The locker manufacturer IVM Micrologistics participated in Parcel+Post Expo for the first time this year, debuting the newest iterations of its SaveFlex and SaveReturn solutions.
At the show, IVM launched the SaveFlex vending machine with a slave unit. Originally designed as a place for call center employees to put their laptops every night, the SaveFlex now shares more in common with a parcel locker than a storage unit or a vending machine. With slave units, SaveFlex can provide one-off authorized access, making the product more flexible in its pricing and potential applications.
Mostly used to dispense PC peripherals, SaveFlex’s dispense and return feature enables employees to safely swap tools between them while social distancing or working remotely. This is because it encourages virtually touch-free access to items assigned to personal use at any time of the day. Once the item is placed into the chosen locker, a message is sent to the employee to collect the item. With a 230V power supply and a local area network (LAN) for synchronizing options, this product is capable of simple and complex dispensing functions.
IVM also demoed its sustainability solution, SaveReturn, which allows the return of used production material in parcel sorting centers. SaveReturn is designed to create a controlled and closed system for life/use cycle management by helping employees recycle production equipment as it is used. The product is also customizable as it can be divided into up to three separate parts with each accessed through a separate door or scaled up by adding subsequent units. As the size of the doors and the receiving bag or container sizes vary, there is little limitation to selective recollection. SaveReturn uses the same identification method as the other machines powered by SaveLog.
The company also indicated its intention to demo the product SaveTerminal at the Parcel+Post Expo 2022 in Frankfurt, Germany. SaveTerminal is an intelligent vending machine that runs on a special touch display and can control other linked units. This machine enables employees to request or preorder the tool they need to be delivered to their chosen location in the warehouse.