Michael Blumberg | Field Service Next West

Michael Blumberg

Michael Blumberg

President Blumberg Advisory Group Inc.
Michael Blumberg

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

2:45 PM Track C: Panel: Right Part, Right Time: Smarter Inventory Management Strategies to Maximize Uptime

Getting the right part to the right place at the right time is critical, not just for first-time fix rates, but for equipment uptime, technician efficiency, and overall service profitability. But in an era of fluctuating demand, supply chain disruptions, and tighter truck space, how do you build a smarter, more agile inventory management strategy? Panelists will discuss how service organizations are rethinking truck stock thresholds, spare part pools, and replenishment models to stay ahead of demand, and keep equipment running, including:

  • Determining optimal truck stock based on usage patterns, region, seasonality, and technician specialization without overloading
  • Balancing cost vs. coverage, making smart trade-offs between inventory carrying costs and service responsiveness
  • Defining price optimization strategies that align with customer value
  • Using AI, IoT, and connected systems to forecast parts usage and automatically trigger replenishment based on historical and predictive data
  • Identifying the KPIs to track to ensure your inventory strategy supports your uptime, cost, and service-level objectives 

5:05 PM Track C: Panel: Flexibility as a Strategy: Balancing Repair, Rebuild, and Inventory Amid Uncertainty

Despite supply chains stabilizing post-pandemic, shifting trade policies and materials shortages are keeping service organizations on their toes, managing constant uncertainty is the new norm. The question is no longer how to prevent chaos, but how to adapt to it. This panel brings together OEMs and third-party service providers to discuss how they are building flexibility into their parts and repair strategies to minimize downtime, reduce waste and ensure continuity. Learn how to make smarter decisions about what to stock, when to rebuild, and how to use digital tools to turn unpredictability into a manageable variable.

Panelists will discuss how to:

  • Build agility into your parts and repair strategies to minimize the impact of disruptions
  • Balance rebuilding or refurbishing older equipment with stocking new parts to maintain uptime
  • Use predictive tools to anticipate needs and avoid overstocking or shortages
  • Strengthen cross-functional collaboration to keep service teams aligned when supply chains aren’t 

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Michael.

Download The Latest Agenda