VendTech FM - Exploring the fascinating world of coffee and vending

Throughout the whole of 2020 there was a lot of uncertainty. Businesses had to shut down during a largely unexpected lockdown period. Most public spaces were closed off and everyone had to stay at home. The few exceptions were hospitals, fire departments, government buildings and other public institutions and shops. Interestingly, I worked for a company that supplied coffee and vending machines, not just to the public sector, but to the provate sector as well.

We were fortunate enough to keep going through the pandemic, filling machines in hospitals and providing food and drink at the most critical times when you couldn't even get a coffee after a visit to the hospital.

We observed eating and snacking habits changing, and our customers wanted other types of products. During this period, most companies were forced to lay low, but we decided it was time to upgrade our technology capabilites. After deep thought, the upper team decided to upgrade all the telemetry modules on our entire machine estate, giving us more visibility into machine usage, product choice, errors and other ancillary location data.

What this led to was a 30% increase in efficiency and a massive reduction is emmissions. Because we were able to predict demand, our route scheduling operation was more streamlined, our accounting team was able to order more accurately, resulting in less wastage and our sales increased becasue we were able to offer more in-demand producs.

After the events of the last 18 months, we decided it would be interesting to create a podcast that chronicled our journey and looked into the future. Our commercial director aptly named it: VendTech FM

It is hosted by Jamie Cochrane and every two weeks, we bring you information from the world of coffee, facilities, vending and snacks.

Who knew vending machines were so interesting? The world of vending is surprisingly competitive, interesting and ever-changing. So much so that we decided to create an entire podcast about it.

In this series of podcasts we discuss how the drinks industry, changes in coffee taste preferences and healthy snacks have impacted the vending machine and caused it to evolve over time to offer better service, wider range and quick delivery.

Episode 1

In episode one of VendTech FM, host and writer Jamie Cochrane sits down with Steve May, Commercial Director at Refreshment Systems Limited, who coincidentally named the podcast VendTech FM. In this episode, Steve talks extensively about passion, niches and pledges, why he joined RSL and what the future holds.

Episode 2

The second episode was all about telemetry. Jamie, Carl Tate and Jack Turver explain how to improve the efficiency of vending routes, product selection and fault reporting. Telemetry is used everywhere, from Formula 1 to hospitals, and it is proving extremely important in vending.

Episode 3

Episode three is all about selling. Joined by the brilliant Chris Murray and the business development managers from Refreshment Systems. Even though during the recording process we tried to keep it light and friendly, a lot of content was left on the editing room floor. Maybe in the future, you will get to hear what everyone's favourite dessert is. What's your guess? custard?

Episode 4

What is the most effective way of reducing your carbon footprint as a company that relies heavily on vans travelling long distances to service and fill coffee and vending machines? A carbon offsetting program. This episode details how Head of Engineering Steve Wright travelled to Kenya on a mission to help the inhabitants of the rural areas reduce their reliance on wood. The project was a resounding success and even helped the locals set up local businesses to earn more for their families.

Episode 5

In the latest episode of Vendtech FM, Jamie sits down with ifm managing director, David Emanuel to discuss the future of facilities management. Watch above and let us know if you agree with his points.

We hope you enjoy the series.