Vending Machines / Kiosk

Vending Machines / Kiosk

Published On: October 12th, 2023
vending machine

Business Challenge

In today’s era of IIoT/M2M, there is a growing need for connectivity to enhance people’s daily lives. A prime example is the increasing number of vending machines and kiosks in metro stations, airports, and railway stations. Companies operating vending machines, as well as third-party service providers, face the challenge of remotely monitoring the contents of these machines. This situation marks the dawn of a Vending Machine Revolution.

Technical Requirements

The project entails several key technical highlights:

  • The system must continuously update inventory levels within vending machines and trigger alerts for timely refills.
  • The technology should be capable of DI/DO actions based on the weights of items within the vending machines.
  • Remote access for configuration and advertisement updates is essential for maintaining vending machines’ functionality and appeal.
  • The system should support various payment methods, such as credit cards, WeChat, Apple Pay, and more, to enhance the customer experience.
  • Implementing QR code scanning for user convenience and efficient transactions.

Solution

To address these challenges, we have selected the Orxcel O10 solution, which offers a secure and reliable 3G HSPA+ cellular connection. This choice ensures trustable connectivity for the vending machines, enabling engineers to remotely access and manage them efficiently. Notably, its features such as Remote Configuration and Advertisement Updates enable engineers to remotely configure vending machines and upgrade video content and advertisements, ensuring they remain up-to-date and engaging.

In addition, Digital Inputs/Outputs (DI/DO) are connected to the vending machine controllers, sending alerts when it’s time to refill or reload items, thus preventing stockouts. This innovative solution brings vending machines into our daily lives, providing unparalleled convenience for purchasing goods and services, and ultimately transforming the way we interact with these automated retailers.