When you map out the process of ordering workwear, you quickly realize that quite a lot has to happen before the employee actually receives the clothing or PPE. Ordering via phone or computer, involving various departments, and taking their opening hours into account—all of it adds complexity. Fortunately, there are now vending machines that automate this process. And it goes far beyond just pressing a button and retrieving a product from the machine. In this process, technology is your best friend.
Always accessible and no administration
The German company Würth Industrie produces various machines with a digital display, where a barcode or ID card provides access. Employers can specify per employee which and how many items of each product type they are allowed to take. Some machines work with a small compartment, allowing employees not only to take a new product but also to return worn-out clothing or PPE. In vending machines with a rotating spiral, that’s not possible, but they are ideal for narrow items like gloves. In some cabinets, the employee can open the door and choose from multiple products, while a sensor tracks what has ultimately been taken.
The big advantage of these machines is that they register who took which products and when, which eliminates a lot of administrative work. This also makes it easy to monitor which products need to be reordered. Additionally, the machines are available 24 hours a day for staff, making them ideal for organizations that operate around the clock, such as hospitals or factories.
Even more options
Gesmatik , a Spanish company, takes it a step further. They specialize in these machines and, in addition to access cards, also offer a fingerprint option. Moreover, they combine multiple systems in one machine. For instance, a spiral can be installed for gloves, alongside a row of boxes with earplugs that are pushed forward using a press system. This ensures optimal use of space.
There’s also an option for a separate compartment for medical supplies, which sends an immediate signal once it is opened—indicating that something has happened on the work floor. And the entire machine can be customized in appearance using a wrap, so it fits the environment in which it’s placed. The company claims this can save up to 30% of the costs typically associated with this process.
The future of vending machines
Anyone who watches a video of these types of machines will immediately wonder why not every company that uses workwear and PPE makes use of them. It saves time and therefore a lot of costs. And the examples I’ve mentioned are probably just the tip of the iceberg of what’s to come. Because with the rise of AI, these machines will only continue to evolve. In short: a fascinating industry to keep an eye on!
