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Drive efficiency, productivity and profitability with optimised inventory management

Bespoke vending solutions provide full control and visibility

 

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.

How poor inventory management affects you

Optimised inventory management can solve or reduce all of these problems that a typical manufacturing business can expect to experience.

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

Why you need vendor managed inventory

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.

Answering your frequently asked questions

How easy is it to use an MSC vending machine?

With ControlPoint Inventory Management, you simply key your personal login details into the machine and select the product you want and then the machine dispenses it.

Can I modify the reporting on what is being used?

Your reports can be structured to show consumption rates by product, department and  by individual. MSC works with you to personalise the reporting you need for your business needs. 

How does the stock in an MSC vending machine get replenished?

Automatic alerts are sent to our highly trained team of replenishment associates who will ensure you always have the stock you need.

How can I be sure MSC's vending solutions will be right for us?

At MSC we take the time to understand your business needs, recommend ways to rationalise products and then configure the machines to your requirements. We’ll also walk the floors at your facility to recommend ways to improve productivity.

I have an MSC vending machine, what customer support is available?

Every vending solution is supported by dedicated customer relationship specialists. They’ll help you get the best out of the service for your business. 

How much does it cost to have MSC vending solutions?

We offer a range of competitive pricing structures to suit your usage patterns.

Can I restrict tooling usage by person?

Yes! You can also restrict what products each individual can access and set maximum usage levels allowing users to access only vend items approved for their application use.

How can MSC vend solutions improve our productivity?

You’ll carry less inventory through tighter, just-in-time replenishment, meaning you won't have downtime caused by stock-outs. Machines will be located at the point of use, so users don't have to waste time locating what they need. 

How will MSC vend solutions improve my stock visibility and control?

You’ll know exactly who is using what when they're using it and where. Accountability is assured through detailed, easy-to-understand reporting, keeping you in the know and in control.

What cost savings can I expect to achieve?

Typically, at least 25% but much greater savings are common – not just from lower usage but from lower administration costs, ‘walk and wait’ time and downtime from stock-outs. Customised reports will highlight further opportunities to improve productivity.

Get started today

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.

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