How Important Is This? The Power of Prioritization in Parts Ordering

It seems like a simple question, but “How important is this?” is one that doesn’t get asked or expressed often enough. In the aggregates, crushing, and mining industries, urgency is the norm. But not every order is a true rush, and the challenge for our parts department is determining which parts are genuinely critical and prioritizing delivery accordingly.

At ELRUS, we take immense pride in managing this challenge. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with customers, suppliers, and transportation partners to establish a shared understanding of rush levels and what they mean for our operations. Here’s a look at the different categories we use to prioritize parts:

1. Operations Down / Emergency

This is the highest level of urgency. When operations are down, cost is a secondary concern – the focus is purely on getting the part as quickly as possible. Imminent downtime can also fall into this category, and every possible measure is taken to expedite the delivery.

2. Critical Wear Piece

This level indicates that the customer doesn’t have a spare and would face downtime without it. Special measures, such as expedited shipping or pulling parts from new machinery, may be required. However, whether these measures are necessary depends on the standard lead and shipping times. If the timing is tight, we make it happen.

3. Critical Spare

Similar to a critical wear piece, but with a longer lifespan. Because these parts generally last longer, urgent action is rarely required. However, keeping an eye on inventory to avoid a last-minute rush is key.

4. Planned Service / Replacement

Ideally, most orders fall under this category, where standard lead time is sufficient, and parts can be replaced on a scheduled basis. Planned service orders allow for the smoothest and most efficient operation without urgent adjustments.

These categories cover about 90% of the orders we process, but we know that priorities can shift in the dynamic world of crushing and mining. What starts as a routine order can suddenly become urgent – or vice versa.

A System for Minimizing Downtime

Whether it’s identifying critical stock levels, fast-tracking a shipment, or calling in extra support, ELRUS has partnered with our key suppliers and logistics teams to minimize your downtime. But the final piece of the puzzle is communication. For every part request, it’s essential to express the true urgency of the situation accurately. Proper communication means that with one call (or email, or text), your order is handled with the right level of priority, minimizing disruption and keeping your operations running smoothly.

In the end, by working together and clearly expressing each order’s urgency, we ensure the right parts arrive at the right time – every time.