Category: IT Supply Vending Machine

Vending Machine For Office Supplies Opened in a Library

Posted on by John Van Horn

There are few things more irritating than needing something to write with and not having it. Whether you’re an office worker getting ready for that big presentation or a student getting ready to take that test, nothing quite matches the sinking feeling in your stomach when you reach for your trusty pen and can’t find it. If certain companies have their way, however, this is one problem that society will never have to face again. A number of IT office supply vending machine options have recently made their way into the world and are yielding incredibly positive results.

The Penn State Bookstore

Seeing a vending machine on a college campus is certainly nothing new. College students have been using them for quick snacks in between classes for decades. However, Penn State University recently took a bold step to make sure that students didn’t just have access to all the salty and sweet snacks they want, but also to all of the office supplies they could ever need.

Penn State University installed two such vending machines on its campus that are packed with the types of necessities that you CAN’T eat. These library vending machines are filled with notebooks, headphones, calculators, pens and other miscellaneous office supplies, taking “convenience” to a whole new level.

From the student’s perspective, the benefits are clear. If they get to the library and realize they forgot their notebook, they don’t have to rush back to their dorm – they can just buy a new one. From the University’s perspective, they’ve also unlocked a brand new revenue stream at the same time. It’s the type of situation where everyone wins.

iVendTech | A New Versatile Approach to Office & IT Supply Asset Management

iVendTech is just one example of an office and IT supply solutions provider that is paving the way in this regard, taking the concept of the vending machine for libraries to an incredible new level. Not only do iVendTech’s solutions help to provide all of the important supplies people need at a moment’s notice, but they also offer additional benefits by way of features like will-call lockers, real-time reporting, inventory management and control capabilities and more. All transactions from the notebook vending machine are recorded, allowing people to experience a more deeper level of insight into their inventory control than ever before. These real-time analytics can also help them make more informed purchasing decisions based on buying patterns, trends and more.

These are just a few of the reasons why smart supply vending machines for offices and other contexts are so great. They take the natural benefits of the vending machine to the next level by offering on-demand access to the tools students, business professionals and others need when they need them the most. This is just another in a long line of positive steps that vending machines have taken towards becoming important fixtures in all of our lives in recent years.

Vending Solutions in Public Premises

Posted on by John Van Horn

If you happened to walk by a vending machine in a public place, you probably wouldn’t bat an eye. However, if you took a closer look inside the contents of THESE University and Public vending machines, you just may stop for a closer look. Make no mistake: vending machines house a lot more than just soft drinks and potato chips these days, as these particular solutions go a long way towards proving.

  1. Shippensburg University

Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania recently made headlines when it outfitted its campus with a vending machine stocked entirely with health-related items. Located within the campus’ student health center, this innovative dispenser caused a great deal of controversy when the university announced it would offer Plan B, also commonly referred to as “the morning-after pill.”

  1. Sacramento California

Nothing is worse than needing a roll of duct tape and not having it, but thanks to one dedicated vending machine manufacturer employees of many Sacramento government agencies will never have to worry about this again. Many vending machines have been deployed throughout the area that are stocked with industrial equipment like duct tape, rubber gloves and more.

  1. The University of Florida

Students at the University of Florida will never find themselves without a notebook, pencil or other important item in the near future. The University of Florida recently installed office vending machine options in their libraries that sell school supplies like note cards, blue books, pens, pencils and beyond.

Benefits of Vending Machines for Hospitals

The key takeaway from these vending machines is that the machines themselves can be highly customized to fit the environment they’re placed in. Take a scrub vending machine, for example. ScrubTrak is one such option that not only allows medical professionals quick access to scrubs and other important items they need to do their jobs, but it also offers an unparalleled level of functionality to businesses. ScrubTrak allows a vending machine to be stocked with multiple sizes of items, can track both purchase and returns for detailed reporting, offers insight into buying patterns to be used for more informed purchasing decisions in the future.

