Deutsche Telekom's M2M solutions increase efficiency

"We offer vending machine manufacturers and operators future-proof solutions based on M2M. With these solutions, they can monitor their equipment, increase their productivity and increase sales. Also cashless payments at the vending machines with an NFC-enabled cell phone will be possible in the future,” comments Jürgen Hase, Vice President, M2M Competence Center, Deutsche Telekom.

Deutsche Telekom’s innovative M2M solutions simplify not only the processes, but also have a direct impact on sales and profits. For example, vending machines can automatically reorder when low filling levels are reached, thus enabling the vending machine operator to optimize the refilling process. The solutions package also monitors the current cash inventory and raises alarm if there are any burglary attempts. This results in a considerable reduction in downtime due to faulty machines or empty product shafts.

All existing machines can be upgraded quickly and easily with a corresponding module. The module transfers the collected vending machine data to a Vendon server via a mobile communications connection in Deutsche Telekom’s high-availability network. Vendon is a Deutsche Telekom solutions partner. The data is processed and can then be displayed on the vending machine operator’s PC via web browser or it can be processed further by using corresponding enterprise resource planning systems.

Vending machine operators can also compare the data collected to draw further conclusions in order to optimize locations for example. Measures to promote sales such as price adjustments can be carried out remotely and their impact can be recorded online.

Deutsche Telekom will also demonstrate a further step into the future of mobile payment: Existing vending machines can be upgraded to enable cashless payment using an NFC-capable cell phone. This means that it will always be possible to buy softdrinks even if you are out of cash, with bonus programs and even social vending (campaigns via social networks such as Facebook or Twitter) being possible in the future as well.

Today, Deutsche Telekom is one of the leading international providers of M2M services as a result of its long-term experience and it sees machine-to-machine technology as a central growth area. For this reason, the company has relied from the outset on an international partner program, which today counts more than 600 companies from 56 countries. Together with partners in lending and banking, Deutsche Telekom is developing solutions in the area of payment for simple and secure payment by cell phone using NFC technology.