FEATURE
Automated warehousing
KEY TRENDS SHAPING MRO OPERATIONS
Kyle Hague, COO at Rubix UK, Ireland and Iceland (UKII)
F
rom shifting expectations to transformative technologies, the manufacturing supply landscape is evolving - fast.
In today’s hyper-competitive, cost-conscious
environment, pressure is mounting on every part of the supply chain. From geopolitical instability and changing ESG priorities to workforce resilience, the landscape is being redrawn.
For manufacturers, the challenge is twofold: adapting to this changing landscape while cost certainty.
As a leading supplier of industrial maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) products and services, Rubix has a front-row seat to the trends reshaping industry. Automation continues to transform the MRO logistics sector. While robotics and AI often dominate headlines, automation is also playing a critical role in streamlining inventory management and procurement. For manufacturers handling high volumes of parts and consumables, automated systems restocking, improve stock accuracy, and reduce the risk of downtime. Solutions such as industrial vending machines are increasingly used to give workers 24/7 access to essential supplies. Placed alongside the production line, they ensure production and maintenance teams can get what they need, precisely where and when they need it. Importantly, this cuts out the walk and wait times associated with a trip to the engineering stores.
Rubix’s Invend system tracks usage in real- time and automatically triggers replenishment - reducing administrative workload and
28 June 2025 | Automation
supporting uninterrupted operations. Other tools, such as Inscan, integrate
inventory, and initiating reorders without the need for paper trails or manual processes. For some manufacturers, this shift is
Rubix customer reported annual savings of over €280,000 through the use of automated supply solutions, alongside gains in visibility, productivity and on-site safety. The traditional multi-supplier model may control, it’s becoming a barrier to progress. Rubix continues to see more manufacturers consolidating their supply base. By partnering with a single, strategic provider, businesses unlock greater purchasing power and gain deeper insight into their own usage and needs. With a network of over 750 locations
across Europe, including 35 branches and more than 100 Insite facilities in the UK, Rubix ensures that consolidation doesn’t come at the expense of local service. Regional expertise enables tailored support, operational requirements. With fewer touchpoints, consolidated invoicing and clearer operational oversight, this approach reduces administrative burden and strengthens overall supply performance. Recent global events have exposed the fragility of some supply chains. From the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit to the increasingly focused on building resilience into their operations.
Rubix supports this through tailored business continuity solutions designed to help manufacturers absorb shocks and maintain momentum. On-site inventory programmes are one components that shield production from external disruptions. These strategic reserves are continuously monitored and maintained to prevent stockouts of essential parts. Beyond physical stock, Rubix helps manufacturers embed redundancy into their sourcing networks, creating multiple supply pathways that reduce risk. This multi-layered approach doesn’t just mitigate disruption, it turns potential crises into manageable challenges, allowing internal teams to remain focused on core production rather than reactive procurement. Environmental performance is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a business imperative, and Rubix is actively supporting manufacturers in their transition to more sustainable supply strategies. From reducing waste through digital inventory systems optimised components, Rubix plays a vital role in helping businesses meet their ESG commitments.
Looking ahead, sustainable logistics strategies will only grow in importance - and those ahead of the curve will be best positioned to compete.
As the manufacturing workforce evolves, so too does the demand for specialist expertise, particularly in complex MRO operations. Today, manufacturers are looking to supply partners not just for products, but for technical knowledge that adds value. Rubix advice, on-site support and tailored MRO strategies that help manufacturers solve problems, improve performance, and bridge skills gaps without overburdening internal teams. Disruption may feel like the new normal - but manufacturers are far from powerless. By embracing these emerging trends and choosing a partner equipped for the future, businesses can enhance their operations, unlock smarter ways of working, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.
Rubix
www.rubix.com
automationmagazine.co.uk
KEY TRENDS SHAPING MRO OPERATIONS
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