MRO Definition

MRO is an acronym for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations. It refers to the maintenance and repair activities that keep an organization’s physical assets in good working condition. This can include everything from routine preventive maintenance to emergency repairs.

The term MRO is often used in contrast to capital expenditures (CAPEX), which refers to the funds used to purchase new equipment or facilities. While MRO spending is typically considered a operational expense (OPEX), it can also include some element of CAPEX, such as the costs of upgrading existing equipment.

Organizations invest in MRO activities to improve the reliability and performance of their assets, extend their useful life, and avoid costly downtime. A well-run MRO program can also help improve safety conditions by identifying and addressing potential hazards before they result in accidents or injuries.