FAST Solutions® Bin Stock

Our bin stock solutions range from basic pigeonhole bins to complex production-line systems, but all are backed by the same-day inventory and hands-on service of our local stores. Choose who monitors the inventory, generates orders, and puts the product away. We will tailor a solution that keeps the right amount of product flowing, when and where you need it.

Each of our 30,000-plus customer bin stock programs is unique, but all share a common foundation. That includes a labeled location for each part, a targeted min/max inventory range for each location, and a nearby Fastenal branch to stock the product and keep it flowing. Our local presence enables us to tailor a solution that meets your needs for delivery, service, and control.

Stock — Assign unique location and bin position to part numbers
Consume — Create new orders by scanning FMI labels
Analyze — Increase or reduce min/max parts, as well as add or remove parts and stocking locations
Adjust — Optimize inventory to reflect usage at your facility or at your local Fastenal branch




Your local Fastenal branch representative monitors your bin stock inventory. You review and approve the orders via your Fastenal.ca account. Your Fastenal representative will then deliver and put the parts away. New storage equipment, professional labels, and custom signage can be provided free of charge as part of the local service agreement.

Why FMI?

  • Local Fastenal branch service:
    • Ability to visit as often as necessary to meet your inventory reduction goals
    • Emergency inventory that can be typically delivered within an hour
  • Less inventory buildup and fewer touches with point-of-use delivery
  • Barcoded inventory with accurate item tracking by location/GL code
  • Reduced paperwork via a touchless reordering process (blanket POs, P-Cards, etc.)
  • Vendor consolidation through our full-time OEM and MRO offering
  • More than 125 dedicated Lean Six Sigma implementation specialists to oversee larger, more complex installations

Solutions

  • Process mapping
  • Workstation design
  • Just-in-time (JIT) systems
  • Kanban
  • Point-of-use delivery stations
  • Kitting analysis/custom packaging

If you would prefer to monitor and generate orders using your own employee labor, Fastenal will organize and label your part locations and provide you with an iPod-based scanning solution. Once the system is in place, we can either ship orders to your dock or put them away at the point of use, depending on your needs.

Step 1: Implementation
Fastenal creates labels, puts labels on bins, and loads parts to Fastenal.ca.

Step 2: Scan Items That Need Replenishment
Use your iPod device to scan preset amounts for single-scan use, or adjust amounts as you scan.

Step 3: Review and Place Order
Use the device to review and submit orders via an active internet connection to Fastenal.ca.

Step 4: Continuous Improvement
Fastenal provides usage reporting by location and reccomends opportunities to optimize min/max levels, standardize parts, and make other improvements to the program.


In short: WE implement the system, YOU do the scanning and ordering, and WE provide local inventory and service to keep the product flowing. This is a great fit for union environments, high-security facilities, and any business that prefers a customer-managed, Fastenal-supported inventory solution.


This innovative bin solution utilizes weight sensor technology to provide a real-time view of your inventory levels across multiple locations. This is ideal for critical and high-value products that require enhanced visibility and service. Reorders are automatically submitted to your servicing Fastenal branch(es) based on the min/max levels that you have set. Simply log in to your Fastenal.ca account to view your current inventory levels and adjust your reorder triggers based on changes in your production needs.

View Current Inventory Levels Online

The FAST Scale solution monitors your inventory levels and syncs the data to Fastenal.ca. This enables you and your servicing Fastenal branch to view real-time inventory levels anytime, anywhere. Color-coded icons make it easy to check each product's inventory “health” at a glance.

Analyze, Adjust, and Improve

Detailed reporting allows optimization of inventory levels and reorder points. You can adjust your min/max reorder triggers anytime at Fastenal.ca based on usage patterns and upcoming production needs.

Let Fastenal Handle the Rest

Backup inventory is stocked at your local Fastenal branch. When inventory dips below your current target minimum level, an alert is automatically sent to the branch, prompting your representative to visit and refill the bins. This is a completely hands-free, paper-free replenishment process.

Key Benefits

  • Stock-outs of mission-critical items eliminated
  • Visibility into high-cost items improved, illuminating opportunities to reduce inventory
  • Number of POs and size of administrative costs reduced
  • Labor previously used to monitor and manage bins made available for other needs