Optimizing MRO and Maintenance Operations with Strategic Inventory Management

In production environments, business forecasts and materials inventory levels must maintain pace with market and customer demand. MRO inventory must be sufficiently stocked, but with relevant supplies and accurate (minimum) levels, in order to minimize wasted expenses and space. An efficient tool crib inventory is meant for stocking equipment and spare parts required for running an operation such that the tools and MRO supplies can be furnished upon demand for applications such as replacing defunct or unusable parts of machinery. MRO management can become an expensive process when parts purchased in large quantities may not be required at all. An example may be spare parts of machines that are no longer in use.   

A well planned tool crib inventory management process helps in reducing wasted expenses while contributing to smoother operations with on-time delivery of critical items. The system must be configured to provide accurate tracking of items received, storage locations, quantities, and where dispatched. Web-based inventory management software also has the ability to provide this functionality and reporting simply and efficiently on any browser enabled device, including mobile platforms. Integrated barcode and RFID technology further builds on materials and tool tracking capabilities.  The software should provide integration with existing applications and systems of the business.   

An ideal inventory maintenance management software implementation is one that has been configured and deployed to accommodate work flow and operations processes using a well thought methodology.  

Learn more about: hazardous materials management , CMMS software

Give Your Finance Department the CMMS Edge

Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) is a tool that can dramatically assist maintenance and engineering management teams in the day to day activities of their departments and facilities. CMMS is a powerful tool that can help in activities such as scheduling, monitoring, budgeting and preparing lifecycle analysis for your plant and equipment and can actually save a great amount of time and money for your facility. It can also be a huge win, for your finance department, since it can help monitor, maximize, and maintain valuable asset and facilities infrastructure.

An optimized CMMS tool can empower your finance department with ways and means of ensuring the most efficient use of expenses and the highest return on assets. Costs and efficiencies are streamlined by using an effective CMMS for optimum scheduling, and allocation of resources for PM routines, predictive maintenance work orders, and repairs or refurbs on equipment or infrastructure. The CMMS can also effectively manage the allocation of spare parts and critical tooling.

A high level or return is achieved when production asset utilization levels are maximized, along with high quality output; therefore, managing assets is another important element that a CMMS system can handle efficiently. It provides updates on property and equipment along with alerting you about renewal dates for service contracts, etc. CMMS can also help manage data by standardizing data entries and collection methods, which will further enhance efficiency. With the right maintenance management software for your finance department, you can be assured of being up to date about all your equipment and facilities, since your maintenance management solution will ensure periodic inspections of all facilities, including equipment.

The CMMS tool greatly assists managerial level personnel in delegating and tracking the status of any maintenance work on assets and tracking all associated costs. Managers may use the tool to communicate their operational requirements and can help achieve key performance indicators (KPI) metrics. With numerous benefits that include enhancement of maintenance productivity, quality of machine output, reduction in down times and enhanced service to other departments, CMMS tools can be a definite advantage for any plant or facility, and the CFO's office as well.