Benefits of Vending Machines for Office Employees and Management

 

These benefits don’t just stop at universities and hospitals, however – thanks to companies like iVendTech, office and IT employees can also get in on the action. iVendTech offers a wide range of office vending machine solutions designed to make sure employees always have access to the important office supplies they need when they need them the most. These machines also come with will-call lockers, real-time reporting, advanced inventory management and control capabilities and more.

One thing is for sure – the days of vending machines being “just” a way to get a quick snack in during the day are long gone. With innovative dispensers offering an incredible level of customization based on the environment they find themselves in, they’re taking a bold step in the direction of becoming an integral fixture in all of our lives once again.

For hospital and medical facility managers, we highly recommend that you check out the ScrubTrak site and features.

For office supplies and IT management we highly recommend that you check out the iVendTech site and features.

The Importance of Medical Supply Vending Machines in Fire Stations

Posted on by John Van Horn

When you’re a fire fighter, the costs associated with saving lives should never be your top priority. Despite that, ballooning costs are one of the primary challenges that fire stations face all around the country on a daily basis. Luckily, the tides are turning in favor of us all as medical vending machines are being looked at as a way to not only make all of the life-saving equipment necessary to do their jobs readily available at all times, but also to help curb rising costs at the exact same time.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

One example of a situation where medical supply vending machines are having a positive impact comes from Tulsa, Oklahoma, which has already begun the process of rolling out at least one EMS supply vending machine to several fire stations in the area. Fire department officials predict that this one bold move can help save between 30 and 40 percent from traditional medical supply costs for a number of interesting reasons.

For starters, all of the medical vending machines in the Tulsa area will be linked to one another via an active Internet connection. This allows coordinators and other team leaders to get a deeper sense of the products that they have on hand, how they’re being used and which items need to be readily available at a moment’s notice based on the type of real-time, actionable information that only analytics can provide. Even if an incident occurs in the middle of the night, firefighters will have instant access to any critical piece of equipment that they need.

This move is designed to not only save firefighters time, but also to help save taxpayers in the area money as well.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions

IDS is one of the leading providers of EMT, EMS and general medical Supply Vending machines worldwide. As a company founded on the idea that traditional challenges faced by healthcare professionals can be solved with innovative solutions, the company works hard with fire stations, hospitals and similar types of facilities to address all of their needs in the most forward-thinking ways possible.

IDS’ medical vending machines are designed to empower professionals to not only keep all of the medical supplies and other products needed on hand, but also to help maintain a greater level of control over their inventory and a greater level of security over the supplies themselves at the exact same time.

These are just a few of the reasons why EMS supply vending machine options are playing such an important role in fire stations and other facilities all over the world. As technology continues to advance and companies like IDS continue to push the envelope in terms of things like security and control, it is truly exciting to think about the form that medical supply lockers and similar solutions will take in just a few short years time.

College Campus Offers Emergency Contraceptive Plan B Via Vending Machine

Posted on by John Van Horn

Biomedical vending machines are becoming increasingly common in healthcare settings around the country, the Student Government at the University of California in Santa Barbara are taking Medical vending machines to a higher level. As explained by Nathan Rubbelke, student government leaders at UCSB have approved the purchase of a medical contraceptive vending machine that will dispense condoms, lube, tampons, pregnancy tests, and the morning-after pill, Plan B. However, this action raises a few interesting questions, and students need to understand how this machine will sexual health on campus.

What Triggered the Installation of the Plan B Vending Machine?

College life is hectic, and accessing items for reproductive health can be challenging for students. Although many of these items are accessible through the Health and Wellness program at UCSD, students need a way to access these items on weekends. This medical vending machines will provide access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is excellent for students who may not be able to access in-office resources do to work or school schedules.

Without the machine, students who have unprotected sex early in the weekend, such as Friday night, would be unable to obtain Plan B from Student Health until Monday. By installing this machine, student government leaders also seek to resolve another problem. On occasion, nearby pharmacies and Planned Parenthood may run out of Plan B, and students need to have access to the contraceptive as soon as possible.

Is This the First Time Plan B Has Been Offered Through a Pharmaceutical Vending Machine?

