Category: inventory control

Vending Machines in Retail and Office Spaces are on the Rise

Posted on by John Van Horn

Office and retail vending machines have become extremely popular in recent years; with many placed in hospitals, schools, office buildings, airports, outside in front of your local department stores, and almost any place where there is a high volume of foot traffic. These vending machines provide cold and warm beverages, snacks, candy, sandwiches, electronics and much more. You have probably even seen a vending machine that sold feminine hygiene products, Apple iPads and even stamps – this type of retail vending machine has become popular to assist users get what they need when they need it most.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions has come up with new and unique ideas for retail vending, the most popular being the office vending machine able to dispense office supplies and any other item an employee may need in order to get their job done efficiently. The office vending machine has proven to reduce inventory shrinkage by 25% and increase employee productivity.

The Wittern Group

, is a vending machine U.S. manufacturer that has been in operation for over 80 years. Staying ahead of the curve, The Wittern Group is expanding research development in an effort to bring new innovative vending technology to the market. Heidi Chico, is the co-owner and CEO, said new “controlled dispensing solutions” are being sought by a variety of industries, from healthcare to retail to maintenance and repair.

“We’re breaking the barriers and moving on to bigger and better markets,” she said. “For that we need to sort of reinvest in the future and make machines smarter.”

The City Council voted unanimously to be a sponsor organization for the company’s application. Which doesn’t necessitate a financial counterpart from the city.

Chico said the company will still design and manufacture traditional food/beverage retail vending machines. However, there is a demand by some businesses who are looking to manage cost control and inventory, something The Wittern Group has built into many of their vending units.

Office Vending Machine

An office vending machine is an excellent way to keep employees stocked with the supplies they need to do their job. It is also more convenient for the employees to walk over to a machine swipe a card and remove the supplies they need, in place of walking to the supply room and searching for the supplies, which can sometimes be in a messy room and could take a good amount of time to find, hence loss of productivity. The office vending machine also cuts back on shrinkage – no more stealing pens, paper, rubber bands, or any other type of office supply.

If an office vending machine sounds like something your office could use, then you should call Intelligent Dispensing Solutions  at 877-771-4446 and order your office vending machine.

Safe and Secure with the CAP 3 and CAP 3 Refrigerated Vending Units

Posted on by John Van Horn

CAP is an acronym that stands for “Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispensing.” It refers to a type of system that medical institutions have adopted with enthusiasm regarding the dispensing of EMS supplies, the management of hospital inventory and more. The CAP system in particular was created by UCapIt to be an ideal solution for addressing control problems that are commonly associated with keeping track of pharmaceutical inventory, distributing products and more. Two of the most recent state-of-the-art products that are available to consumers are the CAP 3 and the CAP 3 Refrigerated Medical Vending Machines.

When you take a look at what the CAP 3 vending unit has to offer, it’s easy to see why it is making waves in terms of pharmaceutical supplies. The standard configuration of the CAP 3 involves 384 items, though the capacity can vary depending on the tray configurations that are selected. All communication is Web-based, meaning that diagnostic and user information can be sent over a nearby Internet connection. Standard features of the CAP 3 include either a barcode or magnetic stripe reader (depending on your preferences), the patented iVend Delivery Sensor System, a Parrot Door that is designed to enable the reuse of protective bags, fluorescent lighting and more. The CAP 3 is also compliant with the rules and regulations dictated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The CAP 3 is available in blue, black or red, allowing you to make sure that your unit fits in with the current visual aesthetic of your workplace. Custom colors are also available on request.

The CAP 3 refrigerated vending machine has all of the advanced features that were found in the CAP 3, only elevated to the next level. The standard configuration includes 412 items, though capacity varies depending on the selected tray configurations as was true with its predecessor. In addition to the iVend Delivery Sensor System and a barcode or magnetic stripe reader, the CAP 3 Refrigerated Vending unit also features fully functional LED lighting for increased visibility and high energy efficiency at all times. A heated glass option is also available that can be turned on and off at will.

When it comes to selecting pharmaceutical vending units, medical professionals need to know that the important equipment contained inside is always as safe and secure as possible. Both the CAP 3 and the CAP 3 Refrigerated Unit are computer-controlled to eliminate the possibility of user error and have been created with the highest construction standards possible. Each machine is verified to perform at the highest level possible to help keep hospital inventory available and secure at all times.

