Inventory management can make or break a CNC machining operation. Too little inventory leads to delays and downtime, while overstocking ties up valuable capital. For one of our clients, a mid-sized CNC machining company specialising in aerospace components, these challenges were creating chaos in their workshop.
This is the story of how they turned it all around with Autocrib industrial vending machines—and the lessons every CNC machinist can take from their success.
The Problem: Inventory Chaos Hurting Productivity
Before implementing Autocrib, the company relied on a manual system to manage their cutting tool inventory. Unfortunately, this approach created more problems than it solved:
Tool Shortages: Critical tools were often unavailable when needed, delaying production schedules and increasing downtime.
Overstocking: In an attempt to avoid shortages, they stockpiled tools, which tied up thousands of pounds in unused inventory.
Tool Losses: Tools frequently went missing, with no clear way to track who had checked out what.
Wasted Time: Employees spent valuable hours hunting for tools instead of focusing on production.
This combination of inefficiency and waste was holding the company back and putting unnecessary strain on their bottom line.
The Solution: Autocrib to the Rescue
Looking for a smarter way to manage inventory, the company turned to BJ Associates and our affiliation with Autocrib industrial vending machines. Designed to automate inventory management, Autocrib offered a way to streamline their processes, reduce waste, and improve accountability.
After installing the system, their operations underwent a dramatic transformation.
The Results: Productivity and Savings Soar
Within just a few months of implementing Autocrib, the company saw measurable improvements:
Tools Always Available: The vending machines ensured tools were always in stock. Operators could quickly access what they needed, cutting downtime by 20%.
Reduced Overstocking: Autocrib’s automated tracking and reordering system meant no more over-ordering. They freed up over £10,000 that had been tied up in unused inventory.
Enhanced Accountability: Every tool checkout was logged, creating a clear audit trail. This reduced tool loss by 35%.
Streamlined Workflow: Employees spent less time tracking down tools and more time doing what they do best—machining high-precision parts.
Lessons for CNC Machinists
This success story highlights the power of automated inventory management. For any CNC workshop, implementing a system like Autocrib can:
Eliminate costly downtime.
Reduce inventory waste and free up working capital.
Improve tool tracking and accountability.
Simplify day-to-day operations, boosting overall productivity.
Your Next Step
If your workshop is struggling with inventory chaos, it’s time to consider how Autocrib could help. Whether you need better tool tracking, faster access, or more efficient reordering, this system is designed to solve the challenges CNC machinists face every day.
Ready to transform your operations like our client did? Contact us today to learn how Autocrib can revolutionise your inventory management!
With Autocrib, you’re not just managing tools—you’re unlocking the full potential of your workshop.
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