Implementation vs Operationalization

In my last blog I wrote about Coordination vs Integration. This time it is about Implementation vs Operationalization. Why?
Well lately I have been hearing the word “operationalization” quite a lot in the asset management realm. Or maybe it is just me.  Regardless I wanted to make sure we understand its exact meaning and the difference with implementation.
Let's make sure we all understand what “operationalization” entails and its implication rather than just being another “buzz word”. During my career I have seen quite a lot of time where buzz words or terms are used just because they are the latest trends.
Is “operationalization” the next asset management fad? Or do we really mean it?
Well, if it is the latter, we better make sure we know what to do with it.

I was doing some searches on the difference between implementation and operationalization, and I came across this: Should Strategies be Implemented or Operationalized, and what’s the Difference?
 What is striking is the statement “most strategies should be operationalized, particularly strategies that are more transformational and that a set of conditions need to be in place in order to make operationalizing strategy successful”. The article further explains that operationalizing entails significant transformation of the organization and organizations can behave in unpredictable ways when attempts are made to change them. 

And operationalizing asset management requires transforming the organization’s dynamics with deeper cross-departmental interaction and engagement. It requires changing mindset, behaviors, and better interoperability.
See blog: Is Coordinated Activity Sufficient Enough?

Lately I have been raising the flag that we have reached a plateau and focusing too much on strategies, plans and tools and we are not doing enough on execution. In my book Organization-Wide Physical Asset Management-A Systems Approach (Chapter 8, Page 91) I wrote about this issue and the challenges involved.  
 
Furthermore the OWPAM® Approach  that I developed is intended to help organizations navigate through and apply an operationalization process for their asset management system.

What does that mean for you, asset management practitioners?
What will be your operationalization approach? Is it going to be the “push” approach or the “pull” approach?

---