SMART VENDING


No part of vending untouched by technology


to focus more on growth and less on time- consuming manual processes. The AVA contends that moving forward, the adoption of IoT technology and data- driven insights will remain critical for those looking to stay competitive in the evolving landscape of vending.


WHY GUESS IF YOU CAN KNOW This is a key question that Dan Varney, chief operating officer EMEA at SB Software (SBS) asks to drive home his fundamental point about the key benefits that data and technology bring to the sector throughout. Before joining SBS, Dan started his working life with the regional operator Revive where he was actively using Vendmanager, SBS Vending Management System and this is where he believes he realised both the real-world challenges that operators face today across vending, OCS and micro markets, and how best to tackle them using telemetry, connectivity, peripherals and software.


The integration of smart processes and IoT connectivity is


revolutionising the vending industry, reshaping how operators manage and optimise their machines. This is an trend that has been noted by the Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) as well as other key players in the sector.


W


ith 85% of all vending machines now equipped with cashless payment options, there has been


a significant rise in mobile and contactless card payments. This shift towards cashless transactions has prompted many operators to invest further in cashless readers and pay-by-app solutions, aiming to boost both consumption and transaction values. The expansion of open-site cashless payment systems has gone hand in hand with the adoption of telemetry technology, allowing operators to remotely track and monitor machine activity. Telemetry enables


real-time data collection, offering insights into sales performance, stock levels, and maintenance needs without the need for physical checks. As a result, operators can react quickly to issues such as low stock or maintenance needs, reducing downtime and ensuring a better customer experience. According to the AVA, by 2023,


approximately 70% of vending machines were equipped for remote data collection, up from 60% the previous year. This increase underscores the growing reliance on IoT-enabled devices to streamline operations. Some operators utilise telemetry for seamless remote downloads, while others still leverage handheld devices for in-situ data collection. This capability not only enhances operational efficiency but also helps identify patterns in consumer behaviour, enabling more strategic product offerings and pricing adjustments. As smart processes continue to develop,


operators benefit from reduced labour costs and increased machine efficiency, ultimately driving higher profitability. The ability to manage and optimise machine performance remotely has become a game changer in the industry, allowing operators


THE POTENTIAL IS MASSIVE Software engineer and managing director of SBS, Simon Black has seen the scope, functionality and effectiveness of SBS solutions continue to accelerate right across the British Isles ever since the company was founded in 2008. “Today there is no aspect of vending that is untouched by technology solutions.” Some of SBS’ most recent innovations include: - Maximising efficiency collecting cash bags (by up to 50%)


- Automated Fleet Routing - the best routing anywhere, (dynamically) spanning your whole estate


- Ever more integrations, dramatically increasing flexibility of working practices.” Simon says: “These come on top of the fundamental revolutions where we have are able to transform how operators work across the board, such as: - App-based warehouse picking - Pre-packing - Single walk - Visit on demand - Intelligence-led merchandising and range reviews.”


CONCLUSION Technology is clearly making vending smarter, enabling improved customer experience, increased sales, reduced operational costs and more streamlined and efficient way of working for operators. It’s good for vending and likely to continue going forwards.


vendinginternational-online.com | 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28