Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO)
Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) refers to the activities, spare parts, tools and consumables used to keep equipment and facilities running. MRO items support production but do not become part of the finished product, and they are managed separately from production inventory.
Maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) describes the supplies, spare parts, tools, consumables, and activities required to maintain and repair equipment, facilities, and infrastructure. MRO items, such as bearings, filters, lubricants, fasteners, and safety equipment, support production and operations but are not incorporated into the finished product. MRO is managed as a distinct category from raw materials and production inventory.
Why it matters
MRO inventory often represents a large, fragmented spend that is harder to control than production materials. Poor MRO management leads to stockouts that extend downtime, or to excess stock that ties up capital and storage. Bringing MRO spare parts under a structured tracking and reordering system reduces both unplanned downtime and the carrying cost of holding too much stock.
How MapTrack helps
MapTrack links spare parts and consumables to the assets they service, tracks stock levels, and ties parts usage to work orders, giving maintenance teams visibility of MRO inventory alongside the equipment it supports.
Related on MapTrack
Related guides
Automate your maintenance scheduling
Set recurring tasks, track work orders and eliminate missed services with MapTrack.
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime
Frequently asked questions
What does MRO include?
MRO includes spare parts and components (such as bearings, belts, and motors), consumables (lubricants, filters, cleaning supplies), tools and test equipment, personal protective equipment, and the maintenance and repair activities themselves. It also covers facility upkeep items like lighting and HVAC parts. The defining feature is that these items support operations without becoming part of the product sold.
How is MRO inventory different from production inventory?
Production inventory consists of raw materials and components that become part of the finished product and flow predictably with output. MRO inventory supports the equipment and facilities that make production possible, is consumed irregularly, and is far more varied. Because demand is sporadic, MRO is best managed with criticality-based stocking rules rather than the demand forecasting used for production materials.
Related terms
Spare Parts Management
Spare parts management is the process of planning, procuring, storing, and issuing replacement components and consumables needed to maintain and repair assets. It involves determining which parts to stock, setting minimum and reorder quantities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring parts are available when needed without carrying excessive inventory. Effective spare parts management balances availability against holding costs.
Work Order
A work order is a formal document or digital record that authorises and tracks a specific maintenance task. It typically includes the asset identification, description of work required, priority, assigned technician, parts needed, safety requirements, and completion details. Work orders provide a structured workflow from request through approval, execution, and closeout.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance (PM) is a proactive maintenance strategy in which assets are serviced at predetermined time or usage intervals to reduce the likelihood of failure. Tasks may include inspections, lubrication, filter changes, calibrations, and component replacements. PM schedules are typically based on manufacturer recommendations, regulatory requirements, or historical failure data.
Total Cost of Maintenance
Total cost of maintenance is the comprehensive measure of all direct and indirect costs associated with maintaining an asset or group of assets over a defined period. Direct costs include labour (both in-house technicians and contracted services), parts and materials, consumables, and specialised tools or equipment used for maintenance tasks. Indirect costs include maintenance planning and supervision overhead, maintenance-related training, maintenance-related software and technology, inventory carrying costs for spare parts, and the cost of production losses attributable to maintenance downtime. Some organisations also include the cost of rework, warranty claims related to maintenance quality, and the opportunity cost of capital tied up in spare parts inventory. Total cost of maintenance differs from total cost of ownership (TCO) in that it focuses specifically on upkeep costs rather than the full lifecycle cost including acquisition, operation, and disposal. Calculating total cost of maintenance accurately requires a consistent cost allocation methodology that captures both the obvious direct expenses and the often-hidden indirect costs that can represent a substantial portion of the true maintenance burden.
Maintenance Scheduling
Maintenance scheduling is the process of planning when maintenance tasks will be performed, assigning resources (technicians, parts, equipment), and sequencing work to minimise disruption to operations. Effective scheduling balances preventive maintenance intervals, corrective work priorities, resource availability, and production demands. It transforms a backlog of work orders into an executable plan.
See how MapTrack handles maintenance, repair and operations (mro)
Ready to track every asset?
Join construction, mining and field service teams across Australia.
4.9 on G2 · 4.9 on Capterra
- No credit card required
- 30 days free trial
- Cancel anytime