It's about time too

When you're looking at creating a more efficient, less costly, more profitable process, its clear that inventory management is one factor you definately shouldn't leave on the shelf

Inventory management is not only about more efficient component purchasing and storage. It's also about time. About more efficient use of time, about saving time and, ultimately, about more uptime and less downtime. Which means, of course, that it's about higher productivity and greater profitability.

One of the most effective ways to save time through more efficient storage is to take the storage to where it's needed. A centralised storeroom may be equally convenient for everyone, but all too often that means equally inconvenient too. When a consumable item needs replenishing, or a component needs replacing, expensive process downtime is incurred whilst the machine operator walks to the storeroom, waits in line then - once the required item has been identified and found on the shelves - walks back with it to the machine.

However, if the component is stored at point-of-use, walk time and wait time are virtually eliminated and downtime minimised. That's the thinking behind line-side storage solutions such as those provided by Supply Point Systems - world leaders in the design and manufacture of secure, point-of-use inventory management systems, now distributed by ERIKS. But there's far more to a successful system than simply storage where it's needed.

Supply Point Systems solutions not only provide point-of-use storage, but also point-of-use inventory management with computer controlled access, data capture and reporting.

A machine operator or engineer needing access to a component will log-on to the system via the chosen interface (touchscreen, swipe card, or even thumbprint) which will then allow a pre-determined level of access. This may be by user, by the area in which he or she is working, or by the machine being operated. The required component can then be identified by its part number, or even from an image kept on the system - reducing the possibility of selection error and more wasted time.

Once the right part has been selected, the relevant storage drawer opens for access to the part. It is also possible to allow access only to the required number of parts, so
there is no possibility of users stockpiling parts (causing unnecessary overstocking)
or of theft.

The integral inventory management software means that stock levels can be maintained at their most cost-effective through automatic re-ordering. Providing parts usage information to other interested parties means that parts usage data can be analysed to help drive further savings. For example, if stock withdrawals indicate one particular component fails repeatedly, increased preventative maintenance could drive savings. Similarly, if the stock withdrawals show that a particular consumable component (for example a cutting tool) is being used up faster than expected, extra training may improve the way the part is used and therefore prolong its life. Being able to accurately identify which items have been removed from stores by which employees, and when, also has health and safety advantages.

If access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) stores is electronically monitored, managers will know when an item of PPE is withdrawn from stock and by whom. So in the event of an accident it will be easy to identify if the employee had the necessary protective equipment available but didn't wear it: making it employee - rather than employer - negligence.

As well as storing consumables and other operator replaceable components, a Supply Point Systems solution can be used to store components which can only be replaced by an engineer. In the event of a machine breakdown this will again save time, as the engineer will have the necessary replacement components immediately to hand. Machine set-up tools can also be stored line-side, so they are always available when required. This means tools can be purchased per machine rather than per operator or engineer, which reduces capital spend through the avoidance of duplicate purchasing.

With a choice of storage unit sizes, it's easy to find the right unit for whatever items need to be stored. There's also a choice of security solutions to ensure only the right people can gain access. Bott Ltd, the UK's leading manufacturer of heavy duty workplace storage solutions, offers standard key or electronically operated locking systems, telekey systems with keys programmed to predetermined parameters and also controlled access locking systems which not only restrict access but also offer complete traceability.

ERIKS Storeroom Services often utilise point-of-use systems as part of an integrated storeroom and inventory management solution, enabling fully-controlled 24-hour access to stores, or access at remote sites where a fully-manned storeroom would be uneconomic. These solutions also help to ensure the systems and processes implemented by ERIKS to solve customers' inventory and storage issues are maintained.

The savings which can be achieved through point-of-use storage and inventory management are impressive. Installation of a Supply Point Systems' solution in a machine shop, for example, led to a 45% reduction in consumption of consumables in just four weeks. The implementation of a Supply Point Systems' solution for PPE reduced expenditure on personal protection equipment in a production plant by 77.9% in less than 12 months -achieving system payback in less than three months.

So when you're looking at creating a more efficient, less costly, more profitable process, it's clear that inventory management is one factor you definitely shouldn't leave on the shelf.