3 Things Inventory Control Software Alone Can’t Do

Modern, online inventory control software is an essential tool for distributors providing vendor-managed inventory to their customers. (For more on the importance of the cloud to automated VMI, read 7 Inventory Management Software Features for the Best Control). Absent a way to physically control access to supplies, though, there is only so much that inventory control software alone can achieve.

It is not the hardware or the software that makes for the best inventory control, but the combination of the two.

Here are three things inventory management software alone can’t do:

1. Control employee access to items. Without the oversight of a supply-room attendant or the physical control of a vending machine, staff may forget to check out items or skip that step altogether when they’re in a hurry, even if they’ve been provided with convenient, scannable product RFID tags. Some items may also end up going home with employees, accidentally or intentionally. The only way to ensure employees check things out properly is to physically separate staff from supplies, only making items available through an intermediary (such as a supply-room attendant or a vending machine).
2. Ensure accurate inventory counts or usage reports. Because inventory control software alone can’t control employee access to supplies, inventory counts will likely be inaccurate absent additional inventory control measures. (Even hiring a supply-room attendant – an expensive proposition – won’t completely solve the problem. They’re only human, so they will make mistakes and can’t be on duty 100 percent of the time.)
3. Ensure that mission-critical items are always on hand. While it’s true that inventory control software can be set up for automated ordering, when employees fail to record all inventory usage, the software may wrongly indicate that items are still fully stocked when they are actually low. This increases the company’s chance of running out of supplies, causing unscheduled downtime and lost productivity.

While supply-room staff can solve some of these problems, most end-users want to avoid the added expense of providing a secure supply space and inventory management staff. In situations like these, a vending machine equipped with modern inventory control software can be the most cost-effective way to reduce consumption, automate ordering and boost productivity. Unlike a tool crib attendant, a vending machine never calls in sick and is available 24/7.

Distributors that offer vending machines and accompanying software to their customers will improve customer loyalty and increase share of wallet. Read How to Calculate Vending ROI, published by Modern Distribution Management, to learn how providing vending can – in the right circumstances – outweigh investment costs.

Want advice for your unique situation? Contact 1sourcevend today to find out how to profitably offer vending to your customers, or to request information about purchasing a vending machine for your own facility.