroom.

3. Building Trust with Operators

Our change-management-first approach prioritizes communication, training, and transparency. We help operators progress from “what is this?” to “where is my ROI?”

4. Cross-Functional Enablement

We foster co-ownership across maintenance, operations, IT, and leadership, aligning objectives and accelerating adoption.

5. Structured Implementation Journey

From readiness assessment to pilot, scale, and optimization, our phased rollout ensures sustainability and value realization.

Not sure where your APM program stands today?

Our APM Readiness Assessment pinpoints strengths, uncovers hidden gaps, and provides a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.

Take the APM Readiness Assessment

Final Thoughts

Installing APM technology is not enough. Without the groundwork of data rigour, culture readiness, and integrated workflows, most programs stall before they deliver. True readiness is about people, processes, and shared purpose as much as technology.

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Sarah Burghardt

CPHR President

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Sarah Burghardt is the President of Dexcent, responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the organization, enabling strong execution across teams and delivering exceptional value to customers. With a track record of building high-performing teams and strengthening delivery capability, she has been an integral part of Dexcent’s growth and evolution. Sarah is known for a leadership style grounded in authenticity, clarity, and collaboration, consistently embodying Dexcent’s core values of Integrity, Care, and Excellence. She brings experience spanning executive leadership, consulting, and business operations, helping organizations align people and priorities to achieve meaningful outcomes. 

Andrew Capper

Vice President of Industrial Digital Transformation

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Andrew Capper is Vice President of Industrial Digital Transformation at Dexcent, helping industrial organizations improve data-driven decision-making by optimizing the data journey, reuniting siloed information, and delivering a trustworthy version of the truth.

With more than 25 years of experience, he is known as a results-driven leader who delivers on commitments and tackles complex information management challenges with a practical, human-centric approach. His work spans digital transformation strategy and roadmaps, governance, digital maturity assessments, and performance measurement through clear KPIs and metrics. Andrew is a NAIT graduate with training in Instrumentation Engineering Technology and Security Systems, and he brings a strong focus on safer, more effective operations from data producers through to data consumers

Nader Asgharinia

MP, P.Eng.

Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications.

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Nader Asgharinia, PMP, P.Eng., is Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications at Dexcent, leading the delivery of complex, mission-critical solutions with a clear focus on client experience and operational excellence. With more than 30 years in business execution and over 25 years managing multi-million-dollar programs for mission-critical and SCADA systems, he brings a pragmatic, delivery-at-scale approach to every engagement. Nader is recognized for building high-performing teams, driving disciplined portfolio execution, and delivering measurable business outcomes, including significant growth in program portfolios and team capacity over time. He holds a B.Sc.(Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Type in the UK, a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Calgary, completed Georgetown University’s Director’s Program, is a Professional Engineer in Alberta, and a Project Management Professional.

Gerrit Nel

CISSP, CISM – Vice President of OT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Services

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Tobias (Gerrit) Nel, CISSP, CISM, is Vice President of OT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Services at Dexcent, leading the development and delivery of practical services and solutions that integrate, complement, or replace OT infrastructure and protect OT assets from cyber threats. He is known for building resilient security frameworks, governance processes, and integrated solutions that reduce risk and support compliance across diverse industries. Gerrit has over 40 years of relevant IT/OT experience and has built and delivered highly skilled and high-performance delivery teams. His strengths include Cyber Security roadmaps, security architecture, incident response, and alignment to standards such as IEC 62443, NIST, and NERC CIP. Furthermore, he has deep foundational technical experience in Networking and OT infrastructure systems architectures that he leverages in building and leading successful delivery teams. Gerrit holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Johannesburg and brings deep cross-sector experience supporting clients in oil and gas, mining, chemical, healthcare, financial, and government environments.

Jaydeep Deshpande

P.Eng. – Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)

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Jaydeep Deshpande, P.Eng., is Chief Strategy Officer at Dexcent, where he helps shape the company’s future by connecting strategy, innovation, and execution. Having led Dexcent as President for six years, he combines 28 years of experience with a deep understanding of what it takes to scale a business while staying true to its culture and purpose.
 
Known for his people-first leadership and ability to navigate complex transformation, Jaydeep plays a central role in advancing Dexcent’s strategic priorities, strengthening key relationships, and unlocking new growth opportunities. He brings a disciplined yet human approach to change, aligning teams, accelerating growth, and ensuring the organization evolves with clarity and intent. He is passionate about building strong teams, fostering a culture grounded in integrity, care, and excellence, and positioning Dexcent to create lasting value for its customers, people, and partners.
 
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Alberta, is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and a Project Management Professional (PMP), and completed the CMA Accelerated Accounting Program, complemented with more than 20 years of financial management expertise.

Karim Amarshi

Chairman of the Board

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Karim Amarshi is Chair of Dexcent’s Board of Directors, providing governance leadership and strategic oversight to support the company’s long-term strategy and executive team. With nearly 40 years as an entrepreneur and owner-operator, he is recognized for building high-performance organizations and forging strategic alliances across Information Technology, government, health care, education, and energy. He is the former co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s leading enterprise Information Technology solution providers, where he led the organization through three successful mergers and helped scale long-term client and vendor partnerships. Karim remains active across a diverse business portfolio, serving as a founding principal, officer, and advisor to organizations spanning Information Technology, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and real estate in Canada and internationally.

Yasmin Jivraj

FCIPS, I.S.P. | Board Member

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Yasmin Jivraj, FCIPS, I.S.P., is a Board Member at Dexcent, providing executive guidance and strategic oversight to support corporate management and long-term business direction. Over a 35-year career, she has held senior leadership roles across private, public, and non-profit organizations, with a track record of building operating foundations and driving profitable growth. Following a 15-year tenure as a co-owner and President of one of Canada’s leading strategic Information Technology solution providers, she expanded her governance leadership through active board service in post-secondary education and community-focused organizations. She is recognized for decisive, purpose-led leadership, clear communication, and deep expertise in technology, business models, and methodologies that help enterprise organizations advance digital transformation.

Nadir Jivraj

CEO, Board Member

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As Chief Executive Officer, Nadir is accountable for providing overall leadership and Dexcent’s Industrial operational performance. Nadir has been involved as an executive sponsor with Oil & Gas and Mining companies for over 35 years, and through the years has developed a strong working relationship with the Executive leadership team of many Fortune 500 companies.

Nadir is known for recognizing value and superior investment opportunities in the technology services sector. His pursuit of highly prospective technology companies around the world has resulted in numerous company start-ups. Prior to starting Dexcent, Nadir had led companies through highly profitable business transactions, including the merger of Atlas Systems Group with CompCanada (later renamed Acrodex) in 2000 and later as Chairman of the Board of Axcend Pvt – an engineering solutions provider – based in Bangalore, India from 2004 – 2014. Acrodex and Axcend were sold in 2015