For most businesses, getting an office vending machine for supplies is not just a matter of ease and convenience. For most businesses it is a matter of cost management. Times are tight and regulating the flow of office supplies out of the office can save businesses hundreds, or in some extreme cases even thousands of dollars a month.
This is because when employees take it seriously when they are made aware of a specific overall budget, and their own personal monthly allowance, for office supplies. No more egregious use of paperclips or excessive printing for personal use. Instead, they are put in a position to take their supply usage seriously. It is not about tying their hands or denying them resources, it is about keeping everyone aware of the importance of overhead costs.
When you run a business each and every cent of capital matters. In order to maintain a consistent level of activity money must be managed in a way that is smart. Some businesses have done so by putting someone in charge of supply managing. The expectation is that they will remind employees of their overuse should it become an issue.
With a supply management vending machine loaded with office supplies no one has to be the bad guy. Everyone knows where they stand and why.