Unlocking True Value -Total Cost of Ownership in Wear Part Purchasing

AFT Insights: Unlocking True Value -Total Cost of Ownership in Wear Part Purchasing

By Jeff Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, VP Americas - AFT

Beyond the Purchase Price: Why Wear Parts Matter

Having practiced and taught Martial Arts for decades, I propose an analogy for you... While the concept of “Martial Arts” may seem out of place in a heavy manufacturing context, it can be simply defined as facing an adverse condition using the skills and techniques learned through training and experience.

In heavy industrial manufacturing, wear part purchasing is often seen as a necessary evil—an unavoidable expense to minimize downtime. However, when procurement decisions are made in isolation from those who install, operate, and maintain equipment, they often focus solely on price rather than total operational impact.

The reality is that wear part selection directly affects capacity, energy consumption, component lifespan, maintenance efforts, labor costs, safety risks, and sustainability. A strategic purchasing approach that considers the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) ensures long-term efficiency and profitability.

What is Total Cost of Ownership?

TCO goes beyond the initial purchase price to encompass all related expenses throughout the wear part’s lifespan. This includes:

• Installation and operational costs (e.g., labor, materials, downtime impact)
• Energy efficiency (lower power consumption with optimized parts)
• Process stability (fewer disruptions and higher product quality)
• Maintenance frequency and associated risks (minimized interventions mean improved safety)
• Annual savings from optimized performance (reducing waste and improving yield)

Just as in Martial Arts, where one must anticipate an opponent’s moves and prepare accordingly, choosing the lowest purchase price without considering long-term effects may lead to vulnerabilities. The cheapest move isn’t always the best one—it’s about understanding the full playing field and making calculated, strategic decisions.

The Hidden Costs of Downtime

Frequent wear part replacements not only disrupt production but also increase exposure to safety hazards. Downtime costs go beyond labor and materials to include:

• Lost production time and reduced output
• Compromised product quality due to process inconsistencies
• Increased safety risks from repeated maintenance interventions
• Greater environmental impact from waste and inefficiencies

A well-chosen wear part extends operational life, reduces process interruptions, and enhances employee safety—ultimately improving overall profitability.

Making TCO Work for You

Like in Martial Arts, success in wear part purchasing is about precision, strategy, and long-term thinking.

By quantifying costs and savings, businesses can make data-driven decisions that optimize performance and long-term profitability. How to assess the value of wear parts and determine the best option for your operation? Ready to unlock the secret to smarter wear part purchasing? Download our whitepaper to learn more.

About the Author

Jeff Hartman is a proud member of a team of skilled professionals focused on the delivery of technically advanced and customer focused engineering services, wear parts and operating capital equipment for screening, refining and stock approach systems within the global Pulp and Paper Industry while actively looking for opportunities to build on our core competencies through service to other industries.