--- title: Controlling Oil and Lubricant Inventory in a Metalworking Facility description: Understanding your current metalworking oil inventory–and matching it to your current and future needs–can help address any gaps or inconsistencies. image: https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/images/blog/AdobeStock_884709098.webp --- [![keller-heartt-oil](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/branding/keller-heartt-logo.200.png)](https://www.kellerheartt.com/) - Shop By Industry - [Trucking & Automotive](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/commercial-truck-supplies) - [Diesel Exhaust Fluid](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/diesel-exhaust-fluid) - [Motor Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/motor-oil) - [Brake Cleaner](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/brake-cleaner) - [Antifreeze](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/antifreeze-coolants) - [Transmission Fluid](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/transmission-fluid) - [Machine Shops & Metalworking](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/metalworking-fluids) - [Cutting Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/cutting-oil) - [Coolant](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/tool-die-coolants) - [Hydraulic Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/hydraulic-oil) - [Soluble Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/soluble-oil) - [Rust Preventative](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/tool-die-rust-veto) - [Industrial](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-products) - [Hydraulic Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/hydraulic-oil) - [Industrial Gear Oil](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-gear-oil-all-sizes-brands) - [Multi-Purpose Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/multi-purpose-grease) - [Cleaner & Degreaser](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/industrial-cleaners-descalers-degreasers) - [Ethylene Glycol](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/ethylene-glycol) - [Food & Beverage](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/food-grade-oils-lubricants) - [Propylene Glycol](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/propylene-glycol-drums) - [Cassida Fluid & Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/cassida-lubricants-greases) - [Fuchs Gear Oil & Grease](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/fuchs-lubricants) - Shop By Brand - [Shell Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/shell-oil-lubricants) - [TRUEGARD Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/truegard-oil-lubricants) - [Blue DEF Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/bluedef) - [Oil Eater Products](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/oil-eater) - [Blog](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs) - [Request a Quote](https://www.kellerheartt.com/pages/request-a-quote) [Contact Us](https://www.kellerheartt.com/pages/contact-us) Lubricant # Controlling Oil and Lubricant Inventory in a Metalworking Facility [Brian McGrath](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/author/brian-mcgrath) Nov 15, 2024 --- In the metalworking industry, you often need to balance reliability with cost when acquiring [industrial oils and lubricants](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/metalworking-fluids). Understanding your current material inventory–and matching it to your current and future needs–can help address any gaps or inconsistencies. The last thing you want is having too much material inventory (wasted product and revenue), or not enough (reduced production). Here are some strategies to better manage your metalworking oil and lubricant inventory: ## Forecast Demand Accurately You've likely experienced that moment of anxiety when discovering you're running low on a critical [hydraulic oil or lubricant](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/hydraulic-oil). Instead of constantly reacting to shortages, you can get ahead of the curve through smart demand forecasting. - ****Prepare for seasonal spikes.** Consider how extreme temperatures affect storage and handling needs and build buffer stock for seasons with historically higher usage.** - **Syncing inventory with your production schedule.** Plan for new equipment installations or decommissioning, consider upcoming changes in shift patterns or production hours, and factor in special projects or customer orders. You're not just tracking numbers–you're protecting your operation's continuity and your team's productivity. ## Track in Real-Time Gone are the days of clipboard tracking and surprise shortages. Modern inventory systems can take this burden off your shoulders and give you peace of mind about your lubricant supplies. - ****Use real-time monitoring.** Install digital level sensors in bulk storage tanks and set up dashboard displays showing current inventory levels.** - **Automated reordering.