Book excerpt: Physical asset management is the management of fixed or non-current assets such as equipment and plant. Physical Asset Management presents a systematic approach to the management of these assets from concept to disposal. The general principles of physical asset management are discussed in a manner which makes them accessible to a wide audience, and covers all stages of the asset management process, including: initial business appraisal; identification of fixed asset needs; financial evaluation; logistic support analysis; life cycle costing; maintenance strategy; outsourcing; cost-benefit analysis; disposal; and renewal. Physical Asset Management addresses the needs of existing and potential asset managers, and provides an introduction to asset management for professionals in related disciplines, such as finance. The book provides both an introduction and a convenient reference work, covering all the main areas of physical asset management.