Recent changes in vending, such as adding contactless payment, are already contributing to more sustainable operations by reducing machine visits and removing the manual tasks associated with cash collection.
Machine monitoring and data collection can also be done remotely thanks to telemetry software integrations such as the one VMC has with SB Software.
Laura Barwell, VMC’s director of business development commented: “When thinking about sustainability from the customers’ point of view, it’s important for operators to stay focused on what will benefit the customer and to look for solutions that add real value to the transaction as well as ticking the sustainability box.”
“We think that replacing single use cups with reusable ones is one of the most significant changes that can be made, but it needs to be simple for the operator to manage and for the customer to use.”
Laura continues: “We’ve recently adapted our existing Flex payment software to create a bespoke vending solution for Waitrose that not only facilitated their daily free hot drink vend for members, but also supported their switch from single use cups to customers bringing in their own. Installation of the VMC system enabled this established part of their loyalty reward scheme to finally become fully self-service, removing the need for any staff involvement.
This is not only saving the supermarket significant cost but also reducing waste and improving their eco-credentials and is a great example of how our in-house development team are able to respond to the need for completely bespoke solutions. With the cup levy also coming soon in the UK, we believe innovative solutions like this are likely to be of interest to others who will need to think about how to manage their own internal free drink schemes.”