** Establish minimum levels based on lead time and critical needs, create automatic purchase orders when reaching reorder points, and set different thresholds for critical and non-critical lubricants. ## Practice Proper Storage and Handling [Proper storage](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/ensuring-quality-fluid-storage-best-practices-for-manufacturing-professionals) isn't just about keeping oils or lubricants in a container. It's about preserving their quality and protecting your investment. Here's how to ensure every dollar you spend on lubricants gives you maximum return. - ****Store containers securely and safely.** Store drums horizontally, with bungs at 3 and 9 o'clock, use drum cradles or racks to prevent rolling, rotate stock using First In, First Out (FIFO) principles, and keep containers off the ground using pallets.** - **Prevent contamination.** Keep containers sealed when not in use, create dedicated transfer containers for each product, install breathers on bulk storage tanks, and filter new oil before adding to equipment. ## Stop Leaks Before They Start Every drop of oil or lubricant that hits the floor is money wasted and a potential safety hazard. It’s also a sign that your equipment might be malfunctioning. Prevent lost products (and costly replacements) by catching leaks before they become major problems. - ****Inspect for leaks daily.** Assign specific inspection routes, use thermal imaging cameras for hard-to-reach areas, and document all findings–even minor ones.** - **Watch for early warning signs.** Check for spots or stains under equipment, excessive oil or lubricant consumption, unusual equipment sounds, increased operating temperatures, or vibration changes. - **Train operators to spot problems.** Create incentive programs, recognize proactive reporting, and share success stories. Remember, you're not just managing oils and lubricants–you're protecting your equipment, your workers, and your bottom line. Take it one step at a time, and focus on the improvements that will make the biggest difference in your specific operation. Need help getting started? Start with one area that's causing you the most stress right now, and [contact us today](https://www.kellerheartt.com/pages/contact-us) for guidance. [Lubricant](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/tag/lubricant) #### FOLLOW AND SHARE: [![share on facebook](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/social/icons/facebook-color.png?width=45&height=45&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Keller-Heartt-Company/170082969671892?ref=hl) [![follow us on youtube](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/social/icons/youtube-color.png?width=45&height=45&name=youtube-color.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA9e_Yo_qd4PqpK2dDdgxaw) [![follow us on instagram](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/social/icons/instagram-color.png?width=45&height=45&name=instagram-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/keller.heartt/?hl=en) [![follow us on twitter](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/social/icons/twitter-color.png?width=45&height=45&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/KellerHeartt) [![follow us on linkedin](https://info.kellerheartt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/social/icons/linkedin-color.png?width=45&height=45&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/keller-heartt-oil/) [Shop by Brand ►](https://www.kellerheartt.com/collections/shop-by-brand) ## Similar posts Truegard ### [The Impact of High-Quality Cutting Oil on Metalworking Efficiency](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/the-impact-of-high-quality-cutting-oil-on-metalworking-efficiency) Discover the multifaceted role of cutting fluids in optimizing tool life, reducing heat, and ensuring flawless finishes. Brian McGrath Mar 12, 2024 Metalworking ### [Adapting to New Safety Standards for Injection Molding Equipment](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/adapting-to-new-safety-standards-for-injection-molding-equipment) The right hydraulic oils and lubricants help you stay compliant, reduce risks, and keep your injection molding equipment reliable. Brian McGrath Nov 22, 2024 Lubricant ### [Why Good Lubrication Matters for Efficient Injection Molding](https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/why-good-lubrication-matters-for-efficient-injection-molding) Discover the vital role of lubricants in injection molding for machine longevity and optimal product creation. Brian McGrath Aug 2, 2024 ## **Get the latest oil & lubricant industry insights** Subscribe to the Keller-Heartt blog so you can sharpen your industry knowledge, gather helpful tips, and stay informed about changes or updates in the oil provider landscape. ### Subscribe to Our Blog! © 2025 Keller-Heart Oil All rights reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Brian McGrath", "url" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/author/brian-mcgrath" }, "dateModified" : "2024-11-15T13:45:00.570Z", "datePublished" : "2024-11-15T13:45:00.000Z", "headline" : "Controlling Oil and Lubricant Inventory in a Metalworking Facility", "image" : [ "https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/images/blog/AdobeStock_884709098.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/blogs/controlling-oil-and-lubricant-inventory-in-a-metalworking-facility", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.kellerheartt.com/hubfs/branding/keller-heartt-logo.350.png" }, "name" : "Keller-Heartt Co" } } ```