The primary goal of spare parts management is to strike a delicate balance between two competing objectives: maximizing vehicle availability and minimizing inventory costs.

Having the right part on hand means a repair can be completed quickly, reducing costly downtime.

However, holding too many parts ties up capital in inventory, incurs storage costs, and risks parts becoming obsolete.

Effective spare parts management involves several key activities: - **Inventory Control:** Knowing exactly what parts are in stock, where they are located, and their current quantity.

- **Demand Forecasting:** Using historical data to predict which parts will be needed in the future.

- **Setting Reorder Points:** Establishing minimum stock levels that automatically trigger a purchase order.

- **Supplier Management:** Building relationships with reliable suppliers to ensure timely delivery and good pricing.

- **Criticality Analysis:** Classifying parts based on their importance.

Critical spares for essential vehicles will be managed more closely than non-critical parts.

This is often managed within a CMMS/GMAO, which automates many of these processes to achieve the optimal balance.