Episode 169: Parts Management: The Hidden Goldmine in Fleet Efficiency

🛠️ "A great parts manager is worth their weight in gold. Without the right parts at the right time, even the best fleet operation grinds to a halt.”– Marc Canton

🚀 Episode Summary

From the importance of hiring the right parts professionals to leveraging technology for inventory control, they discuss how optimizing your parts program can save both time and money. They also explore common pitfalls in fleet maintenance, the pros and cons of outsourcing, and how a well-managed parts department directly impacts technician productivity and vehicle uptime.

If you’ve ever struggled with lost inventory, slow turnaround times, or unreliable vendors, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your fleet’s parts operation.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Outsourcing vs. In-House: Weighing the benefits and challenges of each approach.
✅ The Power of SLAs: Why service-level agreements are essential for holding vendors accountable.
✅ Inventory Management: How barcoding, cycle counts, and software automation can streamline parts tracking.
✅ The Role of a Great Parts Manager: The rare skill set needed to excel in parts management.
✅ Hidden Costs: How misplaced or untracked parts can bleed money from your fleet.
✅ Facility Layout Matters: Why strategic placement of parts rooms can reduce technician downtime.

Meet the Speakers:

🔹 Marc Canton – Head of Product & Consulting at RTA, with over 30 years of experience in fleet management and analytics.
🔹 Facundo Tassara – Award-winning fleet manager with seven recognitions in 100 Best Fleets. RTA’s Fleet Success Ambassador and BBQ enthusiast.
🔹 Nathan Schafer – Fleet Success Manager & Trainer with 25+ years in fleet operations, from technician to manager, and an active industry contributor.

🔧 Are you considering outsourcing your parts program? Wondering how to reduce downtime and improve fill rates? This episode will give you actionable strategies to optimize your parts department and keep your fleet running smoothly.