How Blackwoods vending machines transformed two manufacturing facilities

The challenge: Inefficient inventory and lost productivity.

Two large manufacturing facilities were facing mounting challenges in managing their industrial consumables and personal protective equipment (PPE). Manned stores required dedicated staff to receive and issue goods, while multiple free-issue stores across the sites led to uncontrolled spending, stock hoarding, and zero visibility of inventory holdings. Workers frequently lost valuable time searching for the right items, and manual procurement processes added layers of inefficiency and cost.

These issues weren’t just operational; they were costing the business hundreds of thousands annually in lost productivity and poor working capital management.

The solution: Smart vending, smarter operations.

To address these challenges, the facilities partnered with Blackwoods to implement a tailored Inventory Solutions strategy. The centrepiece of this transformation was the deployment of vending machines across four strategic locations.

These machines were designed to automate and streamline the distribution of high-usage industrial consumables and PPE. Strategically placed near operational zones, they eliminated the need for manned and free-issue stores, reducing downtime and improving tool time for frontline workers.

Seamless integration and automation.

The vending machines were integrated with Blackwoods touchless EDI system, enabling automated ordering and seamless restocking by Blackwoods facilitators. Manual processes, from order placement to receipt were consolidated into a single, efficient workflow.

In addition to convenience, the machines provided real-time reporting of online-item usage, giving procurement teams unprecedented visibility into consumption patterns. This enabled tighter budget control and smarter inventory decisions.

The impact: Measurable results.

The transformation delivered immediate and measurable results:

• A 65% reduction in the cost of industrial consumables and PPE per person, per month
• $250,000 saved annually in the maintenance and repair fixed cost budget
• $200,000 in additional annual savings through process efficiencies
• Significant reduction in inventory holdings aligned with smarter purchasing

A new standard for operational efficiency.

Blackwoods vending machine solution didn’t just streamline inventory, it revolutionised how these manufacturing sites operate. With automated procurement, real-time visibility, and reduced waste, the facilities unlocked new levels of productivity and cost control.

Ready to take control of your inventory?

Explore how Blackwoods Inventory Solutions can transform your business:

• Contact your Blackwoods Team Member
• Call 13 73 23 to speak with our Customer Care team
• Visit blackwoods.com.au/technical-solutions/inventory-solutions