EDITOR’S CHOICE
FAST MOVING CONSUMABLES
BRAMMER BUCK & HICKMAN
EXPECT THE BEST WITH A VENDOR MANAGED SERVICE
By Ian Hall, Vendor Managed Services Director –
UK, Brammer Buck & Hickman
The process of buying, restocking and
managing fast-moving consumables can take
up valuable time and money for any industrial
or manufacturing business.
Purchasing from multiple suppliers is time-
consuming, creates many invoices to process,
increases delivery costs and can lead to cash
being tied up in inventory with the risk of
making stock obsolete if demand isn’t closely
aligned to supply.
However, with a vendor managed service
solution, these issues can be resolved.
WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL VENDING?
The main purpose of industrial vending
machines is to dispense consumable items
that are used most frequently by employees
at the point where they are needed. This
might include personal protective equipment,
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cutting tools, abrasives, hand tools, cleaning
items, lubricants and greases – and much
more. You decide which staff have access to
which machines and you can even restrict
access to certain items. Access to the items are
gained by a touch screen or barcode scanner
followed by the entry of a PIN number unique
to that person.
A vendor managed service is a time and cost
saving solution designed to give greater
control over budgets for consumable items,
whilst taking care of your supplies so your
team has more time to focus on areas that add
real value to your organisation.
The service works by using stock management
expertise. A quick analysis of your processes
can streamline your supplier base to
consolidate your invoicing as well as analysing
stock holding, and design optimum ordering
processes ultimately creating improved
efficiencies.
Furthermore, you can track data from the
inventory management system and gain
valuable intelligence about the supplies being
used and by whom.
If you’re thinking about introducing a vendor
managed service solution into your business,
you’re bound to be looking for a product/
service that comes with both great service and
great value. With a lot of options out there,
navigating the way could seem difficult.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM
THE VENDOR MANAGED SERVICE
PROCESS?
The process should start with a full analysis
of your parts usages and stock holding data
by a specialist supply chain expert who will
identify optimum inventory for your specific
needs. An expert should assess critical parts,
consignment stock, obsolete stock and stock
not fit for purpose. They should then continue
to analyse your stock control and identify all
issues and examine your labelling and location
processes.