There are several software packages that have been developed to manage the maintenance of plant equipment. One system that I am familiar with is called Maximo. This system includes modules for preventative maintenance scheduling, corrective maintenance scheduling, spare parts inventory management, vendor management, purchasing, etc.
The spare parts inventory management includes the following information:
1. Part identification (name, number)
2. Vendor descriptions (could be several)
3. Inventor location (storeroom, bin, etc.)
4. Current inventory amount
5. Re-Order Point
6. Maximum inventory amount
The key to good spare parts inventory management is to ensure that the database matches the current inventory and that the re-order point is well coordinated with the spare parts delivery time. For example, if you use 1 spare part per week and the delivery time for the spare parts is 4 weeks, you will want to set the re-order point at no less than 5 parts. That way, 4 weeks later, you will receive your spare parts and still have one spare part in the inventory.
If you use Maximo, a lot of this will be done automatically, as the parts receivables, re-ordering and usage will be linked through the database. If you use a spreadsheet, you will need to manually coordinate those activities. This could become a difficult task if you do not control the contents of the spare parts inventory.
pj
