Lodging Engineer
MANAGING INVENTORY
continued from page 1
Some issues that properties may experi- DO YOu rEaLLY knOW hOW usage, but when they are needed, guests
ence in trying to manage their own stock muCh YOu havE? can’t wait. It may be helpful to classify
room of MRO inventory might include:
Let’s take a look at surplus inventory.
your MRO inventory items as critical, fast,
• Uncontrolled spending Let’s say that two years ago, you made a
slow or inactive.
• Overstocking of seldom used parts
decision to convert all incandescent light Inventories are typically driven by fear, not
bulbs in your facility to compact fluores- experience. Some people are afraid of the
• Running out of stock of key parts and
cent light bulbs (CFL’s). That’s great for consequences of a stock-out, regardless
supplies
your bottom line energy costs. But now of whether or not they actually experience
• Excessive labor activities (i.e., emer-
what do you do with the 40 cases of in- stock-outs. This fear may help drive de-
gency runs to the local hardware
candescent bulbs in your stockroom? mand and excessive supplies. The key
store)
The average turnover of MRO inventory
is to understand the needs of the facility,
• Poor asset utilization
is a year or more, so at least half of it is
not the individuals, and use the facility’s
• Inefficient ordering process commonly considered inactive. You might
requirements to generate demand and
• High inventory carrying costs (too
defend your “inactive” inventory as critical
manage supply.
many slow-moving items)
items with long lead times with sporadic Stockrooms are kept for convenience, but
PAGE 7 | Winter 2009 / 2010 | Lodging Engineer
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