Parts and Accessories Management
Parts and accessories management keeps the workshop supplied while protecting warranty and stock accuracy. The exam tests receiving, binning, stock rotation, min-max control, stock counts, genuine versus counterfeit identification, warranty part retention and safe storage of fluids.
Core rules
- Receive against the delivery note: part number, quantity, condition, batch or serial where applicable.
- Store by bin location; use FIFO for perishable or superseded stock; record all issues to a job order.
- Set minimum and maximum levels; reorder before stock-out, allowing for lead time and safety stock.
- Tag warranty removed parts with job order, VIN, date and claim number; retain per policy.
- Keep oils, coolants and batteries bunded; follow the safety data sheet and local environmental rules.
- Do not sell or fit counterfeit safety-critical parts; check packaging, markings and supplier.
Worked example
Weekly demand is 20 filters, lead time is 2 weeks and safety stock is 10. Reorder point = demand during lead time + safety stock = 20 x 2 + 10 = 50. When stock reaches 50, raise a replenishment order. Reason: this covers normal use plus variation without overstocking.
Traps
Putting warranty parts back into saleable stock; no issue record; ignoring FIFO; storing used oil in unlabelled containers; fitting accessories without recording the VIN.