Inventory management specialist Tooling Intelligence demonstrated four control solutions at the Southern Manufacturing 2026 exhibition last week. The company’s stand featured live demonstrations of technologies designed to eliminate inventory waste, reduce downtime and deliver measurable cost savings for manufacturers.
With manufacturers facing mounting pressure to improve operational efficiency while controlling costs, Tooling Intelligence’s offering addresses the growing challenge of inventory control. The company’s comprehensive range of solutions – from weight-based vending to electronic access control – provides manufacturers with real-time visibility, automated replenishment and detailed usage tracking that transforms inventory from a cost centre into a competitive advantage.
Visitors to the stand could see the SmartBin weight-based inventory management solution in action. The system delivers absolute control over fasteners, cutting tools, spare parts and critical components through precision weight-sensing technology. Available in four fixed configurations accommodating between 30 and 64 distinct SKUs, SmartBin eliminates manual counting while providing real-time visibility of stock levels.
The system’s rapid transaction speeds and secure RFID badge access ensure authorised users can quickly access what they need, while automated order generation prevents stock-outs and reduces emergency purchasing. For manufacturers struggling with inventory shrinkage or inaccurate stock records, SmartBin’s continuous monitoring delivers immediate accountability and cost reductions.
Alongside the SmartBin was the SmartDrawer vending solution, which offers high-capacity storage from a compact footprint. SmartDrawer provides an entirely custom configuration of drawers and several locations to meet exact requirements. It dispenses everything from cutting tools and abrasives to calibrated instruments and PPE with individual item control. LED-guided product location and touchscreen operation deliver rapid transactions, while the system’s modular design allows manufacturers to scale capacity as requirements grow. The rapid refill feature enables fast restocking without repackaging, reducing administrative burden and maximising machine uptime.
More information www.toolingintelligence.co.uk
