Automated Industrial Vending Systems Accelerate Business Growth

A few years back, industry shop floors operated with tool cribs, warehouses and storerooms that were used by workers when there was a shortfall of components, tools or accessories. Most businesses faced problems maintaining stock because of inefficiencies in the re-ordering process.

A common solution used for all industrial vending operating problems was the ‘Point of Work (POW)’ implementation. This has helped to streamline and control the distribution of direct and indirect materials at the industrial site.

Items that were commonly used in POW setup included basic materials like gloves, tools, fasteners, fitting and shop supplies. But it also had its own share of limitations like rise in monitoring and control cost and high inventory levels that proved very costly for the company.

In recent times, many organizations have started to adopt automated tool vending systems at the POW site to overcome challenges faced with the traditional setup. Some examples for automated tool vending machines are – automated tool crib and automated tool dispensing machines.

The Economic and Operating benefits of automated distribution at POW are

1. Automated stock replenishment, locker system and storage & retrieval systems

2. Supports integration with other supply programs (those of vendors and suppliers)

3. Simple data collection process for Six Sigma and Lean initiatives

4. Provides secure cabinet systems

5. Helps the organization to realize direct cost savings with regard to consumption, reordering, inventory levels, stock outs, downtime and delays.

   Overall, industrial vending automation can be considered as the right solution for realizing high business growth.