Materials management is an essential core function of the logistics processes and realities for expansive environments like college campuses, especially those with multiple units and locations. A large investment in systems and human resources is devoted to procuring, receiving, and managing both materials and supplies.

1. LEAN Materials Management for College Campus Stockrooms and Physical Plant Operations
Materials management is an essential core function of the logistics processes and realities for expansive
environments like college campuses, especially those with multiple units and locations. A large
investment in systems and human resources is devoted to procuring, receiving, and managing both
materials and supplies. In addition, a large investment is expended on either the movement and
tracking of items over multiple locations on a campus or multi-campuses. If not handled efficiently,
mishaps and errors can be unproductive, and in some cases cause significant financial or physical harm.
The drivers that define the materials management processes within Higher Education institutions are
varied. They include scientific research, Bio-Medical practices, managing classroom lab
requirements/logistics, and inventory management for running the physical plant of the campus. Each
of these areas demand differing sets of materials management and logistics competencies, including the
processes of requisition, ordering, receiving, verification, tracking, usage, storage, and disposal.
In addition to classic inventory management requirements for tracking supplies used in repair and
replacement type operations, colleges must also monitor the use and storage of hazardous materials
utilized to support their curriculum.
Overcoming Challenges
To increase productivity and if properly executed, eliminate wasted resources, colleges should
implement flexible materials management software that smoothly handles the varied and complex
requirements of higher education maintenance operations.
Effective materials management software provides higher-ed organizations a platform that both unify
inventory and enterprise asset management logistics, while giving each department or academic entity
the flexibility to meet internal KPIs and SLAs. It improves safety, reduces costs by eliminating wasteful
purchases and provides a streamlined inventory requisition and management structure.

2. Benefits of a Lean approach to Materials Management
Colleges and universities can save time and increase efficiency levels with materials management
software that is architected on the principles of LEAN operations processes. Here, wasteful procedures
are eliminated and productivity is enhanced. Some advantages are given below:
Implementation of an Integrated Purchasing Process – Maintenance management software
interoperates with financial management systems through electronically automated processes, which
accentuate efficiency and provide opportunities for competitive pricing negotiations, just in time
delivery, and greater overall visibility.
Transparency in Operations – The software provides a transparent view of assets and inventory. It also
helps in providing smart staffing solutions with smarter budgeting and purchasing decisions.
Safety Standards and Compliance- The software provides complete visibility into addressing hazardous
materials inventory and ensuring complete safety on the campus with apt regulations compliance. Bar
code technology and serialization provides accurate issue and return as well as appropriate charge-back
of chemicals and supplies used in laboratories.
Fosters Productivity – The software helps to streamline operations by providing synchronized materials
and tool availability for critical tasks such as maintenance work, safety inspections, or student housing
repairs.
Properly architected and implemented materials management software combined with a thorough
approach in understanding how each organizational entity performs work, processes information, and
interoperates provides a streamlined automation platform to manage and control all logistics associated
with bringing in and tracking materials, assets, and supplies on Colleges and University Campuses.