ig data is proof that you
must indeed be careful what
you wish for. With technol-
ogy integration comes an
onslaught of confusing information.
On one hand, vending operators uti-
lizing most of what today's industry
technology has to offer can see every
aspect of their business. A vending
machine becomes a dynamic auto-
matic retailer that via MDB, DEX and
telemetry offers data about equipment
status, payment acceptor jams, item
level product sales, cash in, sellouts
and service.
On the other hand, big data doesn't
stop there. Micro markets provide
invaluable data of their own. Suppliers
have specifc systems that report on
products sales, customer preferences,
loyalty programs and more. Coffee ser-
vice data contributes either as part
of the vending management system
(VMS) or sometimes on its own.
B
What is
Big Data?
By Emily Refermat, Editor
Today's technology gives operators an unobscured view of their
operation. Data gathered from technology can be used to increase
proftability, sales and customer service, but it can also be overwhelming.
Learn what other operators do with their facts and fgures.
22 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com March 2015
T E C H N O L O G Y