Brammer eases consumable ordering process with Invend

Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) is an international supplier of cartons, labels and leaflets, in addition to other specialist packaging. Delivering innovative packaging designs worldwide, it is vital that production at its Leicester facility is able to run smoothly and cost-effectively with minimal disruption.

MPS sought Brammer's expertise to reduce costs on its spend on an array of janitorial items.

Department managers would often spend valuable time ordering and identifying new products on an "˜as needed' basis, potentially resulting in unnecessary overspend, high stockholding and wasted time.

With a clear need to reduce its spending on stock and improve overall control, MPS contacted Brammer to analyse product usage and management. A full in-house audit of current products and usage levels revealed the areas in which improvement was needed to reduce costs. Brammer's team of experts recommended a vending system for janitorial products.

Brammer installed five Invend machines across the customer's Leicester facility, including two locker and one carousel for janitorial products. Brammer tailored the industrial vending machines to specifically suit the needs of the customer, configuring them to ensure employees could only access certain items. The results speak for themselves. Making savings of approximately 50 per cent, the company has seen a cost reduction month after month on its consumable janitorial spend. In addition, the introduction of the machines has allowed the MPS department managers to save valuable time previously spent ordering replacement stock, and give them complete stock visibility.

The vending machines are provided by Brammer for free, with the only costs to the customer being the use of parts ordered from the machines. Invend machines have an internet connection direct to Brammer to flag up the need for re-stocking, as well as providing real-time management information on usage by individual and cost centre, flagging up areas of high usage where, for example, extra employee training may be needed.

Parts are also now available over a 24-hour period, meaning users no longer have to wait for store opening hours to access the right industrial consumables.

The results have really impressed Steve Johns of MPS: "Working with Brammer was an enjoyable and enlightening experience. Invend not only offers peace of mind that all products will be available, but ensures we have complete control of our stock and costs."

Ian Ritchie, Managing Director of Brammer, says: "The success at MPS is another example of the benefits of Invend. We have a fantastic offering to our customers and the team has worked tirelessly to ensure that it delivered measurable benefits for MPS."

For more information about Brammer's Invend industrial vending system, please vist www.brammeruk.com.