Vending Machines for Tools and Parts

Few problems can cause an MRO more grief--and more potential long-term damage--than poorly controlled parts inventories. If management doesn't know who is using what parts when, and who may be walking out with such merchandise, then the tasks of cost control and just-in-time parts restocking become impossible. Moreover, poor inventory control makes it difficult to accurately assess how much (or how little) to charge customers; a fact that can drive them to other, better-managed MROs.

The same is true for tools; especially disposables such as gloves that MROs go through on a regular basis. If management doesn't know who has which tools for which job, and whether they have returned them or not, there's simply no way to keep costs under control.

Unfortunately, the MRO business is operating in a cash-strapped, cutthroat world where losses cannot be allowed. That's why it makes sense to control such costs through the use of parts/tool vending systems, such as the ones offered by the vendors described below.

AutoCrib

AutoCrib (www.autocrib.com) offers a wide range of parts/tool vending machines. In doing so, they have adapted many familiar forms of vending machines to parts/tools dispensing.

A case in point: The company's RoboCrib2000 uses enclosed rotating carousels to hold over 2,500 separate bins; each one of which can be accessed in less than 10 seconds through one of the RoboCrib's 15 automated doors. The items are stored in pie-shaped bins, which can be divided down to 1/12 of a given tray, or expanded to take up the entire tray shelf, if desired. The best part: although capable of holding over 2,000 lbs of parts and tools, the RoboCrib 2000 only takes up a 5' by 5' footprint.

Secure access and parts searching on the RoboCrib2000 is provided via a touch screen monitor. A smaller version of the RoboCrib2000, the RoboCrib1000, provides the ability to store over 1,000 bins in a 3' by 3' footprint.

WinWare

WinWare (www.wwga.com) sells the CribMaster parts/tool vending system in a variety of configurations. For instance, besides the Toolbox parts/tool vending machine, WinWare offers the Modu-Lock unit, which combines various sized lockers with touchscreen security access, barcode parts tracking, and specialized bins that are designated as `return only' for secure pars retrieval. Meanwhile, the CribMaster ToolCube allows technicians to access tools quickly by just scanning their badge, with the unit tracking and reporting who is using what.

To keep up with the RFID parts-tagging trend, WinWare is selling the CribMaster Accu-Port controlled access doorway. It's a combined secure-access portal that also scans for RFID tags. Whenever an employee gains password or card-controlled access, then walks out with a part, the Accu-Port knows what they've got even without them keying it in.

"Our technology is constantly advancing," says WinWare marketing director Robert Holmes. "We're always pushing the limit of parts/tool vending machine technology."

ShelfPlus

Like other parts vending machine manufacturers, ShelfPlus (www.shelfplus.com) makes standard-sized dispensing machines. But that's just the tip of the iceberg: ShelfPlus also makes high density carousels, vertical lifts, and mega-sized CompuCrib automated parts storage units that can store tens of thousands of parts in a small space.

CompuCrib is the most impressive vending system offered by ShelfPlus. Standing over 20' tall and occupying just 32 square feet of floor space, the access-protected CompuCrib "can replace 1000 square feet of conventional shelving," says ShelfPlus president and CEO Tom Jamieson.

Inside the CompuCrib's metal case is a vertical conveying belt, ferrying the shelves attached within. Available in shelf sides of 36" by 30" (200 lbs per shelf) or 75" by 32" (600 lbs per shelf), access to the parts within the storage unit is software-controlled. "You can use your current inventory control platform to handle access to CompuCrib, or ShelfPlus' own software system," says Jamieson. In special cases, the CompuCrib can be modified to hold up to 2,000 lbs per shelf, and store items as long as 120".

By using a software-driven access system, CompuCrib automatically calls up the appropriate parts shelf, eliminating the need for workers to search through the inventory. It also tracks who is taking what part for what job automatically, 24 hours a day. Not only does this provide an effective barrier against theft, but it also eliminates the need to staff the crib. For additional security, the CompuCrib is equipped with a video monitoring system that records each parts removal.

The CompuCrib's monitoring system also makes it possible to replenish parts as needed, or to send this data directly to parts vendors so that they can keep the crib stocked. As well, the system can be configured to allow vendors access to their own parts sections, but not those of other suppliers.

Back in the standard-sized vending machine world, ShelfPlus' CribMaster Toolbox vending machines and secure-access storage lockers provide fast access to tools and parts. They can be configured to hold five to seven shelves, each one loaded with 25 to 70 bins. Toolbox can also be equipped with `Helix' style holders, the kind used in consumer vending machines to dispense candy bars.

WebVend

WebVend (www.webvend.net) is a respected maker of simple yet secure parts/tool vending systems. "We use a card access system to keep our customers' inventories secure," explains WebVend director of sales and marketing Mark Mayer. "To get a part from one of our vending machines, the technician has to slide a magnetic or barcode-embossed card into an access slot. Once their identity is recorded and access is allowed, they select what they want using the vending machine's keyboard. After the part is dispensed and removed, they withdraw their card and go back to work."

Unlike ShelfPlus' system, WebVend doesn't use external software control on its machines. "Instead, each unit stores its transaction histories internally, then transfers the data up to eight times a day via phone line to our server," Mayer says. "From here, we post it on a password-protected website that our customers can access at their leisure. This allows them to keep a close eye on their inventories, without having to install sophisticated parts monitoring software."

Given the success of this model, it's not surprising that WebVend has extended it to larger storage systems. "We are working with a new product drawer system that uses the same access concept," says Mayer. "In this case, the technician selects the drawer they want, and how many items they need to remove. Once this is done and the drawer is closed, it locks automatically. The removal data is then sent to our server."

Parts/Tool Vending Systems Make Sense

Clearly, there are parts/vending solutions available today to cover a wide range of storage demands and complexities. What they all have in common is the ability to help MROs accurately monitor and control their parts/tools costs, which is crucial to profitability.

Such tight fiscal control translates into lower overhead costs, and thus lower costs for customers. In turn, these reduced prices can help keep aircraft owners bringing their fleets to your shop, rather than looking elsewhere.