Many companies strive for lean manufacturing, efficient bin inventory management, and just-in-time JIT production to strengthen profit margins. Yet few achieve that goal consistently. Fortunately, inventory management systems like FTS DigitalBins® help organizations oversee all moving parts, maintain visibility across inventory bins, optimize stocking levels, and streamline fulfillment processes.
With high-tech tools, distribution and supply chain management become flexible, transparent, and nearly error-free.
The Challenge: Stock Control and Bin Inventory Management
To excel in manufacturing, you need strong stock control—that means having the right materials in the right place at the right time.
It sounds simple, but it rarely is. Managing bin inventory can be complex. Too much stock ties up working capital and uses valuable space. Too little stock results in downtime, lost revenue, and poor service.
When a single fastener or precision-machined component is missing, production can halt entirely. That unplanned shortage forces operations to stop—risking delays, penalties, and dissatisfied customers.
Finding the ideal level of bin inventory requires balancing multiple data points. Forecasting, usage tracking, and physical cycle counts take time and effort. For most manufacturers, it’s not efficient.
That’s where FTS DigitalBins® changes the game.
The Solution: Fastener Tool & Supply (FTS) DigitalBins®
FTS DigitalBins® is a hardware and software solution that simplifies bin inventory management. It transforms ordinary component bins into real-time, proactive, piece-counting smart scales.
Each inventory bin features a six-color LED light cluster that automatically records changes and manages transactions. Within seconds, you can see inventory status from a glance—whether locally or on-screen. Traditional guesswork and auditing are eliminated.
Customizable Hardware Configurations
DigitalBins® technology adapts to any environment. Options include mobile carts, pallet scales, RFID cabinets, and multi-sided racking systems. Each configuration can be customized for bin size, weight sensitivity, and workflow.
Whether you manage a small stockroom or a 100,000-square-foot warehouse, DigitalBins® builds visibility into every level of your operation. It saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes manual counting.
A Guided Implementation Process
Fastener Tool & Supply® handles setup from consultation through go-live. The team manages configuration, cost-benefit analysis, and value engineering. Because each organization is unique, FTS looks closely at your process goals, usage data, and forecasts.
Our collaborative design approach ensures your bin inventory management aligns with both current operations and future growth. Once deployed, programs adjust dynamically to reflect shifts in demand and product mix. This approach keeps your system robust, relevant, and ready to scale.
FTS DigitalBins® can be used to automate and enhance several processes, including:
- Physical inventory management
- Consignment inventory management
- Just-in-time manufacturing
- Just-in-time distribution
- Proactive Replenishment
The Benefits: Inventory Management Flexibility
FTS DigitalBins® delivers measurable performance gains. Here’s what makes the system an essential step toward smarter factory operations:
Inventory Visibility
Real-time views of every bin improve accuracy. FTS integrates layered reorder points, ensuring refills before hitting critical stock levels. Unlike traditional restocking methods, our service team manages bin refills proactively—removing the guesswork of repeated reordering.
Proactive Automated Alerts
If stock levels dip below threshold, FTS DigitalBins® sends automated alerts through email, lights, and sound. Quick action prevents downtime and protects scheduling reliability.
Proactive Automated Replenishment
When reorder points trigger, our team receives a signal to replenish automatically. Materials arrive before your stockout risk begins.
Open Bin Access and FOD Detection
Open-bin access allows multiple users to pick inventory without long waits or scanning bottlenecks. Foreign Object Detection (FOD) alerts notify teams of mixed parts or incorrect materials in a bin, protecting quality and traceability.
FTS DigitalBins®: One Component of a Comprehensive VMI Process
DigitalBins® is a customizable inventory management technology that automates your distribution and supply chain management processes. With real-time monitoring, auto-replenishment, and error-proof picking, FTS DigitalBins® give you the tools you need to master your supply chain.
At Fastener Tool & Supply, our team will implement your turnkey FTS DigitalBins® solution as part of our comprehensive vendor management inventory (VMI) process. We combine this cutting edge, robust technology with our predictive forecast models, product experts, and quality components to provide your organization a hands-off, worry-free inventory solution. As a leading provider of aerospace, high-performance, and commercial value-add products and services, our team works tirelessly to optimize your procurement, assembly, and distribution processes to allow you to focus on your core competency.
If you’re ready to explore how DigitalBins® can modernize your operation, request a demo today and experience the precision of smart inventory technology.
