STOCK CONTROL


replaced by the Stock Issue Wizard allowing our warehouse team to pick orders at a time which aligns with their operational timescales.” “This has saved a significant amount


of time in the field to focus on other key tasks. Now we are going further. Our aim for 2021 is to look at how best we can use the tools in Vendmanager to streamline our main warehouse processes.” Mr Fraser concludes that only the best stock


controls systems will do in the current extreme circumstances, “and today, the best is better than it ever has been because of technology, data and the tools available”. Meanwhile, software and technology solutions specialist


Vianet reports that it has seen greater demand for efficient stock control systems and innovation to deliver hassle-free stock management in vending, particularly during the period of the global pandemic. The company recently took a step back and reviewed operators needs


as part of its SmartVend development and is in the final stages of developing an integrated solution for its stock management module, currently part of the Vendman ERP. Vianet has been creating a system that will help operators adapt quickly


to change, meeting the demands of today, but also helping build a strong foundation for tomorrow. It doesn’t want to re-invent the wheel, but it does want to deliver


successful tools for the long-term, according to head of customer experience, Joanne Vinton-Bullwinkel. She said: “Our next steps are to launch a stock module that delivers


against the requirements of our customers but in a far simpler way, supported by a new mobile app that will drive efficiency in the field. “We have a dedicated technology team that has worked hard to develop


this module, from front end designers to solution architects, ensuring the best experience possible for our end user. “The new stock module will, in essence, allow customers to see what


stock they have and where, and transfer it between locations – warehouses, vans, machines, as well as complete stocktakes and manage products, all from the palms of their hands.” Summing up, Ms Vinton-Bullwinkel says that the work being done


currently will pave the future for the vending sector and deliver solutions with longevity to see businesses not only through the pandemic but into the future.


Keeping the flow moving


Navigating the shipping crisis has proven to be one of the most challenging aspects of supply chain management and stock control for disposable packaging specialist 4 Aces in recent months.


Managing director of 4 Aces, Chris Penn, says: “The initial impact of


COVID-19 meant that we were responding directly to customer demand and our business rested on the ability to meet that demand and get our hands on the stock that our customers most needed.


“Secondary to that has been the issue of cost. With the demand for


shipping containers at a premium, as a result of ships unable to dock and unload and containers set aside for PPE, costs have risen astronomically.


“China, the country from which we’ve historically imported a large


proportion of our cups and lids has been one of the worst affected, with shipping rates up by approximately $15,000 during some of the key crisis points (and that’s before you factor in Chinese New Year, an historically difficult time for importing when the country effectively shuts down for weeks to mark the holiday).


“Our sourcing instincts have since taken us to less affected


destinations of manufacturing, where we’ve embarked on the process of new product development, testing and approval before we open up the channels to supply. This further strengthens our position for volume growth as well as mitigating costs.


“So far, we’ve been attracted to India and parts of Europe where the


professionalism and quality is equal to that of current partners, with shorter shipping times allowing faster delivery and a much tighter control on customer inventory.


“We’re building the manufacturing team stronger and closer than


ever before to provide the uninterrupted service our customers need, keeping the flow of products moving to anchor ourselves and the companies we supply to in safe waters.”


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