Spare parts optimization process and results : OPUS10 cases in the Norwegian Defence

Purpose – The paper has two main aims: to focus on how the spare parts optimization process was conducted in the Norwegian Defence procurement projects that had used the system approach based on OPUS10, and whether coordination issues affected the process and results; and to analyse empirical data in order to evaluate whether the theoretical claim of the system approach used through OPUS10, being better than other methods in terms of availability and spare parts investment cost holds up in reality. Design/methodology/approach – Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in order to answer the different questions of the study. Findings – Very few Norwegian Defence projects have used the system approach through OPUS10. Empirical data however comply with the theoretical claims of potential large savings in spare parts investment cost and/or improvement in operational availability. Several organizational factors can explain the lack of use of OPUS10. The most important being lack of resources, lack of a centralized concept and a somewhat low‐project leader attitude towards the approach. Research limitations/implications – The study of Norwegian Defence cases makes generalizations of findings not applicable. The research model could however easily be transferred and utilized in the study of other organizations' spare parts optimization processes. Practical implications – The Norwegian Defence should alter their concept for project governance and management in order to gain the full potential of the system approach used through OPUS10. Originality/value – Few research papers have evaluated the promising theoretical findings of system‐based optimization based on empirical operational data. Even fewer, if any, studies have used a combination of factors from organization theory, economic organization theory and operation management theory in order to explain findings based on predefined hypotheses. This research should have value for both practitioners and researchers within the field spare parts optimization in general and systems management in particular.