Keep Your Employees Happy, Healthy & Productive with an Office Vending Machine

Posted on by John Van Horn

There is nothing worse than running out of office supplies when needed most, such as post-it notes, pens, or discovering that the letter “T” on your keyboard sticks; these things make for a frustrating and unproductive work day. An office inventory tracking vending machine filled with supplies will certainly make the majority of office workers satisfied with having access to what they need, leading to greater productivity.

Save on Shrinkage & Costs

Statistics show that by using state-of-the-art iQ technology by Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, vending machines in an office environment can cut down on inventory loss by more than 25%. Employees will swipe their ID badge to retrieve the supplies that they need, this allows you to keep control over the inventory and to know who is taking out what, and how much or many.

Better Customer Service

By having an office supply vending machine nearby, employees won’t have to run to the supply cabinet/closet each time that they need something. You would be surprised how often an office employee runs out of supplies each day. If the employee is also responsible for answering the phones or greeting customers, it may take them away from their desk, which could lead to a loss in business.

What Supplies Could go in the Office Vending Machine?

Start with the basics – pens, post-it notes, paper clips, staplers/staples/staple remover, tape, envelopes in an assortment of sizes, pads of paper, and items your office employees use on a frequent basis. You may also consider putting in office equipment such as keyboards, flash drives, and ether cords. It’s time consuming to fill out a requisition sheet for equipment and supplies. It is even more time consuming and less productive to have an employee run to an office supply store to purchase a new keyboard or a box of envelopes.

Another important aspect of having an office vending machine is to keep it stocked at all times. Otherwise, time will be wasted and productivity lost while someone treks to the supply room to search for the missing item(s) to restock the office vending machine. Remember it’s supposed to make your employees happier, healthier and more productive.

If an office vending machine sounds like something your office could use, then you should call Intelligent Dispensing Solutions at 877-771-4446 and speak with one of our specialists to order your office vending machine. An office supply vending machine will keep your office running smoothly and productively all day, every day.  

EMS Medical Supply Shortages: A Solution

Posted on by John Van Horn

Within the medical industry, pharmacy inventory is in a high-stakes gamble with supply shortages. A medical vending machine is important for local paramedics, and several townships have installed machines capable of dispensing drugs and equipment—rather than the traditional snack food and beverages.

The Columbus Dispatch has featured such inclusions within their depiction of a pharmaceutical vending machine providing innovative solutions for emergency medical supplies, combating cost increases with locally provided medication and pharmaceuticals.

Instant Supply and Quick Medical Inventory Solutions

Each EMS medical vending machine provides a variety of solutions for ailments acknowledged by the Food and Drug Administration, alerting paramedics when stocked equipment or drugs are in low supply. Additionally, soon-to-expire substances are returned to distributors—exchanged for credit.

Revolutionary Design

Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispensers utilize updated tracking and inventory tracking technology. This technology delivers a number of processes, optimizing the machine for use and substance maintenance:

  •         EMS supply tracking
  •         Instant medication expense recording
  •         Control and monitoring of inventory
  •         Usage transparency

Each Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispenser enables and empowers EMS professionals—granting them instant access of units on a 24/7 basis. Intensive identification protocols are utilized, securing the unit through several mechanisms:

  •         Proximity card reader
  •         Pin number
  •         Bar code identification scanner
  •         Biometric fingerprint reader
  •         Combination lock mechanism

Regulation and Industry Security

Every system withdraw is cataloged, regulated and time stamped through individual use. Authority level clearance is always tight, so industry regulations are kept intact throughout servicing. Additionally, every Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispenser may be streamlined to access email notifications—contacting management when controlled substances are dispensed.

Such boundaries are available with simple inclusions: internet access and a laptop. Managers across the world can access, manage and utilize a variety of Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispenser items, each located within a variety of locations.

Restock Awareness and Recording

Within the industry, up-to-date inventories are vital, and expenses within pharmaceutical realms have been reduced to mere hundreds of dollars where CAP machines are utilized—replacing the previous multiple-thousand-dollar expenses ambulances and hospitals normally incurred.

When authorized staff identification has been established, CAP machines may be programmed to provide a number of functions, including:

  •         Vehicle-specified access
  •         Incident-specific access
  •         Witness identification approval

Often, an EMS Manager is required during unlocking and dispensing, ensuring control over narcotic kits, oxygen, laptops and back boards. Where storeroom security and accountability are concerned, CAP machines effectively regulate usage, expiration rates and location.

