Like many maintenance professionals, you’ve decided it’s time to start or expand your part inventory management system. However, you want to get the most out of your investment.
So, what should you do to get started?
Meet yourself where you’re at.
Just Getting Started
Maybe your organization doesn’t do any part inventory management for maintenance. Your techs simply order the parts they need when they need them. Maybe they also buy an extra one, which usually sits on the shelf, forgotten and unused.
Hey, you aren’t alone. Lots of organizations have worked that way for decades.
If this scenario sounds familiar, it’s time to start with the basics. For example, use parts inventory management software to create simple records of inventory items that let you track and report on consumption of those items. That’s it! You’ve just started an internal inventory control management system.
Congratulations!
Make It Even Easier
As easy as that sounds, maintenance parts inventory software can make it even faster with barcodes and scanners. Scan the part. Scan the asset. That’s how long it takes to link inventory to a new or existing work order record. This system also lets you enter inventory items as they arrive and automatically track who is performing work.
Even with these simple workflows, your organization will save time and eliminate errors by reducing tedious data entry. Additionally, your team will be able to identify needed parts faster. You’ll also save money by reducing inventory shrinkage and bloat.
Take Inventory Management to the Next Level
Maybe you already have a system of inventory control management in place. However, you can improve your return on investment by taking your inventory control management to the next level.
Parts inventory management best practices outline advanced inventory control features to track stocking levels, reorder points, storage locations, and supplier information. You also can track various units of measure for a single inventory item. For example, you might purchase oil by the barrel, but use it by the quart.
Now you are playing in the big leagues. Your inventory management software is helping you prevent time- and money-wasting problems like running out of parts, searching for lost parts, or duplicating inventory you didn’t know you had.
With advanced inventory control features, you’ve moved your organization from being reactive (ordering parts as needed) to proactive—where your inventory and parts data help you forecast, manage, and monitor inventory.
Inventory Shopping Cart
If you want to make inventory management a snap, the MPulse Inventory Shopping Cart allows you to check parts and supplies into and out of inventory using an online shopping cart. Quickly link items and their unit costs to work orders and assets using this intuitive shopping cart system, helping your team track and report on consumption of those items. MPulse Inventory Shopping Cart serves as your virtual stockroom manager by allowing your team to easily scan parts in and out of stockrooms with a mobile device or barcode scanner.
Faster inventory check-in/out with the MPulse Inventory Shopping Cart can make your operation more efficient, saving money and time for both your employees and your organization. You’ll always have an accurate count of all the parts coming and going, and you can quickly link them to the associated work orders and assets.
MPulse Inventory Shopping Cart can make your operation more efficient, saving money and time for both your employees and your organization. You’ll benefit from…
- Faster inventory check-in/out
- Accurate counts of all parts and inventory
- Ability to quickly link parts to the associated work orders and assets
- Documented records of inventory items
- Tracking and reporting capabilities
Data-Driven Decision Making
Whatever system you use, you now have easy access to the information you need to make important decisions. As a result, your organization can save time and money by improving tracking, stocking, ordering, and inventory processes. When an emergency arises, easy access to part inventory data gives you critical information for making cost-efficient decisions.
Additionally, parts inventory management reports give you the high-level picture you need. You can accurately assess how your department is functioning and where you might make changes to improve. With solid data and easy-to-read reports, you can make good decisions based on hard evidence. As a result, you can manage your maintenance department effectively and efficiently.
Sometimes maintenance professionals worry about the effort involved in implementing an inventory control management system. However, the gain far outweighs the pain. CMMS software is the best tool you have for gathering, analyzing, and reporting data about your maintenance operations. Let the power of parts maintenance inventory software do the hard work, and you’ll see the rewards.
Contact us to learn more.
