Evolving customer expectations and rapid advancements in technology have transformed the retail industry landscape over the past few years. One of the biggest proponents behind this change is the popularity of retail automation solutions like smart vending machines.
Understanding the power of smart vending machines is essential for D2C brands if they wish to compete in today’s rapidly changing retail landscape. These intelligent machines represent everything that the modern consumer desires from their shopping experience.
In this blog, we will explore the uniqueness of smart vending machines, the technologies that are behind them, and delve into their pros and cons.
But first, let’s begin with understanding what these machines really are.
A Closer Look At Smart Vending Machines
One prominent example of how retail automation solutions have enhanced consumer experiences is through the rise of Smart Vending Machines. Regular vending machines have been around for a number of years now, providing customers with quick access to food and drinks. However, these vending machines have undergone a remarkable transformation in the last couple of years.
By incorporating technological advancements like Data Analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), these basic product dispensers have been transformed into intelligent machines capable of catering to a user’s every desire.
While traditional vending machines are simple, these intelligent machines implement the best that modern technology has to offer. These smart vending machines consist of 24/7 internet access, different multipurpose sensors, and a sophisticated operating system. This allows smart vending machines to offer users with a more engaging retail experience.
What Makes Smart Vending Machines So Special?
Smart vending machines have changed the way customers shop. They offer users a variety of different items such as packaged foods, latest cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and lots more.
Additionally, these specialised machines offer 24/7 accessibility for the on-the-go customer as well. These devices are unmanned and can be found in all the common public hotspots, such as shopping malls, movie theatres, transportation hubs, workplaces, schools, factories, etc. This makes these machines a key cog in the modern shopping experience.
Smart vending machines are engineered to be more than just item dispensers. Their sophisticated software allows them to collect and analyze consumer trends, helping them make tailored recommendations to customers. Moreover, their advanced technology means that they support multiple forms of cashless payments, can send inventory data, boast round-the-clock accessibility, and allow greater personalization for brands to better serve their customers.
Cost of Smart Vending Machines
Smart vending machines are sophisticated devices capable of carrying out many different complex tasks. They allow D2C brands to give customers a better shopping experience, which will help boost revenue. The average price range of smart vending machines is between 1 and 1.5 lakhs. However, the price of these machines can significantly vary depending on a number of factors.
The key factors that influence the price of smart vending machines are:
- Machine type and build model
- Size and capacity
- Technology features such as IoT, AI, data analysis
- Customization according to individual brand needs
- Location and installation
Moreover, costs vary between different types of smart vending machines. Smart vending machines that cater to beverages like tea and coffee are typically cheaper, whereas machines capable of dispensing items such as electronics, groceries, or cosmetics tend to cost more because of their unique storing and dispensing needs.
Additionally, it is also prudent to remember that on top of the cost of buying these machines, there is an extra cost to account for maintenance and tech support. Smart vending machines are sturdy and robust but do require periodic checkups and maintenance to ensure their longevity.
All things considered, however, smart vending machines can be economically fruitful to brands while minimizing operational costs. Their potential for return on investment (ROI) is distinctly higher than the expensive one-time fee it takes to install. Some determinants which can influence the ROI of these smart machines are:
- Item being dispensed
- Product pricing
- Location and footfall
- Marketing and brand recognition
Technologies That Power Smart Vending Machines
Let’s explore the technologies that bring smart vending machines to life. These are responsible for its ‘intelligent’ moniker and help differentiate them from regular vending machines. These technologies elevate their functionality and provide customers with an enriched shopping experience.
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
Incorporating technologies such as the Internet of Things plays a fundamental role in converting vending machines to “smart”. IoT allows internet connectivity and facilitates communication between the vending machine and other devices.
To implement IoT successfully, the smart vending machine is equipped with different sensors. These sensors then monitor the condition and functioning of the machine, allowing it to spot any problems that may arise like temperature fluctuations, malfunctioning systems, or broken down components. This data is then fed back to the brand, allowing them to schedule maintenance and repairs. An example of IoT at work is the smart machine automatically raising its internal cooling to compensate for a hot day, ensuring the food products don’t get spoiled.
2. Payment Systems and Cashless Transactions
Smart vending machines present multiple payment options such as cashless transactions as well as mobile wallets. This enhances convenience and efficiency for the customer, while maintaining privacy and security.
Some of the different ways customers can pay for a purchase are:
- Mobile payments using UPI or other bank apps
- Digital wallet apps such as Google Pay, Apple Wallet etc.
- Swipe Credit or Debit Cards
- QR codes
3. Data Analytics and Inventory Management
Smart vending machines are able to gather and process large amounts of customer data. This can be very beneficial for the brand as this information can then be leveraged to find patterns and trends to model consumer behaviour.
For example, a brand can offer individualised experiences tailored to each consumer through data-driven insights such as customer purchase history, product preferences, and targeted recommendations.
The benefits of this are mutual. The consumer can discover new products that might interest them while the brand increases its sales. Moreover, this also enhances customer satisfaction because the recommendations align with the customer’s interests, making them more likely to be excited about the products.
Furthermore, smart vending machines can also use consumer data to stay on top of inventory and optimise stock levels based on trends. This limits money wasted on products not regularly purchased while ensuring best-selling items are always available.
4. Remote Monitoring and Maintenance
Lastly, smart vending machines are capable of wireless monitoring. These are fundamental in making sure that the machines are functioning and running fine. Some advantages of this facility are:
- Ability to carry out remote diagnostic
- Can schedule firmware updates remotely
- The machine is capable of remotely sending alerts to the tech support team
- Reduced downtime for servicing
Pros of Smart Vending Machines
Smart vending machines offer consumers and D2C brands a host of invaluable benefits. Let’s examine some pros of installing these innovative machines.
