Vending machines are rarely thought of as cutting-edge, connected devices.
But USA Technologies is working with Verizon to move vending machines and other self-service, unattended retail terminals, into the digital age. Intelligent machines – which are connected to an enterprise’s back-end systems – are creating new business opportunities and consumer experiences.
For example, instead of rustling around in your pocket or searching your wallet for the correct change, intelligent machines can interact directly with your smart phone digital wallet to pay for your favorite beverage.
At the International CES 2013 show in Las Vegas, USAT featured a Susie’s Lemonade Vending Machine to highlight the technology in the Verizon booth based on well-loved commercials like this one:
USA Technologies’ turn-key ePort Connect service employs the Verizon Wireless network to catapult vending machines and other self-service terminals like kiosks, arcade games and electric car charging stations into the digital age and respond more effectively to customer demand.
The Susie machine at CES also showcased the ISIS payment system, which enables cashless vending using your smart phone as a digital wallet. Susie’s Lemonade machine also demonstrates how M2M connections enable a retailer or distributor to know when supplies are running low, and which are the biggest sellers to keep in stock for quick replacement.
USA Technologies' turn-key machine-to-machine (M2M) service delivers credit, debit and NFC mobile payments capability, moving machine and sales data for greater operational efficiencies while building customer relationships through consumer engagement services that, jointly with Verizon, include couponing, gifting, and loyalty programs and interactive media services.
The company continues to advance new, cutting-edge technology designed to make it easy for owners and operators of unattended terminals like vending machines to connect to their machines and provide their customers with cashless payment options and incentives.
Check out more from Verizon at CES.
