Vending Machine for Centralised Cupboard (CC) Medical Items and IT Accessories
9 October 2025
Project Categories
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
Platform
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
Cluster
National Healthcare Group
The aim of the project was to improve the efficiency and reliability of access to essential medical supplies and IT. The implementation of customised vending machines marked a transformative shift in supply management, creating a more responsive and.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 09 October 2025
Tags: Automation, Robotics, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Quality Improvement, Operational Management, Inventory Management, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Robotics/Autonomous Systems
About this Content
Aims
The aim of the project was to improve the efficiency and reliability of access to essential medical supplies and IT accessories, particularly those critical for patient safety and the NGEMR system.
Background
The project was conducted within the nursing department at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to address inefficiencies in managing medical supplies and IT accessories. The decentralised system led to time-consuming retrieval processes and inconsistent inventory levels.
Methods
The project involved implementing customised vending machines for centralised access, streamlining inventory management, reducing retrieval times, and empowering staff to troubleshoot common issues. It included deploying vending machines for 24/7 access, installing user-friendly interfaces, integrating a cloud-based management system, and developing training programmes.
Results
The new system eliminated time-consuming tasks, resulting in a combined time saving of 282 hours per year and a cost saving of $2,880 annually. It significantly reduced retrieval processes, improved inventory consistency, and decreased equipment replacement delays, enhancing patient care and staff efficiency.
Conclusion
The implementation of customised vending machines marked a transformative shift in supply management, creating a more responsive and patient-centred healthcare environment.
Lessons Learnt
Early stakeholder engagement and comprehensive training were crucial for enhancing the solution's relevance and effectiveness. Regular feedback mechanisms allowed for continuous system improvement. More extensive testing with the vendor before full-scale implementation could have smoothed the transition.
Keywords
Vending Machine, Medical Consumables, IT Accessories, Inventory Management
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Institute of Mental Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Yang Baolei |
Project Member(s) | Yuan Peng |
Connect with this contributor!
Mr. Yang Baolei - Baolei_yang@imh.com.sg