This paper includes the results of a sample survey of the reorder point system (ROP) in airline operator (hereafter AO) and maintenance service (MS) organizations. The presentation provides, at an executive level, an overview of the use of the traditional ROP system by companies to control their spare parts inventory. The survey shows that many companies, unsatisfied with their existing system, were looking for alternative concepts along the lines of the material requirements planning system (MRP).