Solving Inventory Problems with an Optimized Maintenance Program
With tight deadlines, shifting schedules, and a wide range of equipment to manage, construction sites can get chaotic — and inventory is often one of the first things to fall through the cracks.
Whether it’s understocked lubricants that leave machines idle or overstocked materials that take up valuable space, poor inventory management can quietly drain time, money, and productivity.
The good news? An optimized maintenance program can take on inventory challenges and lead to streamlined operations.
The Challenge: The Hidden Cost of Inventory Inefficiency
When equipment gets sent out to remote sites, there’s a narrow window to get things right. If the right oil or lubricant isn’t available when it’s needed, it can mean costly downtime or worse — permanent equipment damage.
“In general, the construction industry has moved toward more complexity when it comes to lubrication,” says Roger Young, Senior Field Technical Advisor at Imperial Oil. “Every OEM has recommended oils, so if customers go by the book, they end up with hundreds of oils they need to stock.”
That complexity opens the door to mistakes. Putting the wrong oil into a machine can lead to reduced performance, shortened component life, or total failure.
Then there’s the issue of space. In a central shop, when buckets of oil and drums start to add up, it becomes a nightmare to maintain. And out in the field, where supplies are often delivered by lube truck, space is even tighter. You can only carry so much in one trip, which makes planning and prioritizing essential.
The Game Plan: Simplifying for a Smarter Inventory Strategy
Having enough of a product on hand is critical, especially for equipment on 250-hour drain intervals, but too much can start to get in the way. So, what’s the solution?
One of the most powerful tools for solving inventory problems is consolidation. By moving to an optimized maintenance program, you can reduce the number of lubricant types on site — without sacrificing equipment health.
Tracking assets and their drain intervals, knowing when service is due, and coordinating with suppliers to ensure product availability is key. You don’t need three oils when one can do the job just as well. Consolidation reduces complexity, lowers the risk of cross-contamination, and makes the whole process easier to manage.
The Payoff: More Uptime, Less Waste, and Smoother Operations
When inventory is under control, equipment runs better. Downtime drops. Technicians work more efficiently. Equipment stays properly lubricated and better protected, which can help extend component life and reduce repair costs*.
Construction managers have their hands full — but when it comes to Mobil lubricants, it’s all about easy. You’re not just simplifying your inventory — you’re simplifying your operation, which makes field service easier, reduces delays, and keeps the whole team focused on the job instead of chasing down the right product.
*Results vary based on operating conditions
