Drive efficiency, productivity and profitability with optimised inventory management

In ever more challenging operating environments, you need to take advantage of every opportunity to enhance productivity and cost savings. This is where inventory management can help.

Traditionally, items such as tools, PPE and other fast-moving consumables are held in dedicated stores with individuals having to physically go and request them or help themselves. This way of working offers no ability to track what is being used, where, and how often. This can potentially lead to higher downtime, wasted employee time and spiralling purchase costs.

Engineer/ Machine Operators
 

Interrupted workflow

Wasted time collecting consumables

Stores are unavailable when tooling is required 24/7

Stock-outs causing downtime

Production/ Health & Safety/ Maintenance Manager
 

Waste due to employees hoarding

Functional items discarded due to no accountability

Incorrect PPE usage

Products not available at point of use

Lack of out-of-hours control

Buyer/Procurement Manager
 

Multiple invoices

Manual reordering

No real-time data to report or forecast on stock levels

Inaccurate historical data on item usage

Overstock of high-use inventory

No rationing of items per user

Tedious and expensive inventory paperwork

No returns control

Managing Director
 

No visibility of spend

Profit margins eroded by inefficient processes

Downtime caused by stock-outs resulting in missed order deadlines

Lack of data collection by department, cell, job, user and product categories

Our vendor-managed inventory solution takes away the worry of managing fast-moving consumables and allows you to focus on other value-adding functions. The solution includes bespoke, on-site ControlPoint vending machines that are available 24/7, holding all the stock you need which can be accessed using personalised log-in details or cards.

This provides unrivalled visibility, flexibility, and control. You can determine who has access to which parts while detailed reporting – by department, cell, job, user and product category - allows you to track usage patterns. You can then identify and address areas of waste or poor practice.

It also eliminates stock hoarding by individuals which can often cause issues for other colleagues. Moreover, the fact that usage is being tracked this way encourages good practice and efficient product use – typically reducing costs by 25% or more.

Machines are located close to the point of use meaning ‘walk and wait’ time is all but eliminated.

We work with you to establish what products and volumes are required for vending so you can keep your operations running smoothly. We can even set up component kits to ensure your people have access to all the items they need.

When stocks are running low the system will raise a replenishment request for the item and we will come and replenish your machines so you never run out, negating the risk of downtime. And when it comes to your monthly invoice, you only pay for what you’ve used.

When you contact us, we’ll start by understanding your business and current usage patterns. We’ll also document projected savings. Our experts come from the shop floor and will harness their extensive experience to customise a solution for your business.

Using your inventory data, we’ll create a machine estimation detailing how many and what types of vending machines will meet your consumption needs. At this point, we’ll also audit your IT and vending machine access requirements.

We then start the machine build, optimising the configuration based on the products chosen. At this point, we’ll agree on a delivery and installation date.

The machines are then installed and stocked with your required products from our 120,000-strong range. We will provide user training and support, ensuring your teams can get what they need from the machines.

We don’t just supply the machines – we’ll also support you with industry-leading customer service and advice from our expert team. Our continued investment in market-leading technology and equipment means the vending solution will grow and evolve with you.

Our dedicated replenishment associates are automatically alerted when stocks are running low and will bring supplies to ensure you don’t run out.

Contact us to find out more about inventory management solutions.

Working in collaboration to consolidate and innovate processes.

Increasing capacity and enhancing productivity at AE Aerospace.

Working with Arrowsmith to create efficiencies and improvements.