Telecoms.com

Everything Everywhere (EE) has partnered with Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) on an international M2M project they claim will offer vending machine owners an opportunity to increase revenue and reduce costs through remote stock monitoring, increased customer interaction and multiple payment methods.

Under the scheme, vending machines will be linked to NSN’s VendMe application and installed with EE SIM cards, connecting the machines to the operator’s networks in the UK, France and Germany.

The VendMe application allows vending machine owners to monitor their stock levels remotely and plan efficient replenishing of machines without the need to make site visits, NSN said.

Vending machine operators will also be able to engage potential customers, through sending targeted messages to people in the vicinity of a smart vending machine, and they will also be able to interact with customers and their contacts through social networks.

Consumers will not need cash to make a purchase from the NSN enabled machines instead using NFC technology, through Orange Quick Tap  or NFC-enabled cards. Contactless payments are also possible through Reverse SMS and Chip & PIN.

“There is great potential for M2M technologies to provide companies operating internationally in all sectors with instant access to data, making businesses run better and improving the customer experience,” said Marc Overton, vice president wholesale and M2M at Everything Everywhere.

The partnership means that customers benefit from a reduced time to market of up to 60 per cent, according to the firms.