Minimizing Risks During Uncertain Supply Delays

Material handling equipment (MHE) is a large investment — but the real work starts after the initial equipment is purchased and installed. Maintenance teams are charged with keeping these systems and machines continuously running. And in order to do that, keeping parts on-site for quick change-outs when component failures occur is imperative; otherwise, you run the risks of costly downtime and operational shutdowns. This is particularly true if the failed part is on a critical path within your operations.

Peak season is coming, but parts are now harder to find than ever before. To ensure that your inventory is ready for the upcoming peak season, I shared pertinent insights I’ve learned from more than a decade in the warehousing and distribution industry in the latest from Honeywell’s On The Move webinar series, Peak Readiness: Part 1 — Budgeting for Parts.

Operating in Today’s Climate

While supply chain delays are affecting industries across the board, the fulfillment industry is experiencing significantly longer lead times for automation components. Two years ago, before the pandemic, if you didn’t have some of the most common high-usage components found in automation equipment, it was inconvenient. Today, with delivery delays of up to 180 days, missing parts can be operationally catastrophic — potentially causing businesses to lose valuable time and money.

The most important thing you can do to prevent unexpected downtime is have the right spare parts on-site. I recommend these six best practices for effective parts management:

1. Purchase a recommended spare parts lists from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
2. Set a realistic budget.
3. Keep parts cage organized so items can always be found.
4. Track of parts inventory for continued accuracy.
5. Utilize offerings from vendors.
6. Train maintenance staff

It’s a critical time for fulfillment centers, and every second counts. Do you have what you need? If you missed the live webinar, watch it now on-demand for more in-depth insights on parts management best practices. And for more exclusive communications and updates, subscribe to the Honeywell Intelligrated blog.