The hidden cost of poor MRO master data in the age of AI
Supply chain and maintenance leaders face mounting pressure to reduce costs, improve asset availability and increase productivity. But poor MRO master data can quietly undermine those goals through excess inventory and spend, maintenance delays and avoidable downtime.
The data is in: Sphera’s 2026 MRO Survey reveals how data quality impacts supply chain performance, maintenance execution and AI adoption, and why a stronger MRO data foundation can help organizations improve operational performance.
Inside the report
This report draws on insights from 201 Supply Chain and Maintenance leaders across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia and explores these key findings and more:
- Over 80% report $5 – $50 million in excess, obsolete or rarely used MRO inventory — see how poor data can contribute to excess inventory and spend.
- More than half spend over 50 hours per week on critical parts-related activities — including searching for parts, identifying the correct part, waiting for MRO items and looking for related information.
- More than 75% report 10 – 30% excess planned downtime, unplanned downtime and maintenance delays associated with missing, incorrect or hard-to-find spare parts, incomplete information and expediting delays.
- About 50% are either not achieving expected value from AI or have stopped using it because of a lack of trust — highlighting why AI readiness starts with data readiness.
Get your 2026 Sphera MRO Survey Report and discover how stronger MRO master data can help reduce costs, improve maintenance execution and build a foundation for AI-driven operational performance.
