New Model of MISUMI floow Vending Machine, Drawer Type Now Available

MISUMI Group Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President: Shin Shimizu), which provides the indirect material total cost reduction service "MISUMI floow," is launching a new drawer-type model for factory-installed vending machines. This model is suitable for managing indirect materials such as small parts and tools, including cutting tools. "MISUMI floow" is a total cost reduction service for indirect materials that reduces the burden of ordering and inventory management by providing products through optimal channels based on customer demand data. Frequently used items can be managed via factory-installed vending machines, medium-frequency items via regular delivery, and low-frequency items can be ordered when needed through the EC site or a dedicated contact. Japanese manufacturing industries, in fields such as automotive, electrical/electronic, machine tools, precision equipment, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, possess globally high processing technology and quality. In environments where multi-variety, high-precision parts processing is carried out daily, a wide array of small parts and tools are used in large quantities and at high frequency. These are crucial indirect materials; stockouts can lead to delays in production plans. Until now, MISUMI floow has focused on supporting the procurement and inventory management of safety equipment such as gloves and masks, which are used frequently, in response to the social issue of labor shortages. However, in recent years, the burden of procurement and inventory management has become a prominent on-site challenge in areas closer to the production process, such as cutting and maintenance. Against this backdrop, the newly offered drawer-type model for vending machines meets the need for efficient management of small indirect materials in limited spaces, achieving a 75% space reduction compared to previous models. It can accommodate up to 70 compartments and is suitable for managing small, high-variety parts such as cutting chips, end mills, and maintenance components. It automatically tracks the quantity dispensed using a weight sensor, visualizes inventory status, automates ordering at the necessary timing, and streamlines on-site inventory management. Moving forward, Misumi will continue to respond to the challenges of mass operations through service improvements, delivering time value globally, and contributing to the elimination of inefficiencies and improvement of productivity on-site. ■ Product Overview

Name	MISUMI floow Drawer Type
Dimensions	Height 1100mm / Width 680mm / Depth 500mm
Compartment Size	10-compartment pattern: 140mm (H) x 95mm (W) x 70mm (D) 5-compartment pattern: 280mm (H) x 95mm (W) x 70mm (D)

Product page: https://jp.misumi-ec.com/service/floow/detail/ Introductory video: [YouTube video link] ■ "MISUMI floow" Indirect Material Total Cost Reduction Service

"MISUMI floow" is a total cost reduction service that streamlines indirect material procurement in factories by enabling product provision through optimal channels based on customer demand data, driven by digital innovation. By saving procurement staff ordering effort and visualizing inventory levels, it achieves a 70% reduction in procurement time and appropriate inventory management. Misumi delivers frequently used consumables to factory-installed vending machines, serving as a "Toyama's medicine cabinet" for manufacturing sites. The inventory within the vending machines is Misumi's asset, so customers do not bear excess inventory. Furthermore, since face authentication or ID pass is required when dispensing items from the vending machines, it prevents overuse and promotes a reform in employee cost awareness. This service's initiatives have been recognized with the Good Design Award, the IT Grand Prize (Customer Value & Service Innovation Division) at the IT Award, and the Encouragement Award (SX Division) at the Japan DX Grand Prize in fiscal year 2025.

▶ Four "Less" Achieved by MISUMI floow

　Inventory-free: Unused items within the vending machines are Misumi's assets, realizing zero inventory for customers.
　Order-free: Reduces indirect tasks from quotation to ordering and payment.
　Management-free: Visualizing inventory data eliminates the need for physical inventory checks and in-house inventory management.
　Fraud-free: Visualizes who used what, when, through data, contributing to management transparency.

MISUMI floow service site Information: https://jp.misumi-ec.com/service/floow/

Customer Voices: https://jp.misumi-ec.com/service/floow/#anc_case

■ Misumi's "Digital Model Shift" Opens Up the Future of Manufacturing

The Misumi Group has transformed the very nature of manufacturing processes through the power of digital technology.

In 2000, we pioneered the internet ordering service, establishing a system to complete everything from parts selection to ordering via the web. Subsequently, we have launched numerous innovative services, including "meviy," which uses AI for automatic quoting solely from 3D data, bringing about significant transformations in industrial productivity.

The Misumi Group has made "Digital Model Shift" the core of its growth strategy, and is now proposing "Tokusumi / Rokusumi" (Value Misumi / Easy Misumi) as a new value proposition to our customers. Through the DX (Digital Transformation) of design and procurement processes, productivity in design and production sites will dramatically improve, while cost reduction will be simultaneously achieved through optimal procurement services.

Enabling customers to be freed from daily complex tasks and to engage in more creative work.

Misumi will continue to transform each individual's "time" into something valuable, creating sustainable growth together.

■ What is Misumi?

We sell machine parts, tools, consumables, and other items needed in manufacturing sites to 323,000 companies globally (as of March 2025). With a unique business model that combines the roles of a manufacturer with production capabilities and a trading company selling other brands' products, supported by a robust business foundation, we achieve "Global Certain Short Lead Times" and contribute to improving customer convenience.