A Future of Consistency

Pharmaceutical and emergency providers have thrived where Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispensers are provided—making alerts simple while managing administrative tasks. Individuals obtain customized usage reports, facilitating growth within each unit-equipped sector. Management and billing purposes are well-maintained, and reports are delivered daily, weekly or during custom timeframes.

Where inventory managers are considered, automatic tracking optimizes inventory logging, making instant recording much more than a primary function. The Controlled Access Pharmaceutical Dispenser will likely become an industry constant within the future, redefining EMS services while assisting patients on-site, with complete accessibility, regulation and ease-of-use for industry professionals. The medical industry appears bright, and the CAP Dispenser is paving the way.

Source:

https://www.boundtree.com/ucapit

Keep Controlled Substances Contained and Under Your Control

Posted on by John Van Horn

These days, many hospitals and other medical facilities find themselves in a similar predicament regarding the storage and tracking of emergency medical supplies. These supplies may include anything from controlled substances and oxygen tanks to scrubs and uniforms. In many facilities, a hospital manager may need to be present in order for an EMS or other hospital employee to obtain the inventory needed from the facility’s stock. And other inventory tracking systems, such as employee ID logs and card readers, can (and sometimes are) abused.

Fortunately, there is a way for medical facilities these days to keep the controlled substances and other pharmaceutical supplies that they need safely contained and tracked. Specifically, custom vending solutions may be the way to go.

How Do Medical Vending Systems Work?

While on the surface, a vending machine may not seem like the most secure means of dispensing valuable hospital inventory, the fact is that technology has made it possible for these custom vending machines not only to dispense items, but to do so securely.

Specifically, a custom medical vending system can be programmed to work with a medical facility’s existing security measures. Whether the facility relies on employee access codes, card readers, fingerprint readers, or a combination of these, the machine can be designed and programmed to require that same input before dispensing any supplies to the user.

Another great feature of these systems is that each transaction is carefully tracked; therefore, once an item is dispensed, the facility’s inventory is automatically updated to reflect this. If desired, the system can automatically order more inventory when the system determines that the supply of a particular item is low. As a result medical facilities save time and money when they convert to such a system.

Medical Vending Systems and Security

Of course, the ultimate priority of any medical facility dealing with pharmacy inventory (especially controlled substances) is making sure that nothing falls into the wrong hands. Fortunately, custom medical vending systems are more secure than any other system currently available.

Specifically, these systems track, catalog, timestamp, and regulate the dispensing of all supplies. In fact, it’s even possible to set the system up so that a manager receives an automatic e-mail any time inventory is dispensed from the machine. This e-mail can contain information about what was dispensed and who requested it. This not only adds security to the process and cuts down on instances of theft but also saves facilities the time and money required to have a manager on site every time inventory is requested by an employee.

Furthermore, these vending systems are available not only for hospital inventory, but for employee uniforms such as scrubs and other medical retail as well. Whether a medical facility is in need of a few simple vending machines for the cafeteria or something as secure as a controlled substance vending system, the options are available. These automated medical inventory control options can save medical facilities a great deal of money in the long run.

More Hospitals are now Investing in Scrub Stocked Vending Machines, ScrubTrak

Posted on by John Van Horn

There are more than a few ambulatory surgery programs that have become burdened with overwhelming overhead expenses, especially when it comes to proper apparel and inventory management in the workplace. As a solution, many of these programs have opted for controlled dispensing of scrubs and other apparel. Surprisingly, though, there are many expenses that can go along with dispensing scrubs. Is there a solution? Of course, there is, and it comes in the form of ScrubTrak.

Deciding if Scrub Vending Machines Are Right For Your Health Care Facility?

Are your hospital employees required to wear scrubs? If yes, then a vending machine which dispenses all different types of scrubs will likely do very well in your office. For medical centers that do require scrubs, ScrubTrak provides your workers with the ability to purchase or rent scrubs out of a vending machine which can boost employee morale as well as productivity levels; this in return can lead to better patient care.

With a scrub vending machine, your medical office will enjoy many benefits and a quality solution to inventory shrinkage in relation to uniforms and scrubs. You can have your ScrubTrak machine customized to meet your specifications. For instance, you can have it set up so that each employee can rent two pairs of scrubs for free. For each additional pair that they want, they will need to return one of the free pairs. If they don’t have a free pair to return, they will have to pay for any additional scrub rentals.

