The main product of bp in Flanders (Belgium) is Terephthalic acid (PTA). This is the main ingredient for PET bottles. To minimize down time due to shortages of spares, bp keeps (critical) spares on stock. For moving parts a working capital reduction can be harvested by optimizing min/max levels. Regular demand of parts after resetting the parameters will eventually result in inventory reduction. Gordian calculated the parameters with the Spare Parts Management Studio. bp and Gordian worked together to check exceptions, e.g. spike orders and lead time peaks, and perform crosschecks to validate the stocking parameters.

Expensive slow and non-movers need to be available when down time risks are significant. With limited data history you cannot make inventory decisions based on statistics alone. Gordian helped bp to rationalize stocking decisions and introduced a decision tree. The decision tree helps to mitigate crucial process- and supply risks in determining the required stock levels.

The working capital of the moving assortment is expected to be reduced by 7% combined with a workload reduction and less stock outs. bp will be able to harvest this result within two years after resetting the new parameters. bp can harvest this result within two years after resetting the new parameters. For the moving items, bp uses the new parameters. For the slow moving parts, the decision tree will first be applied in workshops. By applying pareto techniques, bp will maximize the impact by focusing on a minority of parts.