Spare Parts Lead Time
Spare parts lead time is the elapsed time between initiating replenishment and receiving a part ready for maintenance use.
What this term means in maintenance
Spare parts lead time is the elapsed time between initiating replenishment and receiving a part ready for maintenance use.
What lead time may include
Lead time can include:
- Approval
- Supplier quotation
- Purchase-order processing
- Manufacturing
- Shipping
- Customs
- Receiving
- Inspection
- Store put-away
Practical example
A custom gearbox requires twelve weeks to manufacture and two weeks for shipping and receiving. Effective lead time is fourteen weeks.
Why lead time matters
Lead time affects:
- Reorder point
- Safety stock
- Critical-spares decisions
- Shutdown planning
- Repair risk
- Supplier selection
- Emergency sourcing
Lead-time variability
The average alone may be insufficient when delivery performance varies widely.
Common mistake
Using the supplier's quoted manufacturing time while ignoring approval, shipping, customs, and receiving can leave stock settings too low.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Reorder Point
A reorder point is the inventory level at which replenishment should be initiated so expected demand can be covered during supplier lead time.
Critical Spare
A critical spare is a replacement part whose unavailability could cause unacceptable equipment downtime, safety exposure, quality risk, or business interruption.
Stockout
A stockout occurs when a required spare part or maintenance material is unavailable when it is needed.
Glossary FAQs
- What is spare-parts lead time?
The time from initiating replenishment until the part is received and ready for use.
- What activities can lead time include?
Approval, quotation, purchasing, manufacturing, shipping, customs, receiving, inspection, and put-away.
- Why does lead-time variability matter?
Irregular delivery may require more protection than the average lead time suggests.