Wireless Transmission of Data

A well designed system will enable a merchandise manager to stock each Antares vending machine with those brands the location has demonstrated they want to buy. It will do so in real time, with the appropriate number of columns devoted to each brand (space to sales analysis); so that each brand can sell out evenly. Sales (and profits) are thus maximized in relation to route support costs. This will improve gross sales and reduce sold outs.

The system should track the level of unsold inventory in each machine, in real time. In this way the route person can be scheduled o service each Antares machine only when enough sales have been made so that it will be profitable.

The fact is that it costs almost the same amount to service a machine with $10 in the cash box as it does to service one with $200 in the cash box. This will reduce route support costs by 10 to 30 percent depending upon how efficiently your Antares vending company is managing these costs.

Machine function reports

Wireless systems can also tell us, in real time, when a machine door has been opened, and by whom. The systems can also provide information on how often the compressor cycles relative to the ambient temperature (this will let you know if the refrigeration unit needs to be vacuum cleaned), and how many dollars and coins have been deposited in the machine. In addition to this, it can also tell you if the coin mechanism refuses to accept quarters.

In other words, it will reduce downtime, vandalism and embezzlement for each Antares vending machine and at the same time provide input for an effective accountability system. In this way the vendor can respond to an emergency call before the location can get to know that the machine is out of order.

Wireless transmission of data can enable a machine to vend based upon a debit or credit card system

Two way communication

It is possible for each machine to become an interactive terminal because they will be able to send and receive data from each Antares vending machine. For example, it will be possible to provide point-of sale advertising, which will enable operators to charge suppliers for advertising. In short, the supplier will in effect subsidize the cost of the information system.