Retaining a limited number of compatible units can sometimes help hotels support an existing installed equipment population after a renovation or phased replacement.

However, excessive spare inventory consumes storage space and can create asset-management problems. Hotels should consider expected failure rates, remaining equipment population, product support, storage capacity, and how long the spare units are realistically likely to be useful.

Spare inventory should be documented and periodically reviewed so obsolete products do not remain in storage indefinitely.