In 2010, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania installed a similar vending machines with the purpose of dispensing Plan B on campus. Little interest centered around the vending machine for two years, but the Food and Drug Administration began to look into the matter in 2012. Eventually, the FDA declined to take any action on the matter, and the college continued to sell Plan B from the vending machine.

What About Opposition to the Pharmaceutical Vending Machine?

There are opponents to the dispensing of Plan B in a vending machine. In fact, the president of the Anscombe Society at UCSB has expressed severe criticism over the very idea of installing a pharmaceutical vending machine with contraceptive items. While this sentiment emphasizes the group’s focus on maintaining sexual purity, students are already accessing Plan B through other measures, and this vending machine will simplify the needs of UCSB’s students who have been in the situation of finding an after-hours option for contraception.

The face of the pharmaceutical vending machine industry is changing. Once, mild pain relievers, mouthwash, and simple over-the-counter medications were available in vending machines. Now, female students can take a stronger role in ensuring their reproductive health with a medical vending machine, such as those designed by Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, to access over-the-counter Plan B when other means of obtaining the medication are unavailable.

School Supply Vending Machine & Healthy Snack Alternatives | Why Students Love Them

Posted on by John Van Horn

School Supply Vending Machine & Healthy Snack Alternatives - Why Students Love Them

In recent years, vending machines in schools have become a huge source of debate. There are some parents who believe that if their child purchases a snack from a vending machine, they will choose something unhealthy, such as chips, cookies, soda or candy. But this is not always the case. In fact, thanks to modern refrigerated vending machine technology, nutritionists on staff, and other factors, schools are making smarter and healthier options regarding what they offer their students. This means children can choose a healthy snack from a vending machine, while the school benefits from the profits.

Making a Healthy Selection

Schools have the option to choose healthy snack alternatives, if desired. They can select from healthy crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks, baked chips, Special K bars and more. There are also schools that implement the 100 calorie packs of cookies, to provide something sweet. This is all by choice. While vending machine suppliers will provide whatever is requested, it is up to the schools to request the healthier options.

Student’s Views on Vending Machines

Kids love the idea of vending machines in schools they can quickly and easily choose what they want to eat. This offers a sense of independence that most kids appreciate, especially as they get older. And by providing healthy alternatives, adults are still helping to guide them in their decision making.

Other Benefits Offered by Vending Machines in Schools

Another benefit offered by placing vending machines in schools is the profit. The extra funds are able to go toward other things that the school needs, such as books, computers, art supplies, etc. The money may also go to sports teams or even after school clubs.

Yet another benefit of the integration of vending machines in schools is the fact that they provide children with options if they forget their lunch, or do not want what the cafeteria is serving that day. This ensures that each child receives something to eat and they do not have to go hungry or thirsty during the day.

Other Purposes of Vending Machines

In addition to providing food and drinks for students, there are also school supply vending machines. This means if a child does not have paper, pencils or anything else required during the day, they can purchase what they need quickly and easily from a vending machine.

They key to reaping all the benefits offered by healthy snack and school supply vending machines is to find a quality vending machine manufacturer who will ensure the school gets the type of machine necessary for their students. Doing so will help ensure all the benefits highlighted here. Take some time to research the vending machine services for schools to feel confident in the decision that is made and the vending machine that is selected.

The Wittern Group Announces its Commitment to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing Solution’s parent company, The Wittern Group, joins 153 companies who have signed the American Business Act on Climate Pledge in their support for action on climate change.

DES MOINES, IOWA – December 7, 2015 – Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, announces The Wittern Group’s commitment to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.  The official announcement from the White House highlights the commitments from 73 companies, including The Wittern Group, from across the American economy that are joining the American Business Act on Climate Pledge. With this announcement, a total of 154 companies will have signed the Pledge.  These companies have operations in all 50 states, employ nearly 11 million people, represent more than $4.2 trillion in annual revenue, and have a combined market capitalization of over $7 trillion.

