Industrial vending machines are on the rise in businesses. Whether installed at the heart of production sites or in logistics centres, these devices, accessible 24/7 and 365 days/year, are known to improve safety, productivity and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Because they also make it possible to rationalise products and deliveries, as well as to reduce consumption, they are interesting levers in the service of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Upstream of industrial vending machines: the rationalisation of products
Above all, the introduction of industrial vending machines requires the rationalisation of the products made available to internal customers. Faced with a limited number of compartments for each machine, the lead buyer, together with the teams involved, must refine the selection of products according to their needs.
This is an opportunity to introduce responsible criteria when selecting the products:
- For consumables, eco-responsible products can be favoured, ensuring compliance with environmental standards as well as the origin of manufacture.
- For consumer products, it is advisable to favour durable products or to use reconditioned items, in a circular logic. Before consuming certain new products, operators may be asked to use tools returned by their peers, which have been previously cleaned or repaired, for example.
Industrial vending machines to rationalise deliveries
Thanks to technologies integrated into industrial vending machines, companies will also be able to automate stock management and replenishment, based on real-time consumption data. When correctly configured, this smart supply system is able to consolidate orders and rationalise the number of deliveries.
In addition to optimising the total cost of ownership and allowing procurement and supply teams to save a tremendous amount of time, such an approach helps to limit the environmental impact. Rationalising deliveries will reduce the number of trucks on the road and thereby limit the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Industrial vending machines promote rational consumption
In addition to this rationalisation work, installing industrial vending machines contributes to reducing the consumption of internal customers. Market experts estimate an average reduction in consumption of between 25% and 40%.
With the real-time tracking and individual identification system, industrial vending machines strengthen the responsibility of users. They will pay more attention to the use they make of these products, which limits both the effects of overconsumption and hoarding.
Industrial vending machines are part of a ‘Well-working’ approach, combining performance and development within companies. Consequently, these machines provide a complete solution to the environmental challenges and current issues faced by the procurement function.
