Moving critical material, tools, parts, components and supplies to the Point-Of-Work and automating the issuing of items and the reordering and replenishment processes creates huge gains. This is particularly true for cell-based manufacturing operations.

Manufacturing cells are highly efficient focused manufacturing areas. By making High-Use, High-Cost and Mission-Critical items conveniently available to the workers who need them, the output of manufacturing cells can be optimized.

• Stockouts are eliminated
• Materials are used as specified, Maverick usage can be easily identified and controlled
• Tool and Supply hoarding is eliminated
• Material retrieval times, queue lines and waiting for material are dramatically reduced
• Inefficient manual processes are replaced with automation and information.
• Inventories are reduced by as much as 50% or more

Collecting accurate timely data at the Point-Of-Work and making it ubiquitously available throughout the Demand and Supply Chain leads to better decisions and breakthrough process improvement. Apex Industrial Vending Systems encourage and support knowledge-based improvement.

In addition to capturing consumption information at the Point-Of-Work, Apex Industrial Vending Systems capture and authenticate process data such as machine number, part number, cell number, work order cost center and the like.
Information can be made available in real time to all members of the Demand and Supply Chain. Internal process improvement teams, Lean and Six Sigma leaders and external Partners can be given access to the information they need to make informed decisions.