Servicing a Vending Machine

Many operators make a mistake of servicing a snack or soda machine when it is only 30 % depleted, and even when it has just sold out one or more products. This should not be the case. You should only service a vending machine when it is necessary. Below is a strategy that will help you service a Planet Antares vending machine only when it is necessary while still providing good service.

• Double up on the best selling two or three products that are selling out. On a “space to sales” soda machine, reallocate the space to the best seller (s) to accomplish this.
• Monitor the sell outs for the next few services – they should be eliminated.
• Work to reschedule the Planet Antares vending machine aiming for a 40 to 50 percent depletion level. Typically, this will involve scheduling it for service at a 30 to 60 percent longer interval.

If collecting these metrics is difficult, or if a manual system is being used, then you can decide to collect the data and note down the information. There are also some questions that you would need to ask yourself, such as:

• How many products have sold out?
• Approximately how empty is the Planet Antares vending machine?
• Which are the products that are selling well and how many columns of each have they been allocated?
These questions will help you keep track of how well the products are selling. The products that don’t sell well can be switched.
The latest software and technology solutions can automate much of the manual route scheduling process, using the following systems:
• Dynamic scheduling – this automates the delivery schedule each day based on user defined parameters, such as the number of sell outs, percent depletion, or the number of days since the last service. If a Planet Antares vending machine doesn’t require servicing, there is no need to waste gas and the time on a trip. Dynamic scheduling works with non DEX as well as DEX able machines.
• Remote monitoring – this requires DEX, as well as a wireless or hard-wired network to remotely enable the machines. This technology allows the operation to optimize scheduling and merchandising by providing real time sales data. It is most suitable for distant locations that are costly to service.
By using these techniques you can not only have reduced visits, but you can also cut entire routes in your Planet Antares vending business. This means that you can add customers without adding staff, or you can also choose to the reduce staff. This would of course increase your vending profits.