Critical Spare Parts

What this topic covers

How failure consequence and replenishment lead time shape spare strategy.

Core ideas

A critical spare is important because losing the asset without a replacement would create unacceptable delay or risk.

Storage conditions can degrade bearings, seals, electronics and other spares before use.

Inventory records should connect the spare to compatible assets and obsolescence status.

Program tradeoffs

Condition-based maintenance only works when degradation can be detected with enough lead time to act.

What good evidence looks like

Backlog and work priority should reflect risk, readiness and consequence—not age alone.

Lifecycle perspective

Repeat failures are opportunities to remove causes through design, installation, operating or maintenance improvements.