Supply Chain Management

Procurement: After identifying the equipment, for the detailed task that would be executed determine the list of spare parts required. Segregate the identified spare parts based on their lead time. One which has highest lead time needs to be ordered first.
Procurement considers and involves a gamut of factors and activities to be done beforehand.
• Itemize the materials - Have a detailed listing of materials that would be required for carrying out the shutdown for the above identified tasks.
• If the required material is stock item then check if the sufficient quantity is available for the shutdown requirement.
• If the required material is of type non-stock then ensure that the material is available before taking the equipment for shutdown.
• Itemize the spares that need to be procured and these are generally classified as MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operation) in manufacturing organizations.
• Hire/Rent any equipment (example a crane, etc.) that would be required carryout shutdown wherever applicable.
• Plan a hand over of excess materials, spares and return rental items appropriately.
• Ensure to mention the manufacturing/shipping dates appropriately by taking into consideration the lead times if not the project may run into delays.
• Communicate the requirement to 3PL /freight forwarding details like "date required", "date expected ready", "mode of transport", etc.
• Also, create a physical quarantine area to store incorrect or return materials.
• Have a standard procedure for any handling exceptional process and ensure that the personnel's are trained to handle any exception.
• Ensure that cycle counting and warranty activities managed appropriately so that there are no surprises at the end.

Execution and evaluation are the next phases in shutdown but it would not be a success if its initial phase planning is unsuccessful. A shutdown can be an overwhelming undertaking if managed as a single, stand-alone event. However, if the event is broken down into various phases with detailed, formal processes in each phase, it can be managed successfully each and every time.