Use Year End to Fix Next Year’s Ordering Problems

As the year draws to a close, shops everywhere take stock — reviewing costs, cleaning up inventory and planning for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. However, one area that often slips under the radar is maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) ordering.

While it may seem routine, the way you manage MRO orders can have a significant impact on uptime and productivity. Overlooking this process can lead to costly delays, shortages and wasted time. Year-end is the perfect moment to rethink your approach and set the stage for smoother operations next year.

Measurable Results

Modernizing your ordering process isn’t just about convenience — it’s about achieving real, measurable results. By shifting more of your MRO ordering online, you unlock several practical benefits:

• Faster reorders of known items: With digital catalogs and saved order histories, you can quickly replenish supplies without starting from scratch each time.
• Fewer stockouts on critical supplies: Online systems often provide real-time inventory visibility, helping you avoid running out of essential items.
• Less time on the phone or hunting through paper catalogs: Streamlined digital workflows mean less manual searching and fewer interruptions, freeing up your team to focus on what matters most.

Working Together

The best results come from combining the strengths of your online ordering platform with the expertise of your sales representative. Here’s how to make the most of both:

• Online account handles routine transactions: Use the website for everyday orders, tracking and account management. This keeps things efficient and ensures accuracy.
• Your Rep focuses on problem solving, inventory programs and sourcing hard-to-find items: Your rep becomes a strategic partner, helping you tackle complex challenges, optimize inventory and locate specialty products that aren’t easily found.

Key Features

To maximize the benefits of KimballMidwest.com, make sure you’re taking advantage of these essential features:

• Add New Users: Ensure everyone who needs to place orders has their own login. This improves accountability and streamlines approvals.
• Order Approval: Set up workflows so orders can be reviewed and approved before they’re finalized, reducing errors and unauthorized purchases.
• Confirm Shipping Addresses: Double-check that all shipping details are up to date to avoid delivery mishaps.
• Custom Lists for Reordering: Create and maintain custom lists of frequently ordered items for quick, hassle-free replenishment.

The end of the year isn’t just a time for reflection — it’s an opportunity to fix what’s not working and set your shop up for success. By leveraging both digital tools and human expertise, you can eliminate inefficiencies, reduce downtime and make next year’s operations smoother than ever. Act now, and you’ll thank yourself when the busy season rolls around again.

If you already have a Kimball Midwest sales representative, you know they’re your partner in this process and you can ask them for any assistance you might need as the year wraps up. If you’re not yet a Kimball Midwest customer, we’d be excited to help you