Challenge
A large energy supplier needed to reduce the total spend on inventory, as part of the project they also wanted to:
- keep items easily accessible 24/7 - without using manned stores
- Track items issued to departments
- Track items issued to employees
- Have live tracking of usage tied into their financial system.
Solution
AutoCrib's automated point-of-use industrial vending machine VX1000 was positioned on the line dock that services more than 20 trucks for construction and maintenance projects.
Phase 2 included both RoboCrib industrial vending machines and AutoLocker asset lockers at their coal generation plant. This helped with the management of tools, test kits and gauges. The new system also allowed the business to bill outside contractors for items they use.
Result
- Reduced spend by 15% on 120 PPE, first aid items, and tools.
- Significant savings in overtime.
- Vending system now provides 24/7 access and tracking without using manned stores.
- Forces capture of departmental data before dispensing items.
- Reduced time needed to issue material from storeroom - no more lines.
- FTE reduction of 1 person in a storeroom.
- Eliminates stock-outs with daily review of replenishment reports.
