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Hi, 

Parts inventory does its basic function for sure but when it comes to metrics, triggers and data struggling here. 

Am I the only one who can’t find easy way to do stock check and pull useful metrics (easily) on parts usage/expenditure across plants? It is also problematic when it comes to consumables as no doubt parts have own lifespan and some quite short. On top we got actual consumables which usage deviates depending on machinery condition.

 

So as example I need a report of a part or consumable over period time? Reporting module metrics seems more concentrating on asset and labour time/costs. There is nothing dedicated to inventory usage/costs/frequency? In current global supply chain climate inventory management becoming challenging task - parts usage and risk assessment of supply chain is trendy subject than ever. 

Stock checks - all we have is “restock” button? There is no way to have WO with fields for stock checks? Surely those who do inventory audits might want some record etc.

Consumables or often used parts metrics - So we have meters module where we can track consumption of something with all graphs day, week month and no way to link with parts inventory… Parts inventory we can only view part details, quantity and WO it was used on - there is nothing to give more details: usage per day, week, month, cost over period etc. Automations - trigger reordering WO or PO? Excessive consumption triggers? As example softener salt used more than 10 bags a day rather than 1 indicating discrepancy and potential equipment failure. Used 1000litres of oil in month instead of quarter etc. Or used 30x bearings over month, instead expected 10 indicating issue which needs investigation. A way to integrate meter type functionality to parts would be nice.

Part/consumable quality issues - understanding plant part/consumable usage could help with understanding of root cause and show bigger picture. Imagine you got multiple organisations ability to filter parts expenditure/quantity/ frequency could reveal hidden problems which engineers/managers might not notice in day to day run ( it might just become new norm). Massive cost savings can be made if correct data is given to user. Parts alternatives and cost comparison over vendors?

 

It would be also great to have ability to create subparts (up to 5 level depth) and alternative part linking within inventory.

Subparts - purely because nearly all machinery parts you order can order part as assembly or break it down into individual components

Alternative part linking - you might have part which maybe not available or no longer stocked so linking it to another alternative might help engineers/managers with selection/purchasing options.

 

So what is parts inventory module missing for you and how do you get round it? 

Regards

Anton

So just quick update as of 16/01/25 Cycle Count feature became available which kind off helps with inventory checks/audit.  Did quick test and its great, but few observations:

  1. Can’t create own parts list for audit, only part types and location based. I keep spares per machine in certain areas which has many types of parts.
  2.  I use location as building, room etc. We only have one sublocation to add hence I use Area as box1, shelf b etc. Cycle count feature does not include Area so makes it hard to find part in location?
  3. Can’t click on/open parts cycle count view? Cant check further detail of part (area?)
  4. Purely annoying why we cant move rows? Every time any table view in maintainx and we cant read data as rows locked. Have to hover mouse to see full data,. Why we cant move, sort rows to own preference, surely user view settings could be saved similarly like filters improving user experience. 

 


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