An industrial vending machine is a cabinet with a rotating carousel and an RFID or barcode reader, connected to the IntWare24 web application. The employee scans their card, selects a tool, and the system records the transaction in its history. Returns are simple. The employee logs in to the machine with an RFID card, reviews all the tools they have withdrawn, and chooses whether to return the tool to a compartment or place it in the drawer for tools designated for disposal or reconditioning. The system automatically updates stock levels and adjusts the employee's spending limits for stocked tools. All data flows to the system in real time, allowing the administrator to generate a withdrawal report at any time and analyze all inventory movements across the company for any specified date range.
How does a carousel vending machine work?
At the center of the machine is a transparent column divided into approximately 20 levels. Each level corresponds to a compartment with its own door. When an employee selects a product on the touchscreen, the system begins the dispensing process. Inside the machine, a rotating carousel contains up to 960 compartments, each of which can be assigned a specific product. Once an item is selected, the carousel rotates on its axis to align the correct compartment with the transparent column. A green light illuminates next to the compartment, and its lock is released, providing access to the product. The process is complete once the product has been withdrawn and the door has been closed.
Savings your company will see in its bank account
Automating this process translates directly into measurable savings. Traditional manual inventory management not only increases the risk of errors but also wastes significant time. Storekeepers often spend hours counting stock by hand instead of handling other responsibilities. With solutions such as IntWare24, reports can be generated in moments, and consumption of PPE and safety supplies can drop by as much as 25–30%. This is because employees withdraw only what they actually need. Every transaction is recorded, increasing oversight and user awareness. In large plants, where employees naturally have greater anonymity, withdrawal records significantly reduce excessive consumption of tools, PPE, and safety supplies. Interestingly, smaller companies see a similar effect, even though implementing industrial vending machines may not initially seem likely to make much difference. In practice, the same trend observed in large enterprises holds true. Complete withdrawal and return records, supported by issue limits, play a key role in organizing inventory management and effectively reducing unnecessary expenses.
People + systems = the perfect combination
Warehouse automation is not about eliminating the storekeeper's job. It is about fully tracking withdrawals and reducing production costs. An industrial vending machine frees storekeepers and tool crib staff from routine tasks, giving them time to focus on what matters: optimizing production processes and stock levels. System or people? The best solution combines both. In a world where every minute of downtime costs money, an industrial vending machine is an effective tool for reducing costs and optimizing production processes. If your company still relies on a paper logbook, it is time for a change before chaos takes over. Contact us to try a demo of the IntWare24 system.
