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Are You Hesitant to Outsource Your MRO Stores Management?
Outsourcing MRO stores management can be a game changer for manufacturers—but many hesitate, fearing loss of control or trusting an external partner. At ERIKS, we’ve helped hundreds of companies embrace the change, overcoming concerns around key issues like people, IT, health and safety, and stock risk. In this blog, Stacey Burns, Project Manager for ERIKS OnSite, and David Kingston, Store Rooms Service Manager for ERIKS OnSite, explain how we handle these sensitive topics when a manufacturer partners with us.
1. People: "What Happens to My Team?"
The biggest question we hear is ‘What about my people?’. Typically, around 80% of your staff transfer to ERIKS under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) process. While this might sound like an HR headache, it’s something ERIKS has been doing for over 20 years. Our team manages the process seamlessly from both an HR and legal standpoint, ensuring minimal disruption and reducing any potential risk.
But, it’s not just about moving people over.
We’re committed to ongoing development. From 1-2-1 meetings and personal development plans to E-learning and technical product training, we ensure employees are continually growing. It’s not just a job at ERIKS—it’s a career path.
2. IT: "How Will New Systems Integrate?”
Another common fear is system integration. Many manufacturers operate with outdated, non-digitized systems—and the engineers on-site often have decades of experience, but not necessarily digital literacy.
The transition can be tricky, but ERIKS excels at bridging the gap between the old ways and new systems.
We guide teams through the process step by step, ensuring that knowledge doesn’t get lost in translation. Whether it’s manual tracking or using QR codes to manage inventory, ERIKS blends experience with cutting-edge technology, allowing for smoother transitions without disrupting operations.
3. Health & Safety: "How Safe is My Site?"
At ERIKS, safety comes first. We won’t place our team on a site that doesn’t meet health and safety best practices.
During onboarding, we conduct regular risk assessments, ensuring your facility meets the highest standards.
In addition to compliance, ERIKS is often tasked with transforming unsafe or inefficient storerooms. We’ll overhaul cluttered, hazardous spaces and turn them into organized, safe environments. New racking, tidy layouts, and a clear storage system not only reduce risks but also improve operational efficiency.
4. Stock Risk: "Can You Maintain My Stock Levels?"
Procurement departments love the idea of outsourcing MRO management as it frees them from sourcing and provides opportunities for cost savings. But engineers just want the right parts at the right time, and production teams worry about keeping uptime high.
That’s where ERIKS shines. Our onboarding process includes a thorough stock audit, ensuring accuracy between physical inventory and records. We’ll also digitally catalog everything — often using QR codes or barcodes — to minimize stock risk and ensure you have what you need, when you need it.
The Bottom Line: Safe, Efficient, and Optimized MRO Management that is risk free
The goal of our OnSite implementation is clear; to operate safe, efficient engineering stores where inventory is optimized to meet production goals, stock is accurate, and downtime is minimized. We even aim for stock retrieval times under 90 seconds.
Outsourcing MRO stores might seem daunting, but with ERIKS, it’s a proven process that delivers performance benefits and reduced downtime. If you’re worried about investing in an area that’s often overlooked, remember: the long-term savings and efficiency gains more than make up for the initial investment.
Ready to outsource your MRO stores management? Let ERIKS handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best. Get in touch today to learn how we can optimize your operations and reduce downtime.
For more information on ERIKS OnSite Solutions, contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.
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