At a foundry, all MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) items were stored in the central storeroom, requiring employees to leave their workstations to retrieve supplies. This led to wasted time and reduced productivity as workers had to make multiple trips to the crib for necessary items.

Martin collaborated closely with the customer to address the issue. Together, they implemented Point of Use (POU) cabinets strategically placed near the work areas. The process involved determining the optimal product mix, setting Min/Max inventory levels, and establishing a regular refill schedule. To further improve efficiency, Martin provided a golf cart to speed up the restocking process, ensuring the cabinets were replenished quickly and regularly.

With the POU cabinets in place, department supervisors were able to keep employees in their work areas, minimizing downtime. The reduction in foot traffic to the storeroom meant that additional staffing was no longer needed. The customer reported a cost avoidance of $7,630 thanks to the improved system.

Increased Productivity and Reduced Downtime: By placing Point of Use cabinets near work areas, Martin minimized trips to the storeroom, allowing employees to stay at their workstations and reducing downtime.

Efficient Inventory Management: The strategic Min/Max levels and regular refills streamlined inventory access, avoiding unnecessary storeroom visits and keeping supplies readily available.

Cost Avoidance: The new system saved the customer $7,630 by reducing the need for additional staffing, highlighting the value of optimized supply placement in enhancing operational efficiency.