A recent project from vending solutions company Acure involved connecting a network of vending machines to the cloud, so that the convenience that they offer could be enhanced with smartphones.
Now, with the Acure Pass app, those in Japan have the chance to use the application to pre-order drinks remotely for pickup, collect points that can be put towards free drinks in the future and even order in bulk. Another neat feature of the app is that users may also opt to send a drink to a friend.
This 'Innovation Vending Machines' project is out to make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the ease of getting beverages from vending machines across Japan—a place that is home to millions of vending machines.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Cloud-connected Vending Machines
- The trend of connecting vending machines to the cloud opens up opportunities for enhanced convenience and innovative functionalities.
- Pre-ordering From Smartphones
- The trend of pre-ordering beverages from smartphones allows for remote purchasing and pickup, streamlining the vending machine experience.
- Social Sharing in Vending Machines
- The trend of allowing users to send drinks to friends through vending machine apps introduces a new social aspect to the vending machine experience.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Vending Solutions
- The vending solutions industry can leverage cloud connectivity and smartphone apps to revolutionize the vending machine experience.
- Mobile Ordering
- The mobile ordering industry can explore opportunities to expand beyond traditional food and beverage establishments by incorporating vending machine pre-ordering capabilities.
- Social Sharing Apps
- The social sharing app industry can partner with vending machine companies to create innovative features that facilitate the sending of drinks to friends.
