Are you sick of the mechanics running to the parts suppliers every day to pick up a filter or part? Why do we continue to do this?

The cost of downtime while waiting for parts can easily run into thousands of dollars; however, stocking extensive parts inventories on the shelf is also a very expensive option.

There must be an alternative.

Finding the right balance between parts holding or supply contracts is the key, but this can be difficult without the appropriate software and systems in place.

With most organisations reluctant to employ full-time parts staff and invest in inventory management software, the options seem limited.

However, I am starting to observe a grass roots movement of fleet professionals, questioning the traditional view of managing parts inventories in-house.

Externally managed parts arrangements have been commonplace in the US for many years and have led to greater efficiencies and cost control in parts management. We are starting to see parts and filter contracts being employed by a number of councils.

Technology improvements are now allowing external parts suppliers to integrate into fleet management systems and provide full costing details at the work order level.

So, be proactive and take a serious look at the processes and the time involved in managing your parts inventory – you may get a big shock.

The big question is: is the management of parts by an external supplier the way of the future, or is there too much risk involved?

I would love to know your thoughts. Please email Emily at emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org, and she will start a thread on Ask Your Mates.

To stop our Anonymous Fleet Manager (AFM) blowing a gasket, we created Internal Combustion, a monthly column for fleet-related rants that lets him blow off some steam. Got a fleet gripe you'd like to get his opinion on? Email emily.ditchburn@ipwea.org and she'll pass it on to AFM – when he's in a good enough mood, that is.