A Different Way to Reduce Costs

摘要

About a year and a half ago, David Greenlee, CEM, fleet manager for Alyeska Pipeline Services, commissioned a consultant to review his parts operation. He told Greenlee, among other things, to obtain a vending machine - not for snacks and sandwiches-but for parts, mostly consumables such as batteries. "Vending machines have been around a long time," Greenlee says, "but this one goes beyond the typical dispenser, although it works on the same principle." Greenlee placed the machine, called Autocrib, in the middle of the shop floor for easy access by technicians. When a tech needs a part, he goes to the machine, uses an identification badge, makes a selection, and takes the part out. This saves time by eliminating trips to the parts department. Also, if a mechanic is working overtime and the parts department is closed, he still has access to parts.