Automatic Merchandiser

4 Steps to Integrating Vending Technology

Assembling both the people and hardware beforehand will save time and limit frustration when starting to install the systems. Selecting the right people from each department (route drivers, technicians, office staff, etc.) who will be spearheading the integration is critical for smooth integration. Let them know what success will look like and get their buy-in for completion.

Atlantic Coast Expo Attendance Up 10 Percent in 2012

Attendees were educated by Heidi Chico, president of the Wittern Group, about regulations affecting the vending industry, such as the side and forward reach heights required by the new American's with Disabilities Act. Those requirements are currently in effect for vending machines and micro market kiosks, according to Chico.

Broker of the Year: Greg White

We represent our manufacturers out in the field to execute with distributors and operators, but we also represent our distributors' and operators' needs to our manufacturers," said [Greg White]. He asks to be involved in manufacturers' decision making and product planning, so he, and the BBI team, can offer valuable industry insights and help ensure success.

Dedicated to Our Readers

Editor Barry Frankel, of the Family Vending Co. is a 30-year vending operator who still feels optimistic about the industry. Dave Hart started his coffee service business, Coffee To You, 12 years ago and finds personal satisfaction in giving back to the industry through associations. Greg White, Burdette Beckmann, Inc. believes in bringing manufacturers, operators and distributors together to make a better team. Jim Parsons of Vistar NorthWest strives to be an asset to the industry.

Distributor of the Year: Jim Parsons Sales Manager, Vistar Northwest

Once he became a manager, [Jim Parsons] saw the need for a change in the distributor strategy. "Previously it was more of a service role," said Parsons. "(A distributor) kept in touch with customers and kept them happy." Now Parsons and his team spend much of their time prospecting for new business and honing their business tools.

Manufacturer Rep of the Year: Shanme Dalton Territory Sales Manager, Mars Drinks North America

To help companies address these sustainability concerns," said [Dalton], "we (Mars Drinks) do so much on our end to make sure we offer a sustainable solution." Dalton cites Mars Drinks' energy efficient brewers, and a new Freshpack recycling program. "Now customers can send packs in, instead of them going into a landfill," explained Dalton. "The coffee is used as compost, and the laminate is repurposed and used by manufacturers to create new products . . . like sidewalk pavers...

Ocs Operator of the Year: Dave Hart Coffee to You, Llc, Santa Clara, Calif.

In 1977, Hart began working for his father-in-law at a full-line vending operation in California called De Paul Service Co. At that time, Hart's in-law had just launched his OCS business as well, Diversified Coffee. Hart found himself learning both sides of the businesses from the onset. "I was young and willing," said Hart. "I would be a route driver one day and the next restocking soda machines." It wasn't long before Hart was running the vending service department.

The Need to Diversify Isn't Just for Vending

Throughout the years, Automatic Merchandiser and VeridingMarketWatch.com have given you many articles regarding the importance of diversification in your business, the need for embracing new technologies and new ideas. The same goes for us in the publishing world. Not long ago, print was king and while print is still vital in business to business, the importance of the Internet has increased over the years. AMonline. com evolved to VendingMarket Watch.com along with the daily eNewsletter.

V-Engineering Part 3: How Technology Will Impact and Alter Consumer Purchasing in the Future

Geo-fencing is defined as a push technology that enables an entity (e.g. vending machine) to broadcast digital messages when a mobile device has been carried into an active signal area or a time-sensitive sales campaign has been invoked. Simply stated, geofencing creates a virtual area around a particular location or object. When a consumer's recognized mobile device enters this area, a pre-determined, proximity-based message can be "pushed" to the device.

Vending Operator of the Year: Barry Frankel Family Vending Co., Sunrise, Fla.

In 1982, a friend who worked as a coffee roaster gave [Barry Frankel] the idea of starting an office coffee service business. Frankel borrowed $500 and launched Electro Brewed Coffee Service. He sold coffee and allied products from a used van with a broken air conditioner and put all his money into equipment for new locations.