Controlling Inventory Costs Through Industrial Vending
Manufacturers and assembly companies waste millions of dollars each year on untracked industrial tools. In some cases, distribution of cutting tools, fasteners, welding supplies and personal protection equipment is a free-for-all with little accountability and control. Any company that wants to cut costs is a good candidate for industrial vending.
Automated point-of-work (POW) vending machines have turned out to be profitable investments for small businesses. Automated replenishment of industrial tools and accessories decreases downtime, lowers labor costs, increases production and improves inventory management. Tool vending machines and dispensing cabinets manage the issue and return of both fast- and slow-moving supplies. These devices place critical items closer to areas where they are used. By providing 24-hour secure access, they ensure just-in-time delivery of components while eliminating the time required to move materials and supplies to and from the storeroom and workplace.
The main benefit of automated POW vending systems is inventory control. Built-in wireless communication systems monitor activities and track inventories precisely. Specialized machines feature telemetry or card systems. Vending systems can be customized to allow for real-time monitoring of stock levels. Managers can track which employees take what manufacturing consumables and how often they go back for more. Monitoring this activity cuts costs because employers can identify and correct wasteful employees.
Several firms design, build and deploy automated and semiautomated lineside tool vending machines, hosted software and services. For instance, AutoCrib Inc. industrial vending devices dispense various tools and safety equipment, even bulk items. AutoCrib’s software provides real-time data usage so that reordering tools and supplies is easy. Inventory management and control software for Remstar’s storage and retrieval systems can be used alone or interfaced with proprietary inventory control software.
DataCraft can help you seamlessly integrate these automated systems into your existing accounting or inventory management applications for optimum control. Download a free article that details the many advantages of tool/parts vending.
