Hidden Costs in Spare Parts Management
Many industrial companies underestimate the consequences of poor MRO master data: Over the years, acquisitions, different ERP systems, and local designations lead to fragmented, inconsistent data. The consequences: capital tied up in duplicates, inefficient procurement, longer search and downtimes, and a lack of transparency for decision-making.

SPARRO, a specialist in MRO data harmonization, demonstrates in projects with global manufacturers that 10–30% of parts are duplicated – often at different prices and locations. Cleanup brings measurable benefits: lower inventory levels, consolidated purchasing volumes, faster repairs, greater supply security, and a solid basis for investment decisions.

Strategically, harmonization contributes to predictive maintenance, global rollouts, sustainability, and digitalization. Success factors include clear governance, technology combined with expert knowledge, and targeted change management.

A practical example: For a leading pharmaceutical company, SPARROW reduced the duplicate rate by over 20%, enabled centralized purchasing negotiations, freed up warehouse space, and created standardized master data for predictive maintenance pilot projects – serving as the basis for the migration to SAP S/4HANA.

Data harmonization is not a one-time project, but a continuous process: automated checks of new data records, regular audits, and data quality as a KPI ensure long-term benefits.

Conclusion: MRO data harmonization is a strategic investment in efficiency, cost control, and future viability. SPARROW combines AI-supported technology with international project experience to transform spare parts from a cost factor into a competitive advantage.