In machine shops, most of the attention goes to raw materials and cutting tools. But there’s a hidden category of inventory that, when mismanaged, can quietly cause major delays and costs: MRO inventory.
MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations. These are the items that keep your machines running, your team safe, and your jobs moving—but they’re often overlooked in traditional inventory systems.
In this post, we’ll explain what MRO inventory includes, why it’s critical to your workflow, and how to manage it more effectively in your shop.
1. What Counts as MRO Inventory?
MRO inventory covers everything your shop uses to support operations, rather than becoming part of the final product.
Typical MRO items include:
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Cutting fluid and lubricants
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Filters, belts, and fuses
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Gloves, safety glasses, and PPE
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Cleaning supplies
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Spare parts for machines (bearings, switches, hoses)
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Common hand tools and measuring equipment
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Office and labeling supplies
While each item might be inexpensive individually, running out of them can grind operations to a halt.
2. Why MRO Inventory Is Often Mismanaged
MRO is frequently treated as “non-critical” inventory—meaning it’s:
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Purchased ad hoc (when someone remembers)
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Stored in random drawers or closets
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Rarely counted or tracked
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Over- or under-stocked without strategy
This results in last-minute runs to local suppliers, delayed jobs, and excessive downtime when something like a missing machine fuse stalls the entire workflow.
3. How to Get MRO Inventory Under Control
Step 1: Centralize your MRO storage
Create a dedicated MRO cabinet or room. Group items by category (e.g., electrical, safety, cleaning) and label everything clearly.
Step 2: Digitize tracking
Use inventory software—or even a spreadsheet at minimum—to record MRO stock levels. Assign reorder points so you’re not relying on memory.
Step 3: Assign responsibility
Give someone ownership of MRO. Whether it’s a lead operator or a purchasing manager, make someone accountable for tracking and restocking.
Step 4: Use vending or check-out systems
Install vending systems or logbooks to track usage and prevent hoarding or loss. This is especially useful for PPE, inserts, and shared tools.
MRO may not go on your invoice—but without it, nothing gets done. Shops that treat MRO with the same discipline as raw material inventory see faster setups, less downtime, and fewer production surprises.
With ShopXpert’s smart vending and inventory tracking tools, you can finally bring structure to your MRO management. Automatically restock critical items, track usage, and reduce downtime caused by missing supplies.
[Start Managing Inventory Smarter]
