Vending machine stores up to 40 products like reagents and other consumables, which can be dispensed using smartcard technology to save the admin costs of conventional systems
Universities, research institutes and hospitals in the UK are taking advantage of a unique molecular biology reagent system that is said to make research more efficient, more convenient and more cost effective.
The Helena Smartstore has been developed by molecular biology supplier Helena Biosciences in partnership with G2 Integrated Solutions, an integrator of smartcard applications.
It combines a reagent freezer with smartcard technology and a wireless communications system to offer scientists, purchasers and stores people a reagent delivery solution that has a number of benefits over traditional systems.
The Smartstore has 40 products available, 24 hours a day seven days a week from leading brands Fermentas and Eppendorf.
Using G2's smartcard account system, the Smartstore helps scientists manage budgets, saves on dry ice delivery costs, admin time and purchasing costs by consolidating all orders into one monthly invoice.
David Snell, Helena's European innovations and product development manager, developed the idea of the Smartstore to enhance the service and convenience Helena customers can enjoy and approached G2 for its technical expertise.
The system incorporates a -20C vending machine accessed by value-loaded smartcards, allowing scientists to buy the reagents they need, any time, day or night.
The G2 card system means users can closely monitor their budgets or assign an individual card to a particular funding source.
In some cases groups of scientists are using a single card for all their purchases.
Using a wireless GPRS system the Smartstore is permanently online and connects with Helena Biosciences's UK offices in Sunderland, from where consolidated invoices are issued once a month and stock reordered.
The system could save research establishments thousands of pounds a year on purchasing costs and removes problems associated with stock control, says G2.
Currently, every time scientists need a reagent they have to raise a purchase order, place an order, complete the paperwork, and pay a premium price for dry ice delivery.
The Smartstore changes all this.
The Helena Smartstore, which only needs a mains socket to work, is already in operation at the Universities of Newcastle and Birmingham and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Helena Biosciences is in negotiations with several other research establishments, and could soon install the systems in hundreds of hospitals, institutes and universities around the UK.
It is also keen to apply the concept to other areas of its business.
Nigel Hope, G2's technical director, said: "We pride ourselves on developing tailored solutions that challenge traditional perceptions, and the idea of cashless vending for the molecular biology sector is completely revolutionary.
"This system is absolutely unique and there are several reasons why we are so excited about it.
"Most obviously, the product itself is so unusual but it is also the high value vending and the remote access site which make it special".
David Snell for Helena Biosciences said: "We're delivering scientists, stores and purchasers with a unique new system that really delivers its promises through a combination of design, effective technology and customer servicing.
"The first three machines have proved the concept and we're very excited about the future".
