Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. What is “telemetry”?
- Wikipedia defines telemetry as “wireless communications (i.e. using a radio system to implement the data link), but the term can also refer to data transferred over other media, such as a telephone or computer network or via an optical link.” In the vending industry, operators use telemetry to more effectively manage their operations by being able to access real-time information from their vending machines. This can be information about sales revenue, transaction data (product sales or column sales), and machine health (certain alarms).
- 2. Is telemetry a new technology for the vending industry?
- No, the technology has been used in various forms for the past 15 years.
- 3. Does telemetry really work?
- Yes, telemetry works. Machine location, placement within the location, machine type, type of wireless network (LAN/WAN), and wireless carrier (WAN) all play a role in how well the technology works. You should also consider you staffing resources in deciding if telemetry is right for you.
- 4. How is telemetry used in the vending industry?
- Vending operators generally use telemetry technology for the following reasons: (1) so their machines can communicate stocking and maintenance needs to drivers on arrival at a building, (2) so machines can accept credit card transactions, and (3) so machines can communicate stocking and maintenance needs with the headquarters.
- 5. How much does it cost to deploy telemetry technology?
- There are up-front charges and ongoing charges. The upfront charges depend on your existing installed base –what type of machines you have and how many. Although all machines can be retrofitted with a telemeter, it costs more to update older machines because they require more hardware. DEX-compatible machines require only the telemeter itself, which costs under $400. DEX-ready and non-DEX ready machines require additional hardware. Click HERE to run a cost calculator for detailed cost information..
- 6. Is software needed for telemetry?
- Yes. The telemeter itself is hardware, but the data has to be deciphered by software so it can be meaningfully displayed. Back-end software, such as MEI’s Easitrax, offers multiple reporting levels so the data can be used to improve an operator’s business. There is no need for new or revised software in the vending machine (unless it needs to become DEX capable)
- 7. Are telemeters compatible with specific brands of vending-management software?
- Sometimes. For example, an MEI telemeter requires MEI Easitrax software for curbside polling. However, some telemeters can interface with a broad range of wireless services or vending management software packages to provide remote monitoring.
- 8. Is telemetry only possible for new vending machines?
- See answer to question #5. The short answer is no, but each machine model and vintage may have a different set of needs to become DEX capable.
- 9. Are all telemetry devices scalable?
- No, not all, but MEI devices are. MEI offers scalable technology designed to enable cashless, curbside polling (LAN wireless), dynamic scheduling/remote monitoring (WAN wireless). Other models available in the market may have only subsets of these capabilities.
- 10. What are the advantages of using a telemeter that is scalable?
- The operator is able to leverage their investment. Creating a greater level of data accuracy and wider range of transaction capabilities allows the investment to have a shorter ROI.
- 11. How quickly can I show a ROI on telemetry technology?
- It is certainly possible to do it in 12 months or less, but it depends on the operator’s dedication to implementation and refinement of data accuracy.
- 12. Does curbside polling require a monthly wireless service?
- Not with MEI technology, which is a LAN application that requires no network service. Other companies’ models require cellular connections on each machine to access the data required for curbside polling.
- 13. What do I need to use telemetry?
- All you really need is a DEX-capable machine and a telemeter. If your machines are not DEX capable, they can be retrofit.
- 14. What if I move a telemetry-enabled machine?
- When telemeters are first deployed, they are configured for a specific location/environment. When they move, they have to be re-configured using a similar process.