There is no magic bullet when it comes to managing inventories.  Storage solutions (bins, cabinets, drawers, vending machines, carousel systems) are just tools to help manage inventories.  Each system (open access, semi controlled, controlled) has its own list of advantages and disadvantages.  It’s not the cabinet or machine that reduces costs, it’s the expertise and commitment to optimizing the acquisition process that reduces total costs.

Advantages

Most Affordable
Fastest Retrieval Time – Reduces Labor (Up to 10 times faster than P.O.U. vending machines)
Usually no contracted vendor commitment

Disadvantages

Less Control of Consumption

Advantages

Excellent Use of Space
Modular
Flexible
Increased Control of Consumption (Locked Drawers)
Rugged

Disadvantages

Less Affordable
Slower Retrieval Time (Locked Drawers)

Advantages

Could Reduce Consumption by 20%
Can limit access and track usage by employee, department, department budget, shift, etc.

Disadvantages

Expensive
Much Slower Retrieval Times – Increases Labor (Up to 10 times slower than open access systems)
Usually Involves Long-term Contracted Vendor Commitment