Dead Stock
Dead stock is inventory with no expected future use because of obsolescence, equipment removal, duplication, damage, or excessive quantity.
What this term means in maintenance
Dead stock is inventory with no expected future use because of obsolescence, equipment removal, duplication, damage, or excessive quantity.
Why dead stock develops
Causes may include:
- Asset decommissioning
- Part supersession
- Duplicate records
- Design change
- Over-purchasing
- Wrong specification
- Shelf-life expiry
- Supplier minimum quantities
Practical example
A set of control cards remains in the store after the related PLC system has been replaced across the plant.
Review process
The organization should confirm:
- Asset compatibility
- Future demand
- Repairability
- Alternative use
- Return or resale option
- Disposal method
- Accounting treatment
Prevention
Link parts to assets, review obsolescence, control new-item creation, and update BOMs after equipment changes.
Common mistake
Disposing of slow-moving stock without checking criticality and installed equipment can remove essential protection.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Spare Parts Obsolescence
Spare parts obsolescence occurs when a replacement part is no longer manufactured, supported, compatible, or economically practical to obtain.
Inventory Turnover
Inventory turnover measures how often inventory value is used or replaced during a defined period.
Stock Accuracy
Stock accuracy is the degree to which recorded inventory quantities and locations match the physical spare parts actually available.
Glossary FAQs
- What is dead stock?
Inventory with no expected future use because of obsolescence, duplication, damage, or asset removal.
- How is dead stock reduced?
Maintain asset links, BOMs, lifecycle status, item controls, and regular review.
- Should all slow-moving parts be disposed?
No. Some slow-moving parts are essential critical spares.