Remote Stock Monitoring
Food and drink vending machines have had this feature for some time and it is now finding its way into industrial supply lines. To be able to check stock levels of materials on a remote site enables suppliers to support Just In Time (JIT) deliveries accurately without the cost of checking stock manually on a frequent basis. Standard (commercial) vending machines can be used for self service on the shop floor but they have certain disadvantages with inexpensive fasteners or item with irregular shapes. Special purpose machines have been designed for issuing tooling. Electronic KanBan can be used for fasteners and weight sensing technology is very effective for MOR stock.