Janitorial Supplies Improve MRO Strategies

Quality Janitorial Supplies for Strong MRO Strategies

MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) strategies are a critical component of an optimized, functional workplace. These activities, supplies, and plans work together to keep all the processes and equipment running well to minimize production challenges when they arise. Janitorial supplies feature prominently in successful MRO programs.

The term MRO refers to the materials and tools used to facilitate smooth manufacturing operations but not to make the final product, making them an “indirect” part of the business.
Of course, like many things in the manufacturing world, not everyone needs the same supplies to handle their MRO strategies, which means that different types of buyers will approach MRO textile procurement very differently.

Everyone from plant managers and engineers to procurement specialists requires a specific range of products to handle their part of the business, so several vital elements must be considered. What materials do the machines need to process materials? What type of product lines require the most maintenance? How does the janitorial staff handle the workload?

Getting the right MRO janitorial supplies will require a careful and thorough approach to ensure the staff has everything they need to keep the facility running at optimal functionality.

What Is MRO?

The acronym stands for maintenance, repair, and operations, but the term itself can encompass more than people realize.

Essentially, it includes the strategies, activities, and operations that impact how efficiently a plant or facility runs. It involves upkeep, prevention, observation, and more.

MRO becomes a component of indirect spending because it directly affects the production of a product without necessarily being a part of the final product.

What Does MRO Do?

Different facilities manufacturing different products face a wide range of challenges and activities every day. Maybe they’re dealing with vast production lines, bringing in new materials to create unique products, or shipping things back out the door as quickly and effectively as possible.

MRO can play a big part in all of this, but, most notably, it is crucial for:

Repair and maintaining the infrastructure

Activities that fall under infrastructure repair and maintenance include repairing roofs, doors and windows, improving the landscaping, keeping the HVAC system running, maintaining the parking areas, keeping the lights on, and essential janitorial services.

Repairing and maintaining production equipment

MRO is critical for keeping production equipment in the best shape possible. To thrive, facilities must maintain their most important machinery and other systems producing at optimal levels. Without MRO equipment, there is a limit to their potential.

Active and reactive maintenance

MRO strategies are perfect for active (preventative) maintenance that saves money over time. At the same time, critical reactive maintenance during an emergency is impossible without MRO strategies.

Maintaining material handling equipment

Facility managers must maintain everything from conveyor systems to vehicles. Think about all the necessary elements in manufacturing facilities, including forklifts, jacks, storage systems, bulk containers. A robust MRO plan is an insurance plan for the business.

Repairing and maintaining tools and consumables

Many tools may not be central to the production of an item, but they are still just as important to operating at optimal levels. Items used throughout the maintenance process don’t fall into the “direct spend” category; however, procurement needs to know when to buy more. Things including a wide range of janitorial supplies, like mops, cleaning chemicals, rags, and wipes, fall into this category.

What Janitorial Supplies Should an MRO Program Include?

There are several simple but effective janitorial products that a good MRO program needs to be genuinely effective. While every facility is different, some of the most common things include:

Industrial wiping rags and towels – No MRO purchasing plan is complete without several types of reclaimed rags so you can get the job done and be a little easier on the environment.

Cleanroom wipes – In some cases, you need more than just a rag. You need something that meets the standards for cleanrooms.

Hardware – Many of the tools used for MRO also have hardware procurement requirements.

Personal protection equipment – PPE is critical in certain facilities where air quality or skin protection are concerns. PPE is also imperative now during the pandemic.

Consumables – It can seem like there is no end to the number of abrasives, adhesives, and other consumable objects used in MRO.

Hand tools – Lubricants and small parts are necessary to maintain working, reliable power and manual tools.

Understanding the Benefits of MRO

Several significant benefits that result from an effective MRO strategy include:

• An optimized workflow
• Strict compliance to regulatory demands
• More efficient procurement policies
• Improved productivity and profits
• Safer work environment

Without MRO, operations can grind to a halt and drag your profits down with it. Getting MRO right leads to long-term, sustainable savings on costs and time, contributing significantly to your bottom line.