Centralised MRO management: The IRPOINT system as a virtual warehouse
The IRPOINT system operates as a virtual store, automating orders and material records. See how to integrate MRO and PPE dispensing with the central warehouse.
Managing MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) materials, PPE, and tools in a manufacturing facility involves thousands of different items. Some of these, with high turnover, are effectively distributed through industrial vending machines. However, a significant number of items – including large, specialised, or low-consumption products – remain stored in a central warehouse. This leads to fragmented records and complicates the standardisation of internal logistics processes.
Distributed record-keeping and lack of control over withdrawals
The main challenge is the lack of a coherent system for recording withdrawals of items not covered by automation. Processes relying on manual records are prone to errors, and data entered into the ERP system is often subject to delays. The absence of a central access point to a complete material database hinders the implementation of a uniform policy for dispensing and cost control across the entire range of MRO and PPE.
IRPOINT as an integrated management centre
The IRPOINT system serves as an access terminal (info kiosk) to the entire product database of the facility. Through the "virtual warehouse" function, the device integrates stock data from both IRMATIC industrial vending machines and the central warehouse. Employees can access information about all available products, their locations, and the retrieval procedure in one place.
Practical application scenarios
Scenario 1: Registration of withdrawal from the central warehouse
An employee approaching the IRPOINT terminal logs in and selects the required bulky item, such as a specialist grinding disc or a chemical suit, which is located in the main warehouse. The IRSystem verifies their credentials and then indicates the precise location of the product (e.g. shelf 12, shelf 3). At the same time, the system automatically registers the withdrawal on the employee’s account and updates stock levels in the integrated ERP system. The process is fully self-service and does not require assistance from a warehouse worker.
Scenario 2: Generating an order
In a situation where an employee identifies a lack of necessary material (both in the machines and in the warehouse), they can report the requirement via the IRPOINT terminal. Depending on the configuration, the system automatically generates an alert for the purchasing department or sends the order to the supplier, streamlining the procurement processes.
Key benefits of integration
The implementation of the IRPOINT system as a virtual warehouse provides 100% control over material records, including large-sized items. Key benefits include the standardisation and automation of warehouse processes, reduction of errors resulting from manual data entry, and provision of real-time consumption tracking for technical and management departments.
One system for managing all in-house micrologistics
IRPOINT centralises management by eliminating the division between "automated" and "non-automated" materials. It becomes a Single Point of Truth for the entire MRO and PPE economy, integrating the self-service dispensing system with the logistics of the central warehouse.