At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pemko Manufacturing Company had to restrict visitor access to their facility. They also needed to implement user permissions and restrictions to control the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other commonly used items onsite.
Despite having had issues with vending machine providers due to complicated systems, Pemko wanted to use industrial vending to meet these inventory control needs. With a new maintenance manager, they looked to industrial distributor IMC Supply in Memphis, Tenn., for solutions to ease their frustrations. Together, they selected 1sourcevend’s user-friendly industrial vending solutions.
Vending Machines for PPE Products
Beginning with three machines in their Memphis location in March 2019, Pemko chose coil machines to vend high-turn items such as office supplies, tooling, drill bits and safety equipment including safety glasses, gloves, ergonomic wrist supports and other everyday PPE items. They also selected a locker unit to vend larger and bulky items such as denim aprons, safety vests, coveralls, chemical suits, large containers of lubricants, headphones and protective ear coverings.
Simple Inventory Tracking Software Improves Productivity
1sourcevend’s inventory management software has allowed Pemko to easily load their machines and update inventory in a pinch, while giving them added control. In addition, the machines have been so easy to use that employee buy-in has been strong. “It’s very easy for employees to just get what they need and go about life,” says Pemko’s EHS Manager Todd Long. “It’s a lot simpler.” Before, lubricants would be stored in various places without inventory tracking, so no one would be notified of shortages until they were out, which had a direct negative impact on production.
Vending Drives Cost Savings
Pemko appreciates the improved inventory control they were able to achieve through the vending machines and software and looks forward to using the equipment further. “It’s a great way for us to control supply,” Long says. In particular, he values the ability to safely store and track PPE items, rather than leave them on a shelf, not knowing what items you have on hand. 1sourcevend’s inventory control software allows Long real-time access to the current supply of these items in the machines from his computer or mobile phone.
Long said it was so easy to set up effective controls on the units and impossible for employees to access restricted items, so there hasn’t been significant overuse of inventory. Since implementing 1sourcevend’s industrial vending machines in their facility, Pemko estimates year-over-year cost savings to be of more than $50,000.
Read the full Case Study to learn how Pemko and IMC Supply partnered to create a cost-saving industrial vending and inventory control solution.