Hydraulic and pneumatic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) requirements for all types and sizes of manufacturing business have changed considerably over the past 20 years, as have the products, services and capabilities supporting them. For MRO specialists – companies contracted to provide maintenance and repair parts and services – the past two decades have seen a dynamic shift in focus. End-customers cannot afford downtime as this comes with a heavy price tag in terms of cost, as well as lost productivity and reputation. When plant and equipment need repair, MRO organisations have to act quicker than ever as production and projects are costed and monitored more tightly today than at any time before.
Products, knowledge, service and reaction time are key to setting an MRO specialist apart from its competitors when a product or system goes down on site. Whether it’s the face-to-face service provided by knowledgeable staff, in-store hose make-up and repair capabilities, or on-site hose fabrication as offered by Parker’s Hose Doctor and ParkerStore units, the service an end-user gets is crucial.
MRO specialists, such as ParkerStore, provide an environment for the immediate and direct sale of industrial products through an approved platform that serves the walk-in MRO customer. Combining the trade counter and retail models, such outlets allow customers to order bespoke hydraulic hose assemblies on the spot while shopping for complementary products such as couplings, fittings, valves, filters, lubricants, oil, tooling and safety equipment.
Equally important are the knowledge, expertise, information and support that go hand-in-hand with high product availability. Customers won’t always know exactly what they need, or what is best to solve a specific problem. An MRO specialist such as ParkerStore can also take on the role of trusted advisor. The ability to deliver that expertise at the customer’s location is also important.
Despite the growth of the Internet, the catalogue remains a vital tool that allows plant and maintenance engineers to find what they need. Typically, catalogues are classified into quick reference categories so that engineers can go directly to sections on hydraulics, pneumatics, compressed air, gas treatment, industrial hoses, fuel filters, instrumentation, process, maintenance consumables, tooling and accessories, for example. As well as printed catalogues available in-store and to take away, an online version should be available.
A huge element of the MRO market that has changed over the course of the past two decades is the use of the Internet and technology in general for access to parts and ordering via mobile platforms, such as smartphones and tablets. The Internet links businesses to consumers and businesses to businesses with a speed and ease that facilitates the flow of information from the retailer to the customer and vice versa.
The web has allowed industrial retail outlets to optimise the supply chain using the latest communications technologies and advanced supply chain strategies to ensure high availability of the right parts at the right locations. Demand trends can be monitored in line with local requirements. This provides a huge boost to customers seeking to work with the best MRO specialists.
Forward-thinking MRO retail outlets also use social media channels to engage with the next generation of industrial consumers. This can help engineers stay abreast of the latest product developments as well as knowledge-sharing, tips and ideas.
Choosing a reputable, reliable MRO specialist makes the difference in MRO success for the end-user. The watchword is to select wisely because many maintenance labour delays are related to issues concerning materials and spare parts. Supply problems can include no locally available stock, late deliveries, incorrect deliveries, and parts that are damaged and cannot be used when they do arrive.
ParkerStore has drawn on its many years of experience at the front end of the MRO process and recognises the huge importance of helping such mistakes being avoided. Consequently, supplementary initiatives such as the clear identification of components on the part itself and extensive manufacturer cross-reference apps for products such as filters have been developed to minimise risk.
The MRO industry landscape will continue to evolve and the stakes are high for those operating in this sector. For MRO enterprises to become more efficient or maintain an existing advantage, they need to be more conscious than ever about maintenance dynamics and their choice of an industrial retail partner, and specifically the combination of high availability products, expert advice and the services they can offer.
For more information contact Lisa de Beer, Parker Hannifin Africa, +27 (0)11 961 0700, [email protected], www.parker.com/za
| Tel: | +27 11 961 0700 |
| Fax: | +27 11 392 7213 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.parker.com/za |
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