News Technological


advances in vending Gillian White, interim CEO, Automatic Vending Association


It is undeniable the lengths vending has come in recent years thanks to innovations in product offering, payment method and design. Perhaps one of the biggest advancements is the availability and use of enhanced technologies that are completely changing the landscape of the industry. Vending’s move to the digital age has seen a raft of new


technologies introduced to its repertoire including touchscreen, telemetry, bluetooth, handheld readers and facial recognition, illustrating the impact of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IOT) on revenue streams and business models. Towards the end of last year, the world’s first full


production vending machine enabled for facial recognition was launched in the UK by Smart Vend Solutions, facilitating tailor-made options based on previous purchases. The pioneering equipment also accounts for users’ individual dietary requirements, refusing to serve potentially dangerous food items to those with allergies, for example, and instead, offering a suitable alternative. When combined with a back-end telemetry system, which


records all sales to provide invaluable purchasing trends, it is clear just how far vending has come since its inception 2000 years ago. Likewise, Broderick’s is capitalising on the cashless


payment options and touchscreen technology now available, which is allowing the firm to play product videos as well as provide additional product information such as ingredients, calorie and allergen information. Thanks to the enhanced information this touchscreen


technology affords consumers, and the resulting customer data, brands are seeing a rise in sales as they can use detailed buying preferences and habits to inform sales and marketing strategies. Some of the leading technology giants have also


recognised the potential in vending, and are well underway with developing a range of platforms and solutions for wired and wireless machines, enabling vendors to engage with customers through access to real-time management dashboards and visualisation tools. Clearly the impact of technology on the vending industry is


significant. Advances in the way we access and disseminate information, as well as how we sell products and consume the relating trend data, are all combining to create an unparalleled sales opportunity. Visit AVEX 2015 this year to see, touch and feel the latest


technological advances in vending, and ask the experts the value they could bring to your business or establishment.


The UK’s largest bi-annual vending conference, AVEX 2015 will attract over 3,000 delegates from across the vending, water and HORECA sectors


Returning to Manchester Central on 30 June – 1 July 2015, the industry’s most anticipated event will also celebrate 2000 years of vending. Indulging in a spot of nostalgia, AVEX 2015 will look back over the past 2000 years, and ahead to what the industry can expect for the next two millennia, including the rise of cashless payment systems and the Button Barista movement that is taking on the might of the high street. Promising to deliver an enthusiastic and lively speech for delegates, one of the sporting world’s most well-loved characters, Kriss Akabusi, will share the secrets of his success and reveal how he has kept himself motivated, driven and enthusiastic throughout his career. 2015 sees the launch of a pioneering health and wellbeing


zone aimed at promoting the healthier options available in vending. For the first time in the event’s history, visitors to AVEX 2015 will have access to a multitude of businesses that have developed innovative, healthy solutions that meet the needs of an evolving consumer marketplace. Barista Street is another brand new zone at AVEX 2015


which will show off the industry’s latest, most innovative Bean to Cup machines that are bringing coffee shop excellence to vending. 2015 will see the


third year of the The Vendies, formerly the Vending Industry Awards. Taking place at the Hilton


Manchester Deansgate on the 1 July 2015, after the last day of AVEX 2015, The Vendies celebrates outstanding products and people in the vending industry. The party will begin with a champagne reception for all attendees and a three-course gourmet dinner will follow, with entertainment provided throughout the night.


www.avexshow.co.uk www.thevendies.co.uk 10 Celebrating 2000 years of Vending!


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