Installed Base Management: The Complete Guide for Industrial OEMs and Factories
In today's industrial landscape, managing your installed base isn't just an operational necessity—it's a strategic growth lever. From preventive maintenance to high-margin aftermarket services, Installed Base Management (Installed Base Management) is rapidly becoming the foundation for digital transformation in machinery and factory operations.
This guide covers everything from what installed base management is, to who uses it, the latest industry insights, and how Makula provides a next-generation solution.
What Is Installed Base Management?
Installed Base Management refers to the process of tracking, maintaining, and analyzing equipment and machines that have been sold, deployed, or installed in the field. It includes data like asset location, usage history, service records, and component-level configuration.
When done well, Installed Base Management enables OEMs and factories to:
- Optimize field service operations
- Increase asset uptime
- Improve customer satisfaction
- Drive recurring revenue through aftermarket sales and services
Who Uses It and Why It Matters
Installed Base Management is used across the industrial value chain:
- OEMs need it to deliver proactive service, reduce warranty costs, and generate service revenue.
- Factories use it to ensure uptime, plan maintenance, and monitor asset performance.
- Stakeholders include Aftersales Managers, Field Technicians, Operations Directors, Product Managers, and Customers.
Industry Insights: Why Installed Base Management Is Becoming a Priority
- Bain & Company (2024) reports that OEMs like ASML expect 12% annual growth in service revenue from installed base management, projecting over €6B in 2025.
- Deloitte (2020) found that some manufacturers already derive 40–50% of total profits from services on the installed base.
- KPMG & Forrester (2023) show that 57% of industrial services are already digitally enabled, with this number expected to hit 74% by 2025.
- Blumberg Advisory Group (2022) highlighted that 67% of OEMs have fragmented asset data across 3–4+ systems, limiting analytics and decision-making.
- Pumps & Systems (2023) cite a 10:1 ROI for predictive maintenance initiatives tied to real-time installed base monitoring.
Current Methods and Gaps
Many companies rely on:
- Spreadsheets
- ERP add-ons
- CRM or CMMS workarounds
These tools are siloed and not purpose-built for managing complex field equipment over time. There's limited integration, no lifecycle visibility, and poor user experience for field teams.
At the same time, Installed Base Management is becoming increasingly digitized. As KPMG & Forrester (2023) report, 57% of industrial services are already digitally enabled, and this number is projected to hit 74% by 2025. Companies that fail to digitize risk falling behind in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and recurring revenue potential.
Introducing Makula: One of the Best Digital Installed Base Management Suites
Makula is a modular software platform that centralizes machine data, empowers field service, and connects OEMs with their installed base like never before.
Key Features
Why It Stands Out
Makula is purpose-built for machinery OEMs and industrial environments. It eliminates silos, boosts service efficiency, and transforms the installed base into a revenue engine.
Pricing
Makula offers a flat platform price for AssetHub and the Customer Portal, while other modules like Field Service, Industrial AI, and 3D Stream are priced per user.
How to Implement an Installed Base Management Solution
Implementing Installed Base Management effectively requires more than just technology—it requires process alignment and stakeholder buy-in. Here's a phased approach:
- Audit Your Installed Base – Identify where your asset data lives (ERP, CRM, spreadsheets, etc.).
- Consolidate and Clean Data – Standardize formats and centralize asset histories.
- Choose a Platform – Select a solution like Makula that’s purpose-built for the industrial sector.
- Define Ownership – Assign roles for data ownership, field updates, and analytics.
- Roll Out by Module – Start with essentials like AssetHub and Customer Portal, then layer in advanced tools.
- Train Teams – Ensure field technicians, aftersales teams, and service managers are on board.
- Track KPIs – Monitor uptime, service margins, and customer engagement to drive ROI.
Expanded Look at Makula’s Platform & Impact
Makula doesn’t just store machine data—it activates it. Here's how each module contributes to efficient service and revenue growth:
- AssetHub
- Centralized machine records
- Lifecycle history, warranty data, part configurations
- Drives accuracy in service dispatch and parts usage
- Field Service / CMMS
- Preventive task scheduling and work orders
- Mobile-friendly technician workflows
- Enables faster response and first-time fix
- Customer Portal (White-labeled)
- OEM-branded experience
- Asset visibility, manuals, spare part ordering, service request submission
- Increases self-service, builds trust, reduces inbound support volume
- 3D Stream
- Interactive digital twin view of assets
- Click-to-identify part numbers and service points
- Reduces service errors and part misorders
- Industrial AI
- Field notes summarizer, knowledge search
- Enables teams to resolve issues faster and reuse insights
Together, these tools empower OEMs to operate smarter, reduce overhead, and scale high-margin service offerings.
Makula in Action: Case Study Highlights
Future Outlook
The shift is clear:
- From reactive to preventive service
- From disconnected tools to unified platforms
- From transactional sales to long-term asset-based relationships
With Makula, you're not just managing assets—you're monetizing them.
Related Reading
Looking for the best Installed Base Management platforms? Check out our updated comparison of top tools for 2025, including Makula's feature set and strengths: 5 Best Installed Base Management Software in 2024
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