Spare Parts Inventory

Equipment users and suppliers often combine efforts to locate a suitable temporary facility for spare parts and service needs of a large construction project. This will reduce the equipment owner's need for spare parts inventory and/or service facilities. 

Unless the shop facility is located at an extremely remote site, or if regular deliveries from part suppliers cannot be relied upon, the parts inventory of a machine owner should be held to a minimum. Normally, a 10-day supply will be sufficient. Maintenance supplies like filters can be purchased in bulk and stored at the job site of kept at the base workshop and delivered to the site as and when needed. Lubricants.  bulk cable. hose, and consumables can be handled in the sale way. Excessive fuel storage should be avoided for economy and safety. 

Stock of items of general use such as hardware. wear parts, and bulbs should be closely matched to meet foreseeable needs. Parts improvements by the manufacturer can make inventory items obsolete. But the main reason for holding the spare parts to a minimum is that inventory is an investment in nonproductive items. 

The spare parts storage area should be just as carefully planned as other facilities.  Large items such as track, buckets, blades, etc. c'm be stored in an open storage area surrounded by a fence to protect against theft and provide safety. 

Virtually, all parts must be stored in a protected area, away from dust, rain, moisture, and fumes. Proper storage shelves, bins, racks and boxes are necessary. A bookkeeping system that identifies parts in stock and their location is also important. A part that cannot be found when needed is a poor investment.