Running a plant or production line is similar to building a machine; each part and piece needs to be in order, or nothing will work.
Refining your practices for handling spare parts can be overwhelming. With so many shifts in markets or changes in demand, you need flexibility and good management. You need a drive always to improve your methods.
There are lots of ways to manage your spare parts in production. Some shine above the rest. Let’s break down some of the best practices in spare parts.
Getting the Most Out of Spare Parts
Spare parts are a big part of industrial work. You never want too few when you need them, but too many, and you have potential money lying around doing nothing.
No matter what each part is for, there are sound ways to keep track of them. Try and integrate these four best practices into your spare parts management.
1. Using CMMS Technology
In this digital age, there is little need for the older analog methods of categorizing and managing. CMMS, which stands for computerized maintenance management software, are various management software bundles.
These hosts of applications organize your stock, schedule resupplies and keeps a central location for all your documents. This type of software has made massive engineering plants possible.
Finding the best CMMS technology to use can come down to preference, but learning and integrating one into your system will be vital to your spare parts organization.
2. Performing Reviews of Essential Parts
Nothing changes as fast as technology. As new equipment comes out and industry priorities shift, you will need to alter the spare parts you deal with.
Sometimes this will be gradual while other times it will be in dramatic changes. Either way, performing periodic reviews will let you adjust your needs as they come.
3. Counting Stocks to Keep Discrepancies in Line
Even with the powerful CMMS technology, discrepancies will happen. Whatever the oversight is or why it came to be, doing periodic counts of stocks will help to minimize them.
Timing your stock counting right before deliveries of new items can help you integrate the new items into the system faster. If discrepancies keep happening, then that is a strong sign that a bigger issue may be to blame with incoming and outgoing orders.
4. Maintain Proper Parts Storage and Care
The final practice to keep your spare parts in a manageable position is storage and care. Each part should have organization and protection so that it is never lost or broken.
You can do this in any number of ways. Dedicate storage areas for each different piece is a great start. For fragile pieces, add padding to the storage area.
Make sure everything has clear labels, and whoever interacts with your spare parts needs to place them in the right container every time.
Keeping Your Production Moving
Dealing with spare parts takes an eye for both management and detail. With the right software and an aim for constant reevaluation, you can keep all the pieces together.
Kor-Pak has a variety of industrial parts for any number of machines and pieces. Keeping your own pieces running is key, so when you need quality parts, you know where to head. Contact us today for more information!