SELF-SERVICE TECHNOLOGY “The potential for self-service is


already huge and still growing. Effective deployment of technology and data will set the winners apart from the rest of the field.” Laura Barwell, director of business development at VMC agrees that the needs of foodservice in the workplace are changing ever since the Covid lockdowns. Changes are in response not only hybrid working becoming the norm but also to the ever-increasing costs involved in stock management and running the operation. Office environments in particular are having


Self-service takes off in the workplace


There’s never been a better time - with greater opportunities - for self-service or “unattended retail”. And now suppliers to the vending market are offering new products to make self-service technology work smoothly in the workplace


And across retail, SB Software has been involved in successful self-service solutions from leisure centres to farm shops because they are viewed as being valuable, efficient and profitable. Head of operations, Dan Varney, said:


Tony Greensill, sales manager at Vendaid says “We want the best of all worlds, for our micro market clients as well as ourselves.


C


ommercial requirements in the market today are aligned with a consumer base who appreciate the convenience


of readily available products, and who already come “pre-trained” in how to use self-service from their everyday experience at the self- checkouts in supermarkets. In many work environments, the return


after the Covid lockdowns provided the ideal context for site owners to transition from staffed to self-service facilities. In other locations, where there were


previously no refreshments on site, micro markets are being installed as a new staff perk, especially relevant with the increase in flexible work hours/days in offices.


22 | vendinginternational-online.com


“The technology providers for the British Isles have risen to the challenge so far, with more still to come. We have long kept a watching brief on what is happening elsewhere by attending events such as NAMA, Venditalia, and EuVend. And as a country, we are no longer lagging behind the solutions available elsewhere. “Take a prime example from our client


Vendaid. In a remote industrial environment they have installed a fabulous self-service facility, maximising performance and efficiency, and increasing loyalty with their consumers through prepaid cards and the Monyx app. “They are setting new standards with the Nova micro market kiosk and Vendmanager integration, while delivering premium customer service. And the data available on tap underpins merchandising, stock replenishment, promotions and regular performance reviews with the site owner.


to reassess the ongoing viability of their traditional catering service in light of staff not being in five days per week anymore, and vending and automated self-service retail solutions bridge this gap really effectively. Laura explains: “We’re seeing real growth in the demand for automated self-service style retail solutions, and as a direct result we’ve developed a new touchscreen kiosk solution that works well as a stand-alone ordering and payment point, or as a bolt-on to enable the addition of cooked food items in a micro-market setting.” Laura continues: “The VMC kiosk provides


a freestanding ordering and payment service point like those seen in fast food restaurant chains, but with added features that we think make it even more versatile. Self-scan and payment is super quick and easy for the customer speeding up the flow of traffic at busy service times and the software can be configured to communicate additional key info like allergens and nutritional details at the point of sale. The unit itself is also fully customisable by the client, everything from screen size and how its mounted, to the many different payment options that can be fitted. As ever, our supporting Flex software and mobile app give further added value in the form of loyalty, meal deals and promotions and the ability to track and report in detail on transactions. “If you’re looking to grow your vending


operation or integrate it with your catering function to better manage the varying customer numbers each day, then our self-service technology could help you to achieve this.”


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