Another excellent feature of ScrubTrak is that scrubs can be separated by color and size, making it exceptionally simple to rent or purchase a pair of scrubs. And with a return slot, the typical scrub return area is no longer needed, giving you optimal space to treat even more patients.

To learn more about ScrubTrak and the many advantageous features that it offers, contact Intelligent Dispensing Solutions today. We offer a variety of vending options that are ideal for any healthcare setting, including ScrubTrak, healthy vending machines, and even retail vending. We take the headache out of vending contracts, making sure that you aren’t hit with any surprises. We are here to exceed your expectations by providing you with today’s latest vending technology.

Healthy Vending Options for Hotel Travelers

Posted on by John Van Horn

When it comes to traveling, most of us are familiar with hotel vending machines. From a bag of chips to a chocolate candy bar, we’ve all ended up in our hotel rooms eating a rather unhealthy vending machine dinner choice. What if vending machines offered healthier options, though? Would you be more prone to frequent them? Probably, and this is exactly what Anjana Kallarackal thought when she submitted the idea to Marriott’s Travel Brilliantly campaign.

What about you? Are looking for a way to offer your customers or employees with better vending options? If so, you should definitely take advantage of today’s healthy hotel vending machines. Take for instance that you’re operating a hotel. By offering your guests with vending options that include fresh salads, fresh fruits and veggies, and even freshly cooked meats, they will be much more likely to have dinner in their rooms or in the lounge area. More importantly, they will greatly appreciate that you care about their nutrition. In return, this will boost guest loyalty.

Healthy hotel vending machines also make for an excellent way to impress your employees. Instead of them having to go out for lunch each day, they can purchase healthy foods right in the office. Being that they won’t have to go out for lunch, they will have more time to socialize with other employees, which will lead to a boost in employee morale. Offering healthy vending options to your workers will also help maintain low-rates of employee turnover. Workers will be able to see for themselves that you truly care about their health and well-being.

No matter the industry that your company operates in, it can benefit from healthy vending machines. From courthouse vending areas to daycare centers, everyone loves having access to healthier foods. Keep in mind that when offering healthy vending options, your vending machines need to be working top-notch. The heating and cooling of fresh items is extremely important, meaning you may need to invest in a higher-quality machine. With Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, you can rest assured that all of your vending machine-related matters will be attended to in the most appropriate manner. From maintenance to stocking, Intelligent Dispensing Solutions is your go-to healthy food vending service provider.

Automated Pharmaceutical Dispenser Software and Hardware Solutions

Posted on by John Van Horn

UCapIt uses the latest technology to control inventory access to pharmaceutical supplies, including first aid medical supplies and emergency medical supplies. Ramp up employee accountability and reduce supply waste with state-of-the-art software and hardware solutions.

Software Solutions for Pharmacy Inventory

SD5000-EMS_UVendThe Controlled Access Pharmaceutical (CAP) dispenser includes a proximity card reader, bar code scanner, biometric reader, secure networking and real time reporting via the Internet. Its tracking technology works 24/7. Customized usage reports can be set to be sent daily or weekly. This way, pharmacy inventory can be managed, monitored, and tracked. All withdrawals of pharmaceutical supplies are cataloged, time stamped and regulated. In addition, EMS health care workers have immediate access to emergency medical supplies and can restock their units 24/7. Once staff ID is recorded, the CAP dispenser can be programmed to ask for a vehicle number or second ID before dispensing restocked items. Lockers can also be added to record and control access to oxygen, narcotic kits and laptops. Storeroom pharmacy inventory can also be tracked with expiration codes. With its real time reporting feature, usage reports can even be integrated with the company billing software. This software solution is innovative, revolutionary and works 24/7.

Hardware Solutions for Pharmaceutical Supplies

UCapIt offers the CAP 5 and CAP 3 dispensers along with lockers for add-ons that accommodate larger items, such as trip bags and oxygen tanks. Each comes with a refrigerated option to keep pharmaceutical supplies at optimal temperatures for a longer shelf life.

UCAPITThe CAP 5 allows for full control over a wide variety of packages and products. It has an intelligent control system for 24/7 real time reporting of transactions. Constructed of 20 gauge steel with welded seams and internal bracing, it’s built to last and deliver reliable service. Standard LED lighting provides high visibility for dimly lit areas. Multiple interfaces are available, including biometric reader, bar code ID scanner, proximity card reader and pin number. Bulky packages are easy accessible through its extra-large delivery port. The CAP 3 is a smaller version of the CAP 5 with the same great features. Door Lockers are available in three or 12 compartments and different colors like red, white and blue.

