SMART & CONNECTED MACHINES The power of connected vending
Putting connected machines to work
more information to make that call, helping them adjust the range and replenishment for each account. Recent smart store developments bring together product
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recognition, payment and remote management. In 365 Retail Markets’ Vision range, including the newly launched CV Vantage, cameras and computer vision identify the products shoppers take. Cantaloupe’s Smart Stores use weighted shelves and cameras to
track item removal. Both approaches support a shopping experience in which customers access a cabinet, select their products and have their purchase charged automatically. For operators, the value continues after the transaction. Sales and inventory reporting can help them understand demand at each location and make more informed decisions about what to stock. They can review which lines earn their shelf space, identify gaps in the range and use that information when planning the next replenishment. Controlled cabinet access is another important part of the
offer. Requiring payment authorisation before a door opens gives operators an additional safeguard when considering locations where an open micro market may be unsuitable. The choice of format can therefore be based on the account’s space, customer demand and security needs. Embracing this technology starts with choosing a location the business can serve well. Operators should assess footfall, likely purchasing habits, connectivity and the practicalities of replenishment. An existing account can be a useful starting point because the operator already understands the customer and the route. A pilot then provides an opportunity to learn. Track sales, basket
size, product availability, waste and the time spent servicing the unit. Use those findings to adjust the product mix and service schedule. Clear instructions at the cabinet also help customers feel comfortable with an unfamiliar way to shop, particularly around payment authorisation and receipts. The wider choice of smart store formats across 365 Retail Markets
and Cantaloupe gives operators options as they develop that approach. A compact cooler may suit one account, while another needs several cabinets or a mix of chilled and ambient products. With a consistent pilot in place, operators can use what they have learned to identify similar opportunities nearby.
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hen one location sells through its sandwiches before lunch and another is left with unsold stock, each needs a different response. Connected machines give operators
Connected vending technology is no longer simply a desirable addition to a machine. It is becoming an essential part of how modern vending businesses operate, providing the information and control needed to deliver a more efficient and reliable service. Refreshment Systems Ltd (RSL),has taken this a step further by developing its own intelligent vending management platform, VendSmart Connect. Built in-house, the platform brings together machine telemetry, sales information, stock monitoring, payment data, reporting and remote management, allowing us to manage our connected vending estate through one central system. Refreshment Systems says one of the biggest advantages is visibility. Traditionally, operators have relied on scheduled visits, manual stock checks and customer reports to understand how their machines are performing. “With this solution, we can access live information about machine status, stock levels and sales activity, helping our teams make faster and more informed decisions. For example, if a popular product is selling more quickly than anticipated, replenishment can be prioritised before it becomes unavailable. Similarly, if a machine develops a fault, our teams can identify the issue remotely and determine whether it can be resolved without an engineer attending the site.” This proactive approach is said to help reduce downtime,
improve efficiency and minimise unnecessary journeys. Another important feature is the ability to manage digital content
remotely. The VendSmart touchscreen machines can display promotional messages, advertising and product information, with content managed centrally across multiple locations. This opens up opportunities for vending operators to generate additional revenue through advertising, promote specific products and create more engaging experiences for consumers. However, Refreshment Systems believes the real value
of smart vending lies in how operators use the information available to them. “Collecting large amounts of data is relatively straightforward; turning that information into better decisions and an improved customer experience is what makes the difference. “For operators considering connected technology, our
advice would be to focus on practical benefits. Improved stock availability, fewer unnecessary visits, faster fault resolution and more effective product management can all make a measurable difference to daily operations. “Ultimately, smart vending should make life easier for everyone involved, from the operator managing hundreds of machines to the customer purchasing their morning coffee or lunchtime snack.
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