What Are Critical Spares?

Critical spares are specific components, parts, or equipment that are essential for the proper functioning or operation of a system, machinery, or infrastructure. These spares are considered critical because their failure or unavailability can result in significant downtime, loss of productivity, safety risks, or other adverse consequences.
The definition of critical spares may vary depending on the context and industry. In general, critical spares are identified based on their importance to the overall operation, the impact of their failure on the system or process, and the difficulty or time required to obtain or replace them. These spares are typically characterized by their limited availability, long lead times, high cost, or specialized nature.

Organizations often maintain an inventory of critical spares to ensure they can quickly address equipment failures or breakdowns and minimize the associated downtime. The selection and stocking of critical spares involves careful analysis of historical failure data, maintenance requirements, equipment criticality assessments, and risk management considerations.

In summary, critical spares are vital components or equipment that, if unavailable or inoperable, can significantly disrupt operations, pose safety risks, or result in substantial economic losses. They are prioritized for proactive maintenance, inventory management, and rapid replacement to minimize downtime and maintain system reliability.

Partner with RIGSERV and we will help you establish your critical spare inventory. We have experienced people, documented and proven processes, and modern in-house design technology to help you lift and move your inventory to the next level.

Brian Wolf-RigServ

AUTHOR:
Brian Wolf

Vice President, RigServ
Practitioner – Global Supply Chain Management

Master Data Management 

Inventory Management 

Asset
Management

Distribution Management 

Project Management Solutions