All of UCapIt dispensers are engineered for high reliability and easy maintenance. Computer controlled machinery is used for its construction, and each machine is checked for optimal performance before installation.

What Happens if you Ban Bottled Water on a College Campus Vending Machine?

Posted on by John Van Horn

If you’re on a college campus and are frantically running from one building to another to make it to your next class on time, it’s natural to want something to drink to quench your thirst. You may turn to the nearest school vending machine as a solution thanks to the efficiency and convenience that it brings to the table. What if you wanted a nice, cold bottle of water from the vending machine and were only greeted by sugary sodas that you had no interest in? What if this was the result of your college campus taking the unusual step of banning bottled water altogether? What would happen next?

A new study published by the American Journal of Public Health seeks to understand the effects of banning bottled water. According to the study, restricting access to bottled water on college campuses actually statistically increases the consumption of less healthy beverages. Another side effect is that the ban increases the amount of plastic waste that a college campus has to deal with at the same time.

The study, which is appropriately called “The Unintended Consequences of Changes in Beverage Options and the Removal of Bottled Water on a University Campus,” closely tracked vending machine activity after the University of Vermont banned all bottled water sales on its campus. Not surprisingly, other unhealthy alternatives to water saw a 25 percent increase in sales almost immediately. At the same time, there was an astounding 8.5 percent increase in the total amount of plastic waste that then had to be dealt with by university officials.

Ironically, the purpose of the University of Vermont’s ban was not to spike the sales of sugary drinks at all. College officials report that they originally just wanted to encourage students to bring their own reusable water bottles that they could then fill with tap water from drinking fountains located all over campus. The university even went to the trouble of retrofitting 68 water fountains across the area to make it more convenient to use them with reusable water bottles, making it all the more interesting that the opposite effect seems to have occurred.

The International Bottled Water Association has long maintained that the restriction of bottled water will absolutely lead to the increased consumption of less healthy beverages and increased creation of waste that must then be dealt with. Thanks to the AJPH, these findings have been confirmed in a way that is difficult to argue with. For many people, the choice between cold, healthy bottled water and an unhealthy soda alternative isn’t really a choice at all.

Sources: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=The+Unintended+Consequences+of+Changes+in+Beverage+Options+and+the+Removal+of+Bottled+Water+on+a+University+Campus

Schools and Fitness Centers Offer More Healthy Food & Non Food Related Items More Than Ever Before

Posted on by John Van Horn

First Lady Michelle Obama and students from across the country who participate in the ten “Let’s Move!” sub-initiative programs, eat the food they have prepared during a White House Kitchen Garden harvest event in the East Room of the White House, June 3, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Childhood obesity rates have leveled off and among some populations are starting to decline. This is good news after decades of steadily rising rates of obesity among children and teens in the United States.

Popular campaigns like the Alliance for a Healthier Generation sponsored by the Clinton Foundation and American Heart Foundation, Let’s Move sponsored by First Lady Michelle Obama, and the NFL’s Play 60, are working to help parents, children, and schools to make better decisions regarding food choices and activity.

Prior to these campaigns, school cafeterias served fried foods, high carbohydrate sides, and sugary desserts. If that weren’t enough, students in the 1990’s could easily find a vending machine loaded with sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks. Students had difficulty making good choices simply because healthy foods weren’t being offered.

Thankfully, these campaigns are making a difference. School cafeterias offer more fresh fruits and vegetables to the students at lunch. Some have transformed grass into thriving school gardens where students learn to cultivate the Earth, grow fresh produce and consume what they grow.

In addition, the traditional vending machine has been replaced. Companies like Intelligent Dispensing Solutions have created school vending machines that dispense healthy fare such as low-fat milk, bottled water, and fresh vegetable and fruit solutions. For schools, machines like this are a win-win combination. Students have easy access to quality foods and the machines automate inventory and IDS’ IQ software technology syncs the machine with the requirements of the Federal Free and Reduced Meal program.

No campaign can create widespread change overnight; however, as these initiatives have continued to pick up steam, long-term change seems to be happening. Finally, we have some good news about childhood obesity.

Visit Intelligent Dispensing Solutions for unique solutions for school and fitness center healthy snack vending machines. Whether the machines are vending healthy foods or material goods such as towels or earbuds, IDS’s IQ technology keeps your sales records secure and up to date, while the machine prevents theft and automates the sale process freeing your employees to attend to other tasks.