1. Enhanced User Experience
The greatest pro of investing in smart vending machines is that it offers customers a more engaging retail experience. As mentioned previously, smart vending machines leverage their data analytics capabilities to be able to predict and model consumer behaviour. But there’s more. These advanced machines provide users with a whole host of benefits. Some examples include:
- Convenience in shopping
- Contactless and cashless transaction capabilities
- Unique and personalised recommendations based on each user
- Interactive and engaging interface
- 24/7 availability
- Accessible in all the favourite public hotspots
- Always stocked with best-selling products
2. Increased Sales and Revenue
One of the benefits of having data-driven insights on your smart vending machine is knowing what items are popular among what demographic. These details are pivotal as they help companies personalize their product offerings as well as optimise their item pricing.
Dynamic pricing strategies are helpful in this case. Brands can adjust the prices based on aspects like consumer demand, the time of day, and scarcity in inventory. All of these help enhance revenue and maximise profits. Moreover, smart vending machines can also help boost sales by upselling and cross-selling other complementary products, thus encouraging users to make additional purchases.
3. Improved Inventory Management
Another massive pro of investing in smart vending machines is efficient inventory management. Inventory is quite capital intensive, and hence optimising inventory can be fundamental in increasing a company’s profit margins.
One way in which smart vending machines help brands is by ensuring no money gets wasted on excess stock. These machines have the ability to monitor inventory levels in real-time, which prevents overstocking as well as maximising the best-selling items.
Additionally, smart vending machines can also efficiently track product expiration dates and suitably reorder items without manual intervention. Automatically placing orders ensures a continuous supply of products so that no customer leaves frustrated.
4. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Lastly, smart vending machines are also highly sustainable and beneficial to the environment. They are a greener solution than brick-and-mortar stores. These innovative devices typically boast energy-efficient features like LED lighting and regulated cooling systems. These features help mitigate operating costs by intelligently reducing energy consumption.
Some ways in which smart vending machines are helping the environment are:
- Smart energy conservation through standby modes
- Energy-efficient components like lighting and processors
- Reduced delivery trips due to efficient inventory monitoring
- Minimal packaging is required for items due to virtual labels and information
- Less waste product left over
- Less paper wastage through paper receipts
Cons of Smart Vending Machines
Smart vending machines boast a multitude of amazing advantages. However, it’s important to also look at some of the limitations too. This gives companies a deeper insight into the drawbacks of these devices and lets them understand the potential challenges that they are likely to face.
Let’s briefly look at the cons of smart vending machines.
- High installation cost, although it is a one-time fee
- Technical staff need to be hired or trained
- Like all electronics, these machines are also prone to occasional glitches or system malfunctions
- Smart vending machines need continuous connectivity to the internet to function
- Since smart vending machines collect user data, privacy-related issues could pose a concern
- Smart vending machines are unmanned, hence vulnerable to physical damage and vandalism
Apart from these challenges, there is one more drawback to smart vending machines, and this is consumer preference for traditional stores. While most customers love the convenience and efficiency of smart vending machines, there may be some who prefer the conventional retail experiences of a brick-and-mortar store. Replacing human interaction is one such concern.
Real-Life Examples of Brands Using Smart Vending Machines
While the adoption of smart vending machines isn’t as prevalent yet, there are some pioneers who were quick to realise the power of this technology. Several international companies have successfully incorporated smart vending machines in their sales strategy to boost their operations and enhance customer experiences.
Adidas is one of the famous brands that adopted and implemented smart vending machines to promote their latest Splash Pack line of products. Capitalising on the Baseball World Series, they installed these smart machines in sports bars across LA and Boston in America. Customers and bar patrons could buy limited edition baseball merchandise from these devices, such as autographed products, studs, and other baseball gear.
Another iconic brand that harnessed the power of smart vending machines is the legendary fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent. They invested in a smart vending machine called “Lipstick Engraving ATM 2.0”. This allowed customers to purchase lipsticks and have their names engraved on them in real-time.
Concluding the Benefits: Smart Vending Machines Unveiled
Smart vending machines have revolutionised how companies do business and created a new and exciting era in consumer experiences. It allows brands to streamline operations, tailor more personalised recommendations, reduce human error and increase efficiency.
One example of a brand that offers some of the best smart machines is OgmentO. OgmentO’s smart vending machines are the new talk of the town. These state-of-the-art vending machines can provide for every single one of your consumers’ product desires.
Whether it’s electronics, cosmetics, or personal care items, OgmentO’s smart vending machines offer D2C brands an expansive collection of opportunities to satisfy their end-consumers. They are open 24/7, offer seamless transaction capabilities, personalise the experience for recurring customers and even provide real-time monitoring.
Businesses can leverage this incredible innovation to enhance their customer’s experience multifold. Add these intelligent machines to your company’s arsenal and help expand their reach. With these machines, your customers can get their favourite branded products at their most convenient locations, accessible 24/7 to them.
If you’re looking to leverage the latest technology and harness the power of retail automation solutions, OgmentO’s smart vending machines are the answer for you. Their unique and innovative smart vending machines provide a win-win scenario for both your D2C brand and your loyal customers. Give your customers the best retail automation has to offer with OgmentO.
Also read: How to Turn “Floating” Customers Into Loyal Ones?