DEX: The Key to Intelligent Vending

The key development in the evolution of intelligent vending has been the Data Exchange, better known as DEX. This is a protocol for the transfer of information from a vending machine to a data collection device. The data is stored in the electronic circuit board. The electronic standard describes how information fields are transferred, such as price sales, currency and meter readings. It took many years for vending hardware and software engineers to develop a DEX standard that equipment manufacturers could agree on.

There are a number of operators who have encountered problems when installing the DEX systems in their machines. This however, is a problem that can be countered. As an Antares vending operator, you can have the system installed in your vending machines, so that you can look forward to higher sales.

DEX allows for customized machine planograms

Without technology in your Antares vending machines it is hard to know what the consumer wants. Without DEX data, you wouldn’t be able to make knowledge- based product decisions. This goes to show that DEX allows for customized machine planograms.

DEX handhelds will also give you data that you need daily. You will find that column-level sales data invaluable in developing profitable machine menus. Every machine has a number of facings and they will each get a different monthly planogram, which will be based on detailed sales reports.

DEX brings multiple benefits to vending

Vending operators of all sizes have found that once DEX works, because it provides tangible operating benefits. In addition to this, operators can expand into DEX slowly, one route at a time, and/or one set of benefits at a time.

Some Antares vending operators have been hesitant to expand into DEX thinking. They think that if they did, the technology would eventually become obsolete. There have been questions that have been raised on whether DEX handhelds would become obsolete once remote data reporting become a viable option. These systems would utilize the same DEX ports as handhelds. This is the reason why Antares vending operators are encouraged to invest in DEX. It is after all the key to intelligent vending.