Full control of returns with automatic sorting and assignment of the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) code
The integrated IRMATIC system enables complete control over the flow of PPE – from dispensing to return – with automatic sorting and classification of EWC. The combination of IRSCALE and IRDEPO3 machines eliminates excessive consumption, enforces a 1:1 policy, and reduces operational costs through intelligent, closed-loop material flow.
Excessive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as work gloves and protective clothing, poses a significant cost burden for manufacturing facilities. This process will also fit well with the dispensing and returns of welding equipment, power tools, and blades, cutters, and cutting tools. Traditional distribution models, even those based on industrial vending machines, often do not provide effective control over the returns of used products. This leads to the procurement of new stock, even though the previous items are still usable, generating unnecessary costs.
Lack of control over the product lifecycle
Implementation analyses show that merely monitoring PPE dispensing often proves insufficient. Without the implementation of a 1:1 circulation policy, the consumption of PPE materials can be overstated by as much as 50%. An additional challenge is the lack of segregation of returned products – clothing that only requires washing is often mixed with items designated for disposal, which increases operational and logistical costs.
Integrated retrieval and automatic returns sorting system
An effective response is to integrate the dispensing process with the returns process. The IRMATIC system achieves this by connecting the weighing dispensing drawer IRSCALE (MASTER) with the intelligent drop box IRDEPO3 (SLAVE). All operation logic and user messages are centrally managed and displayed on the touchscreen of the IRSCALE machine.
How does intelligent 1:1 circulation with sorting work?
The process has been designed to enforce compliance with EWC procedures and optimise the product lifecycle, while maintaining a single point of interaction for the employee.
- Step 1 (Withdrawal request): The employee logs into the IRSCALE machine screen and requests to withdraw a product (e.g. gloves) covered by the 1:1 exchange policy.
- Step 2 (Return message): The IRSYSTEM system, operating on the IRSCALE machine, displays a message informing the employee of the need to return the used item to the IRDEPO3 drop-off point to authorise the withdrawal.
- Step 3 (Intelligent return): The employee approaches the IRDEPO3 drop-off point and places the used product in the loading chamber. The IRDEPO3 automatically decides which of the three internal compartments (e.g. disposal, washing, regeneration) it should go to, ensuring source segregation.
- Step 4 (Withdrawal authorisation): After registering the return, the IRDEPO3 drop-off point sends a confirmation signal to the master system. On the IRSCALE machine screen, the employee receives a message confirming the successful return, and the IRSYSTEM automatically unlocks the option to withdraw a new product.
Key benefits of smart returns
The implementation of the 1:1 circulation is the most radical method for reducing the consumption of PPE. It provides complete control over the workflow of workwear, automating the process of directing it for laundry. At the same time, it simplifies the process of sorting waste and products for regeneration, reducing logistical costs. The solution based on automated, recorded returns ensures compliance with the internal 1:1 policy without the need for manual supervision.
Closed cost optimisation system
Połączenie automatów IRSCALE i IRDEPO3 tworzy system optymalizacji kosztów, który wspiera zasady gospodarki obiegu zamkniętego z uwzględnieniem EWC. Kontrola dotyczy nie tylko tego, co jest wydawane, ale także tego, co wraca do systemu, zapewniając realne oszczędności i porządek w gospodarce materiałowej zakładu.