Leisure vending The soluTions


With vending machines left unused during the lockdown, Laura Barwell, business development manager at VMC advises that it is crucial to consider how these machines will operate better as we emerge from the crisis. “Having to re-open with new rules and restrictions in place, has forced


these sectors to think of new ways to provide their services in a clean and hygienic way for their customers. “With contactless being the preferred way to pay during the pandemic, it


has now also become the normal expectation wherever we go. As a result, we have seen an increase in demand for our contactless vending readers, as they are quick to install and enable venues with closed or reduced catering operations to continue providing food and drinks.” “We can see how hospitality clients in environments such as higher


education will need to increase their reliance on food and non-food vending, adding contactless readers to their machines in order to support their reduced catering operations and supply in-demand items to students who may be locked down on campus. “In holiday parks the addition of contactless readers to on-site leisure


activities can make it possible to maintain their regular facilities without the need for staffing or cash handling.” Similarly, Zerica believes innovative solutions have to be found, and fast,


to overcome obvious worries that vending machines could become virus transmission points. Zerica raises a number of solutions that may be entertained from


embedding information on security or identity cards as part of a ‘wallet’ element, or a mobile app where users can access vending machines by an app on their phone. However, the company warns that problems with retrofitting, and the lack


of universal standards may be issues which need to be overcome. Zerica has risen to the challenge by going the whole way in redesigning,


V


adapting and upgrading its entire portfolio of juice machines and water dispensers. The company has developed a mobile app compatible with all of the company’s touchscreen models which can also be used with NFC tags (keyrings, cards, or embedded in bottle tops) for ultra-hygienic touch- free dispensing for all tastes.


in conclusion


The COVID-19 impact on the leisure industry has been devastating, but there has been some forward thinking about what’s to come. Vending solutions, particularly those that help leisure operate in a most


hygienic way, could be the key to helping the sector to get back on its feet and provide the framework for how it will operate well into the future.


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