When is a spare part obsolete? There are a few myths surrounding obsolete spare parts:
Myth #1: A part that has not been used in X amount of years.
The X of amount of years is defined by an accounting procedure or a mandate to reduce the inventory value.
Let’s dispel this myth with an example- an agitator transmission has been in the storeroom for 10 years but production still uses the agitator. This is not an obsolete part.
Myth #2- An obsolete part is one that is in complete deterioration and cannot execute its function.
This not an obsolete part but rather a damaged part.
IDCON defines an Obsolete Spare Part(s) as:
- No longer used on any equipment in the plant
- Used on non-critical/operate to breakdown (OTB) equipment
Obsolete parts should never be mistaken with very slow or non-moving parts. Best practice for these parts are to review the inventory levels; re-order point in addition to taking into consideration the vendor lead time.
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Join us for our next Materials and Spare Parts Management course.
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