End of Maximo 7.6 Support Leaves Companies Facing Change Management and Training Gaps Amid MAS 8/9 Upgrades 

IBM Maximo, a leading enterprise asset management (EAM) solution, has officially discontinued support for its widely used 7.6 version. This strategic move is pushing organizations worldwide to upgrade to the latest Maximo Application Suite (MAS) versions: MAS 8 or MAS 9. While these new releases promise advanced capabilities and improved performance, the transition is creating significant challenges for many companies, particularly in the areas of organizational change management (OCM) and end-user training. Without a plan for change management, these gaps pose real risks to the value realization of their investment and the seamless adoption of the new platforms.  

Why the Shift from Maximo 7.6? 

Maximo 7.6 has been a workhorse for asset-intensive industries, powering operations for utilities, manufacturing, transportation, and more. However, IBM is focusing its resources on the MAS platform, which offers a cloud-native, AI-powered, and more scalable approach to asset management. This evolution is inevitable and ultimately beneficial, but discontinuing support means that organizations remaining on 7.6 will no longer receive security patches, technical support, or product updates, making the upgrade necessary. 

MAS 8 and 9: New Features, New Challenges 

MAS 8 and MAS 9 introduce a suite of modern features, including enhanced analytics, mobile accessibility, and improved integration with IoT and AI tools. However, these improvements come with significant changes to user experience, system architecture, and business processes. As a result, organizations must not only upgrade but also adapt their workforce and operations to the new environment. 

OCM & Training Support: The Missing Link 

Despite the technical advancements, a growing number of companies report that the transition is hindered by inadequate change management and training support, both in terms of content relevance and delivery formats. Industry leaders and IT managers express concern that current support offerings are heavily focused on the technical aspects of migration, with less emphasis on OCM activities like communication, stakeholder engagement, and readiness planning. 

 In any major system upgrade or transformation, OCM is critical for guiding employees through changes, addressing resistance, and ensuring buy-in at all levels. According to Oxford Global Resource’s OCM & Training Practice Director, Ginger McCullough, “nearly 60% of transformation projects fail,” most often because people aren’t ready or prepared for change.  

Without effective change management strategies and comprehensive training programs, users may struggle to adapt to the new system, leading to underutilization, reduced productivity, increased errors, and delayed ROI on the upgrade. Sufficient guidance is needed to successfully navigate complex change landscapes and alleviate confusion.  

Bridging the Knowledge Gap 

The new Maximo Application Suite versions introduce significant functional and interface changes compared to 7.6. For end-users, this means a steep learning curve. Training should incorporate practical, role-specific use cases to equip end-users with the knowledge and skills needed to perform daily tasks efficiently. The absence of comprehensive, scenario-based training increases the risk of errors, productivity loss, and frustration among staff. 

A lack of adequate change management expertise and tailored training support also has direct implications for business continuity and ROI. Without investing in the training processes that should reasonably follow technical upgrades or implementations, adoption rates suffer, and anticipated efficiencies and innovations promised by the new systems may not materialize. This can erode user confidence and lead to shadow IT practices—potentially creating security vulnerabilities, compliance issues, and data governance problems—as employees seek workarounds to compensate for knowledge gaps.  

Recommendations for a Successful Transition 

As you prepare to migrate to the latest versions of MAS, you are likely to encounter both opportunities and challenges. The transition to MAS 8 and MAS 9 introduces state-of-the-art competencies that promise to transform asset management but also requires a fundamental shift in how users interact with the system and adapt to new workflows. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, successful upgrade: 

• Invest in OCM Early: Engage experienced change management professionals to develop a comprehensive transition strategy that addresses communication, leadership alignment, and stakeholder engagement. Prosci research shows that the earlier you start, the better for meeting or exceeding project objectives. The number one consequence of waiting to invest in OCM is time (and money) wasted playing “catch up.”  
• Customize Training Programs: Develop role-based, scenario-driven training modules that reflect actual workflows and business processes in the new Maximo environment. 
• Leverage Peer Networks: Facilitate knowledge sharing among early adopters and power users to accelerate learning and problem-solving. Find your change champions and benefit from their impact throughout your organization to promote widespread engagement. 
• Monitor and Adjust: Implement feedback mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of change management and training initiatives and adjust approaches as needed. 

Oxford Can Help 

The shift from Maximo 7.6 to MAS 8 or MAS 9 is a major technological leap, but technology upgrades alone do not guarantee success. Addressing the human side of change will be critical for businesses hoping to thrive in the new Maximo landscape. A deliberate and strategic focus on organizational change management and practical, user-centric training can unveil the full potential of your investment.  

Oxford can help. We can provide your business with specialized expertise and proven methodologies for a successful transition. We offer customized solutions for technical implementation, change management, training, risk mitigation, and accelerated user adoption. When you partner with us, we can help you streamline the upgrade process and maximize the value of next generation technology.