Many people view the spare parts storeroom as being a purely transactional environment.
That the function of the storeroom is to administer the transactions associated with receiving and issuing materials and spare parts.
But if we really want the spare parts to be maintained so that they will perform as we expect, when they are required, then surely the role of the storeroom is much more than just transactional.
By viewing spare parts management in this way we can see that the real function of your storeroom is not just to store and control access to parts but to maintain them in a condition so that they are fit for use when required.
This means ensuring an appropriate care and maintenance routine as well as providing environmental protection.
Neatness and organization of spare parts only helps ensure storeroom efficiency it does not guarantee spare part integrity.
Some basic storeroom practices that ultimately impact equipment reliability include:
- Proper storage – safe from the environmental effects of dust, water, vibration, and light.
- Preservation of parts – appropriate lubrication and managing the effects of gravity.
- Rigorous rotation of parts, that is, using the oldest parts first. It seems that human nature is that the newest parts are always pulled first by technicians.
- Proper labeling of parts so that the correct part is selected.
- Proper access and equipment for lifting devices in order to avoid mechanical damage to parts when storing or retrieving them.
Who is Responsible for the Spare Parts Storeroom?
One of the main problems with maintaining spare parts is identifying who is actually responsible and are they qualified for the job? With equipment in operation it is usually clear who is responsible for their care and maintenance and for achieving reliability outcomes – the maintenance and reliability function.
Spare parts in storage are often given over the storeroom or warehouse and they are responsible for care and control.
But who sees the whole picture?
Who really understands how those parts fit in with the overall reliability plans? Surely this is also the responsibility of the maintenance and reliability function.
Are Warehouse/Storeroom Clerks Really Just Clerks?
Or should they be warehouse technicians, where the care of the parts is as important as the oversight of receipts, issues, and counts?
If so, a warehouse technician cannot perform a job to support plant reliability unless they have access to all manuals that reference storage requirements and have been trained in:
- Lubrication
- Effects of ozone on rubber components
- Requirements for storage of code materials (if applicable)
- Motor care and storage
- How hydraulic cylinders work and how proper storage can extend the life cycle
- How desiccants work and how they can enhance storage quality
- Bearing types, components storage and preservation methods
- Valve types and lubrication requirements
- Temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and static electricity effects on electrical components
Perhaps we should stop viewing the storeroom or warehouse in a purely transactional way.
We can then start thinking about the impact that spare parts maintenance can have on equipment reliability. With this new perspective we can now identify the responsibilities involved and the training that is really required.
You might also be interested in the article titled The Management of Spare Parts Inventory is Different – Here’s 8 Ways
Posted by: Phillip Slater