Manufacturing services company Jabil Inc. has launched an IoT-based connected intelligent vending platform designed to simplify and expedite the process of adding advanced digital technologies to installed vending machines.
These smart upgrade solutions aim to integrate vending machine hardware, software, user interface, payment system, wireless communications and remote management into one comprehensive, connected platform.
With its fully integrated market-enablement solution, traditional vending machines can be turned into connected smart machines that utilize touchscreen controls, video, audio, scent, gesture-based interaction and cashless payment. Mobile and cashless payment, in particular, are gaining traction with solutions that leverage Near-Field Communications (NFC). Smartphone applications that take advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) also can improve customer experiences by providing real-time inventory updates to simplify purchasing.
Jabil has partnered Intel to supply Intel’s reference design for intelligent vending, which includes a processor-based design and Application Programming Interface (API) for accessing machine peripherals. Jabil’s end-to-end capabilities, global footprint and ecosystem of innovation partners streamline the installation of new intelligent vending machines while simplifying conventional-machine upgrades.
Jabil said the platform will also offer the ability to collect vast amounts of data via the installation of sensors that capture vending machine inventory, customer buying patterns and preferences, as well as key performance indicators regarding temperature and other major functionality.
Sending and receiving real-time notifications via the cloud also provides operators with visibility into inventory levels to automate restocking as well as expedite repairs while reducing maintenance costs.
“Making vending machines smarter requires cross-domain technology expertise, real-time data visibility and actionable insights into customers’ purchasing patterns,” said Frederic McCoy, senior vice president, Jabil Retail.
“Our smart upgrades create unprecedented value for vending machine owners and operators, as well as product distributors and property owners.”
First published in Retail Tech Innovation