Q: Isn’t it just a Candy Machine?
A: Absolutely not. The Edge 5000 starts with the best available vending technology, but that’s only the beginning. The Edge 5000 is then industrialized and toughened to withstand the harsh realities of Industrial and Remote environments, fitted with a proprietary next-generation electronics package and driven by the latest Edge C3i Hub. The result is the ideal solution for most Industrial Dispensing applications.
Designed by the top experts in Industrial Vending, the Edge 5000 provides the robust dispensing capabilities you need to handle the wide range of tools, parts, supplies and materials required for industrial applications. From adjustable shelf heights and easily-reconfigurable helix design to the widest available choice of Versatile Dispensing Modules (VDMs), dispensing helices and options, aids and adapters, the Edge 5000 and the Edge AutoStore can meet your Industrial Dispensing needs today and for many years to come.

Q: Installation of POU machines is expensive and time consuming.  How is the Edge 5000 different?
A: Apex Industrial Technologies has a network of 470+ installers throughout North America ensuring that the cost is kept to a minimum. Other POU solutions are often configured on site. Every Edge 5000 is built to order at our factory, configured to your requirements and sent to you ready to go. Our local installer will make any minor adjustments. Most installations take about two hours. Apex Connect n’ Go™ technology makes the installation easy and affordable.

Q: What type of implementation and follow-up support is available?
A: Our Support Services begin with your Project Coordinator who will guide you step-by-step through your implementation. Best of all, the Project Coordination service is included with your Purchase or Lease of Apex Technology. 

Our Factory Trained Technicians will install your system, perform on-site checks and training on proper operations. The Apex Help Desk is always available for questions and technical support and the Apex Online Learning Center is available to you at  no additional cost to provide ongoing training and learning though a series of short (10- to 15-minute) courses.
 
Q: How does the Edge 5000 work?
A: Apex Industrial Vending Machines are filled with the products your workers use the most. Placing High-Use, High-Cost and Mission-Critical tools, supplies, parts and materials near the Point-Of-Use in a secure, controlled environment provides quick, convenient access. Your employees can access the Edge 5000 through the keypad or by swiping their company badges.

You can control usage data, inventory levels and restocking. You can have reports sent to you automatically or view “Real-Time” information anytime, anywhere from your browser. In addition to knowing what is being used, you can set up what materials are being used by department, job number, etc. You can limit workers to access only the items they need. For example, painters can only dispense painting supplies, welders can only dispense welding supplies, etc. The Edge 5000 can also manage pre-determined quantity limits. When inventory levels fall below minimum levels, a report can be sent automatically to your supplier(s).

Q: Everyone has experienced problems with vending machines not dispensing correctly. I plan to dispense mission-critical items that are required for my operations. How can I be confident that items won’t become stuck or fail to vend?
A: The Edge 5000 Series accommodates a wide range of helix types and adapters, risers and dispensing aids. This enables proper dispensing for each item. The patented Verified Vend™ feature senses when an item has been dispensed. If an item “hangs” during the dispense cycle, Verified Vend will electronically “nudge” the helix until the item vends. Verified Vend also logs the incident and can be set to send an alert so the unit can be checked for correct product loading.

Q: I currently have tool management software running my tool crib. Does this system replace that software?
A: No. Edge C3i is intended to manage transactions at the Point-Of-Work. It is a Lean solution that does its job very well, but it is not intended for Tool Crib or Storeroom management.

Q: Can Edge PWC Point-Of-Work software be linked to my existing IT systems?
A: Absolutely. It is easy to export data to your ERP, Tool Management, CMMS, Inventory Management or other IT systems. You can also export data with one mouse click into reports and worksheets in programs such as Microsoft Excel. Transactions and other data can be exported in .CSV or XML formats to your IT System. Custom Interfaces can also be implemented quickly and at an affordable cost.

Q: What is required from our IT Network or our IT organization?
A: The only requirement is an unobstructed path to the Internet. There is no software to install on your network and nothing for your IT staff to support. The Edge C3i Hub is provided as a hosted service (SaaS). All the functionality you need is provided by the Edge C3i Hub.

Q: How do I handle items that are too large for the Edge 5000 to accommodate or items that need to be returned?
A: The Edge AutoStore can accommodate items as large as six feet tall, 15 inches wide and two feet deep. A full range of Asset Management Functionality is available including check-out, check-in, serialized item management, calibration management, loan periods and much more.

Q: What do you mean when you say the Edge 5000 Series is the “Next Generation” of Internet-Based Industrial Vending Technology?
A: Most Industrial Vending Machines and Dispensing Devices (including cabinet/drawer-type and locker-type) are built on aging architecture. The majority of systems currently in the market rely on PC-based technology and many have complicated data replication schemes or rely on infrequent data updates. This leaves the system vulnerable to data corruption, synchronization problems, limited data access and hard drive crashes. At the very least, this increases the support requirements and, in a worst case, can result in catastrophic system failure.

The Edge 5000 Series is an Internet Appliance using the latest and best available technologies. It does not depend on an MS Windows operating system. This provides users and their suppliers with a lean, robust solution that is easy to implement and that does not require the same levels of support as earlier technologies. Also, because the Edge 5000 was designed as a native Internet system, it is not limited by the workarounds and data replication schemes that users often experience with systems that were designed for local applications and then modified to provide web functionality.

Q: We currently have a Point-Of-Work Vending System and some items, like gloves, are difficult to dispense. Can the Edge 5000 solve the problem?
A: In most cases, yes. The Edge 5000 is extremely versatile and a wide range of helix sizes and styles are available along with a variety of adapters, risers, spacers and other aids. This makes trouble-free dispensing possible for most Industrial Supplies. Add the expertise of our Help Desk and our local certified technicians and you will find that most items can be dispensed reliably and dependably.

Q: How can I Get Started Using the Edge 5000?
A: Contact your Apex representative today. Our professional representatives can help you finalize your requirements, provide a proposal and place your order using our streamlined paperwork. They can set up lease financing and even help you calculate an ROI or payback analysis.