Article: Evaluating the (Q, R) model in maintenance materials management Journal: International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation (IJLEG) 2015 Vol.6 No.3 pp.236 - 251 Abstract: This research studies the applicability of widely applied continuously reviewed fixed order quantity (Q) and reorder point (R) inventory policy, i.e. the (Q,R) model used in the inventory management of maintenance materials. The aim is to identify the main challenges in applying the (Q,R) model to the maintenance context in investment-intensive industry companies. The research is based on a case study that utilizes real data gathered from the case company's inventory operations. The results indicate that the case company's inventory levels are not controlled by the parameters of the (Q,R) model, which leads to overstocking with a share more than 19.1%. A mechanism causing inventory uncontrollability due to return material flows is also identified. The results indicate that managers should address more attention to the structure of the internal supply chain. Recommendations for reducing the amount of uncontrollable material flows include, returning excess materials to the suppliers, improving demand forecasting, and establishing a transaction type for repairables. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Evaluating the (Q, R) model in maintenance materials management

Authors: Antti Puurunen; Jukka Majava; Hanna Kropsu-Vehkapera; Pekka Kess

Addresses: Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland ' Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, FI-90014, Finland

Abstract: This research studies the applicability of widely applied continuously reviewed fixed order quantity (Q) and reorder point (R) inventory policy, i.e. the (Q,R) model used in the inventory management of maintenance materials. The aim is to identify the main challenges in applying the (Q,R) model to the maintenance context in investment-intensive industry companies. The research is based on a case study that utilizes real data gathered from the case company's inventory operations. The results indicate that the case company's inventory levels are not controlled by the parameters of the (Q,R) model, which leads to overstocking with a share more than 19.1%. A mechanism causing inventory uncontrollability due to return material flows is also identified. The results indicate that managers should address more attention to the structure of the internal supply chain. Recommendations for reducing the amount of uncontrollable material flows include, returning excess materials to the suppliers, improving demand forecasting, and establishing a transaction type for repairables.

Keywords: inventory control; inventory management; maintenance materials; spare parts; supply chain management; SCM; materials management; overstocking; return material flows; demand forecasting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2015.073905

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2015 Vol.6 No.3, pp.236 - 251

Accepted: 04 Sep 2015
Published online: 29 Dec 2015 *

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Title: Evaluating the (Q, R) model in maintenance materials management

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