MACHINE INNOVATION


Machines are becoming smarter M


achine innovation in vending and office coffee service (OCS) is rapidly transforming to align with consumer


demand and the growing preference for contactless and convenient experiences. These advancements encompass a range


of technological, operational, and design improvements, ultimately enhancing the overall vending and OCS experience. According to the recent AVA census, 65% of vending machines in the UK currently accept cashless payments, compared to 23% back in 2018. This shows how contactless technology is, and will continue, to grow in popularity, with more people choosing contactless or mobile payments due to their ease and security. Vending and Automated Retail Association chief executive David Llewellyn, said: “Operators of vending machines must continue to ensure their machines are prepared to handle these kinds of transactions and put in place reliable security measures to deter fraud and theft.


MOBILE PHONES VMC’s head of business development Laura Barwell believes the big cultural shift towards mobile phone payments is one of the most significant developments for machine innovation in for. Laura commented: “Consumers now rely


on their mobile devices more than anything else they carry with them on a daily basis. It enables them to shop, pay, collect rewards, check account balances and much more, which is reflected in the huge growth we’ve seen in mobile payments over the last few years. Making card payment contactless was the first major step towards a full digital payment revolution, and this is where the opportunities (and extra sales) lie for vending operators.


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Laura continues: “Operators need to consider how the increase in mobile phone payments can be leveraged to their advantage. Adding options like loyalty, rewards and promotions to your operation can help maximise sales and encourage repeat purchasing. Introducing an app that makes all these benefits easily accessible and makes buying simpler can also help to increase customer engagement.” “Our approach is always very much


about creating value over and above the transaction. Adding the power of VMC Flex technology behind contactless payment can add value in the form of advanced loyalty schemes, detailed customer data capture, bespoke promotions, and even green initiatives. Gaining insight on customers and their purchasing habits can also help operators to grow their sales in a more targeted and measurable way.”


DATA-DRIVEN David continued: “In general, machines are becoming ‘smarter’ through data- driven technologies. These systems utilise connective technologies to analyse consumer preferences and stock levels in real-time; in fact, over 60% of vending machines are now implemented with these connected technologies. “As a result, machines can be restocked


more efficiently, ensuring that popular items are always available. This data- driven approach also enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving user satisfaction. “As technology continues to advance,


we can expect even more developments in the vending and OCS industry, further enhancing the consumer experience.”


OCS innovation


EVOCA has announced two new additions. Firstly Magic, from Saeco is the machine you can pull out of the hat to provide great coffee in just about any working environment. It’s as effective in a humble B&B or a swish boutique hotel as it is in the office. And now Saeco, in response to customer feedback, has added the M2+ to its magical Magic range. This version can be plumbed in, making it suitable for higher throughput sites. In thirstier locations, having to keep topping up the water in the coffee machine can be a serious bug-bear. Meanwhile the latest addition to Necta’s established ‘K’ range of machines is Kometa, which stands out in its ability to deliver drinks with an authentic taste using granulated, rather than liquid milk. Users will enjoy an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen interface and thanks to its high level of customisation, you can offer a comprehensive menu designed to satisfy the preferences of any coffee lover.


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