By signing the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, The Wittern Group is voicing support for an outcome that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future at the COP21 Paris climate negotiations.  As a part of this Pledge, The Wittern Group is demonstrating an ongoing focus on climate action by committing to:

  • Reducing water usage by 10% by 2020
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their vending products by 45% by 2025
  • Increasing investment in low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green projects by $2 million by 2025
  • Developing long-term business plans that align with the deep DE carbonization necessary to keep global average temperatures from rising less than 2C

“Sustainability is an important initiative for Intelligent Dispensing Solutions and The Wittern Group as we look to grow our business while remaining agile amid a changing environmental landscape,” commented Heidi Chico, CEO of The Wittern Group and NAMA Board Member.  “By committing to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, The Wittern Group, along with Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, is taking a leadership role by focusing on initiatives that will increase the profile of the vending industry and demonstrate our industry’s commitment to climate action.”

The Wittern Group is one of seven National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) member companies that have committed to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.  NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry.  These seven companies demonstrate an ongoing commitment to climate action and to voice their support for a strong outcome at the Paris climate negotiations.

“The Wittern Group recognizes that delaying action on climate change will be costly in economic and human terms, while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy will produce multiple benefits with regard to economic growth, public health, and the well being of the global environment,” commented Heidi Chico, CEO of The Wittern Group and NAMA Board Member.  “The Wittern Group is proud to be a small but integral part in addressing climate change and through this Pledge has committed to ambitious, yet achievable, goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize clean energy alternatives.”

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About The Wittern Group

Founded in 1931 by F.A. Wittern Sr., The Wittern Group provides a full range of products and services to meet all vending needs including design, manufacturing, financing, national and international sales, re-manufacturing programs, parts, and support services. The Wittern Group is structured to help people succeed in vending.  www.wittern.com

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Contact: Heidi Chico // Tel: +1 (515) 271.8425 // E-mail: hchico@wittern.com

Vassar College Brings Supply Convenience by way of Vending Machine

Posted on by John Van Horn

The process of making sure that you were ready for the first day of classes used to be a long and arduous one, whether you were in elementary school or college or anywhere in between. After teachers and professors finally compiled their list of essential materials, you would essentially need to take time out of your busy schedule to run to stores all over town, not only looking for the best items but also the best price.

Thankfully, those days are long over. Vassar College is just one example of an educational institution that is leading the charge towards true supply convenience by way of the school supply vending machine equipment that they’ve had installed around their campus.

In 2014, Vassar College had a problem. In order to make room for the upcoming class of students and due to enrollment issues, they had to close their primary college bookstore. While the space was very much needed, it posed a challenge for the incoming class that they were trying their best to prepare for – where were they going to get all of the supplies and other essential living supplies that they needed to make sure they were ready for the first day of classes?

The answer turned out to be surprisingly simple. Vassar College installed a number of different school vending machine options around campus that not only feature office supplies and other basic items but also products like medications, hygiene kits and more. If a student needs to pick up a new notebook on the way to class, all they have to do is run right over to the school vending machine and take care of everything. If they’re coming down with a cold and some cough drops would hit the spot, they can get that from the same machine, too.

Not only has this helped relieve stress and increase convenience for purchasing school supplies, but the Vassar College electronics and medical vending machines themselves are also the best employees of all – the ones that never need to sleep. Instead of running to the bookstore between 10AM and 5PM, students can get their supplies at all hours.

Intelligent Dispensing Solutions

IDS is just one example of a company that offers a wide range of school supply vending machine, IT vending machine and other options for businesses and organizations all over the country on a daily basis. Powered by state-of-the-art features like iQ technology, these vending machines will not only help make sure that office supplies and other items get dispensed quickly and accurately, but also that a proper inventory is tracked and maintained at the same time. An IDS school vending machine can be programmed to only accept student or employee ID numbers, tying each item to a particular person. This simple feature has the potential and ability to reduce shrinkage by 25% or more depending on the situation.

These are just a few of the many ways in which office supply vending machine technology is benefiting the lives of many around the country each day. With advancements as exciting as these that have occurred in just a few short years, it is truly exciting to think about what the future has in store for vending machines.