December 15th, 2020 Vending Technology News
By Jeff Adair, Editor

Technology has revolutionized the way we do business, and vending is no different. Retail Automated Concepts (RAC) uses technology to build machines to provide a comprehensive solution for selling items that require regulatory compliance, including hemp and CBD products.

Most vending machines are only designed to dispense unregulated product. Machines from RAC allow vending operators to dispense product requiring age verification and other local, state or federal compliance in an unattended retail environment. Those steps are accomplished through cameras on the machine which compare a consumer’s photo ID to the image of the person at the machine.

Technology also allows for a cashless transaction which allows the consumer to purchase with a card, phone, watch or other device without worrying about carrying cash. The enhanced consumer experience can include rewards programs and discount codes. For business the machine offers a safer way to receive payment with lower risk of fraud.

Since every box dispensed from an RAC machine has an RFID tag that is directly tied to inventory, shrinkage is reduced. Theft reduction also brings peace of mind to vending operators who know the high risk of selling high priced products.
In this day and age, vending, micro market, and most businesses around the world have their devices connected to a mobile network.

OptConnect, which develops wireless solutions for vending operators and others, has identified that routers, which are required for connectivity, are becoming outdated which the company says causes systems to fail. To address the situation, the company has created Neo2, an ultra-compact LTE Category 4 cellular router with multi-carrier capability.  

According to OptConnect, the compact size of the Neo2 router is ideal for vending, micro markets, kiosks, digital signage, and any type of device that may need high–speed connectivity. 
While technology is becoming the norm in vending, many operators still maintain machines which don’t have modern options such as contactless technology and video.  The question many operators are asking is if their older machines are generating less revenue than updated units.

By specializing in modern technology, Automated Vendtech is a company which addresses those operator concerns which will help operators retain customers rather than sending them to another location where they may find machines with newer technology. Automated Vendtech specializes in offering a vending platform that includes a touchscreen interface, multiple payment options and remote management system that enables vending operators to manage machines from anywhere they can obtain an internet connection. Automated Vendtech has over 30 years of experience in engineering and designing new vending machines. 

As part of the company’s green initiative, Crane Payment Innovations (CPI) is relaunching its reengineered BevMax Classic and MEDIA2 machines, which comply with changing energy guidelines and new NAMA safety standards.  The updated product portfolio allows operators to resume the purchase and deployment of new machines in California.

Chuck Reed, vp of vending at CPI ad a NAMA board member, said the company is committed to the longevity of the vending industry and is working hard to meet its goal of delivering operators with a competitive advantage that will impact future generations. 

Energy Efficient Refrigerant And Compliant With New Standards 

On December 28th, 2018, the vending industry changed when the California Air Resources Board banned the sale of vending machines in California that use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which at the time were in use in every vending machine around the world. 

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