Published: February 03, 2022  Updated: May 12, 2025

Efficient Inventory Management: A Key to Maintenance Success

Effective inventory control plays a vital role in smooth maintenance operations. This article explores efficient inventory management which is a key to maintenance success. Let's look at the costly consequences of both excessive and insufficient parts inventory. Discover how a proactive approach to tracking materials can save time and money. Real-world examples illustrate the benefits of implementing a robust inventory management system.

The High Cost of Inventory Imbalances

Consider two common scenarios. First, a home project begins without a detailed list of required items. This often leads to overbuying, resulting in surplus materials that may never be needed. Second, a project starts with the assumption of sufficient stock, only to reveal a shortage mid-task.

In either situation, resources suffer. Excess purchases waste money on unnecessary items. Running out of materials wastes time through extra trips to the store or waiting for deliveries. For critical or emergency jobs with tight deadlines, these delays can lead to significant increases in both time and expenses.

Applying Inventory Lessons to Plant Operations

These home project scenarios mirror challenges within a plant's operation. An established principle advises against excessive inventory due to its cost inefficiency. Conversely, running out of necessary parts can prove even more expensive due to production delays.

The Drawbacks of Too Much Inventory

Excess inventory occupies valuable space that could serve other purposes. Furthermore, the capital invested in these unused items can strain the budget.

The Risks of Insufficient Inventory

Lacking necessary parts carries substantial risks. Equipment downtime extends, purchase orders require processing, and valuable time elapses while awaiting delivery.

The Importance of Proactive Inventory Checks

Most individuals take the time to check their supplies before a trip to the hardware store and create a shopping list. However, in a plant setting, maintenance tasks often require immediate attention, leaving little time for in-person inventory checks, especially if the stockroom is in a separate location. Personnel need immediate and reliable information about parts availability.

Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.

Real-World Solutions in Action

The Public Utilities Service Center of Garden City, Kansas, provides a compelling example.

"Tyler, our warehouse manager, he pulled the whole [MAPCON] system up on his phone, and was able to scroll through there and tell them exactly what aisle, what shelf and what the number was." - Mike Muirhead, Garden Cities Public Utilities Director

While spreadsheets offer some utility, they may not be accessible in all situations. Maintenance software with mobile capabilities ensures that crucial inventory information remains readily available.

"I have it [MAPCON] on my iPad. We've run across something where I'm going to need some parts. I can look at the inventory to see if I have the part I want in stock, or if it's something I going to have the warehouse people order." - Jimme Skinner Garden Cities Electric Line Foreman

Mapcon Technologies assists in planning and implementing specific inventory tracking needs. The included training facilitates a smooth transition between different stock locations or even separate site inventories. The software presents a user-friendly interface.

Automating Inventory Control

Many individuals have smart home devices that provide reminders. A modern CMMS should offer similar functionality. Mapcon, through its training, helps users establish notifications for low stock levels. This preventative software possesses the capability to even automate Purchase Requests or Purchase Orders when an item reaches a predefined minimum quantity.

"The biggest benefit that I have received, and the city has received here within the utilities department, is just inventory control… organization. Everything is where it needs to be." - Tyler Patterson, Warehouse Manager, Garden City Utilities

Achieving Cost Efficiency Through Smart Inventory

Understanding material needs and avoiding both excess and shortages contributes to cost-effective operations, both for home projects and within maintenance departments.

"If you're looking to find software or programs that will help you get your inventory and asset management under control, be sure and look at MAPCON. It will do exactly what you want, and it's easy and it's cost effective." - Mike Muirhead, Garden Cities Public Utilities Director

Discover More About Inventory Solutions

To explore how Mapcon can serve as a comprehensive parts catalog, please visit Mapcon or call 800-922-4336.

Moving beyond reactive measures, embracing intelligent inventory management cultivates a proactive environment where resources are available precisely when required, fostering operational agility.

Mapcon / 800-922-4336