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Safety Stock

Safety stock = z · σ · √L - how many spares to carry above expected demand to cover lead-time demand variability.

MaintenanceInventory
Z-factor for service level
1.64 -
Safety stock
5.7units
Formula, assumptions, and limits

Assumes normal distribution of demand over lead time. Critical spares (main-engine piston rings, turbocharger rotors) may warrant z = 2.33 (99 %) or bespoke analysis. Long lead times dramatically inflate SS.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
Normal-quantile for service level - lookup
Demand volatilityunits / periodhistory
Lead timeperiodsprocurement