Vending solution

Siemens contracted Buck & Hickman for the supply of tooling, PPE and consumables in August 2010. Part of the contract involved transforming stores provision and reducing product consumption.

Previously some 29 cabinets around the factory each held 1150 individual consumable items. The system suffered a lack of traceability, with no control over product issue.

Following an analysis of cabinet use, Buck & Hickman replaced them with six vending areas. Installing 14 ProStock vending machines connected to 11 Maglock cupboards over a 12-month period ensured tighter control over stock, with greater traceability. Each ProStock machine tracks the issue of products; employees use a unique access code to prevent unauthorised or excessive use of consumables. With the instant reporting available, high-use products can be replenished quickly.