How MRO Technologies Are Driving Efficiency in Supply Chains

MRO is undergoing a digital transformation, shifting from a reactive task to a strategic priority. With technologies like IoT, AI, and cloud platforms, businesses gain efficiency, control, and agility. This evolution boosts resilience, ensures compliance, and supports sustainable operations.

- Anish Popli

In today’s hyper-competitive industrial landscape, supply chain efficiency is not just a differentiator; it’s a necessity. While much attention has been given to digitising core procurement and production processes, one critical area has remained under-optimised for years: Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO). Often treated as a nonstrategic or fragmented function, MRO has historically lagged in digital transformation. However, that is rapidly changing.

The emergence of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and cloud-based procurement systems has redefined the role of MRO within modern supply chains. These innovations are shifting MRO from a cost centre into a strategic enabler, driving resilience, operational continuity, and bottom-line impact.

The Strategic Shift in MRO

MRO comprises a wide range of indirect materials required to support core operations, everything from spare parts and safety equipment to cleaning supplies, lubricants, and repair tools. While these items may not directly influence the finished product, their availability determines whether equipment runs, maintenance happens on time, and production targets are met without disruption.

Traditionally, MRO was handled in a reactive manner. Purchases were often made at the last minute, with multiple vendors, and minimal integration with enterprise systems. This approach led to bloated inventories, unpredictable lead times, and inconsistent pricing across locations. Organizations absorbed these inefficiencies because MRO was rarely seen as a strategic priority.

The evolving demands of manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy sectors—combined with the need for cost control and risk mitigation—have altered that mindset. MRO is now being reimagined as a driver of business continuity, efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Technology-Led Transformation