To function properly, any organization includes various parts that must work together. The facility itself must be functional, the assets must be properly maintained, and spare parts and inventory must be available to complete the activities. Organizations rely on MRO to do all of the above. Maintenance, repair, and operations, or MRO, is a term often used by maintenance teams. Another phrase for this is “maintenance, repair, and overhaul.” While many people feel that MRO is solely about fixing things, it is much more than that.
MRO is important because firms that do not properly execute it will experience losses, frequent disruptions, machinery failures, and even safety incidents. However, if a maintenance manager assures adequate MRO and tracks it, they may ensure minimal disruptions, meet deadlines, and request additional resources to assist with maintenance efforts.
That being stated, let’s look at MRO, why it’s important for any organization, and how a CMMS may assist optimize it at your facility.
Maintenance, repair, and operations in a nutshell
As previously stated, the terms MRO, maintenance, repair, and operations, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, are used interchangeably. MRO refers to all of the actions performed by the maintenance team to keep the machinery, facilities, and everything else in between in good working order. MRO ensures that all machinery receives proactive maintenance in order to increase asset reliability, offer consistent performance, decrease unexpected failures, and potentially extend the asset’s life. HVAC, CNC machinery, jacks, forklifts, lathe machines, conveyor belts, industrial centrifuges, lighting, and even sprinklers and alarms fit under MRO.
When an organization focuses on MRO, its operations function more smoothly while lowering costs, and vice versa. Because without MRO, important assets will frequently malfunction or fail, repairs will be slower, and as a result, production levels will be down.
Factors that show an organization is focused on MRO
There are a few indicators that an organization is serious about maintenance, repair, and operations; some of the most popular include:
- The organization is ensuring proactive maintenanceÂ
- The organization has a well-thought-out preventive maintenance plan
- There is a proper maintenance teamÂ
- The maintenance team is using a robust CMMS software
- The organization has dedicated technicians for emergency maintenance
Let’s explore some of the top reasons an organization must properly manage and optimize MRO.
Four reasons organizations prioritize maintenance, repair, and operations
It helps reduce disruptions
MRO guarantees that various pieces of equipment receive maintenance proactively rather than after problems arise. As MRO assists in providing the equipment with necessary maintenance such as lubrication, part replacements, inspections, and other activities, the maintenance team ensures that the equipment runs smoothly and consistently, preventing the equipment from becoming a bottleneck and minimizing disruptions.
Furthermore, because MRO includes inventory management, processes are optimized and experience fewer disruptions because essential parts and components are always available. Let’s move from inventory management to the second reason organizations prioritize MRO.
It optimizes spare parts and inventory management
Inventory management is difficult, and firms must strike the correct balance without overdoing it or suffering from it. While too much inventory will drastically raise expenses and waste storage, having too little can result in extended outages, disruptions, and bottlenecks.
MRO, particularly with the assistance of a powerful CMMS software solution such as CloudApper CMMS, guarantees that inventory levels are optimized. For example, the maintenance manager may immediately identify which parts are running low, which are ready for use, and do not require immediate reordering and take appropriate action. Furthermore, MRO includes other inventories such as PPE, which is essential during a pandemic. PPE is always available for use with MRO, eliminating bottlenecks and saving money.
It minimizes breakdowns
MRO focuses on proactive maintenance, and preventive maintenance management is one of the most balanced techniques – let’s focus on the latter.
Preventive maintenance includes routinely scheduled maintenance such as lubrication, inspections, cleaning, component replacements, and so on. These maintenance activities aid in the “prevention” of problems such as overheating, malfunctions, and even premature death, hence reducing unexpected equipment breakdowns.
It helps extend asset life
Naturally, when equipped with a maintenance management system such as CloudApper CMMS, MRO ensures that the asset functions consistently and without issue. As long as the equipment’s maintenance requirements are met, it will run smoothly. Furthermore, inspections lead to the discovery of hidden faults that, if addressed properly, can avert major difficulties in the future. These maintenance actions work together to maintain asset reliability, but if performed regularly over time, they can also assist extend the life of an asset.
CloudApper CMMS helps optimize maintenance, repair, and operations
CloudApper CMMS is one of the most powerful, user-friendly, and adaptable CMMS software packages available. All of its standard functions, including asset management, spare parts, inventory management, maintenance scheduling, work order management, and others, can be tailored to the company’s needs. As a result, the organization can use a solution that meets its needs rather than one that requires it to modify its present procedures. Furthermore, CloudApper CMMS can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, and desktops, allowing maintenance workers to fulfill work orders, expedite maintenance activities, communicate, and update information while on the move.
Contact us now to learn how CloudApper CMMS may help your organization streamline MRO!
