Glossary
What are Spare Parts?
Spare parts (or spares) are replacement parts kept in stock for maintenance and repairs. Spare parts management includes deciding what to stock, how much and where. Parts usage is often recorded in work orders and linked to assets.
What it means
Balancing spare parts cost with availability is a common challenge. CMMS can track parts per work order and support inventory and reorder decisions.
Why it matters
- Spares are held to reduce repair time and downtime.
- Critical assets often have dedicated or strategic spares.
- Parts usage in work orders builds history per asset and part type.
- Excess inventory ties up cost; too little increases downtime risk.
Example in maintenance operations
Keeping bearing and seal kits for critical pumps; maintaining a minimum stock of filters. Recording '2× bearing XYZ' on a work order for Pump A.
Related concepts
Run maintenance with VectraManage — work orders, PM and reporting in one platform
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