Interval versus Cumulative DEX Data

In the DEX standard, just about every data element or reading is provided in two separate data fields. The first is referred to ‘interval’ or ‘reset-able’ data, while the second is referred to as ‘cumulative’ data. Interval fields are reset to zero after every DEX read, while cumulative fields keep on accumulating much like a car’s odometer or a cash meter in a vending machine.

While it might be easier to use interval readings in your Antares operation, it is preferable to only use the cumulative readings and let your software system do the work of computing the difference between the readings.

Two basic data collection methods

There two broad methods for collecting DEX data:

· Via a handheld computer carried by the route driver.

· Via a remote monitoring solution.

All remote systems share some common attributes:

· They can all poll the Antares vending machine DEX system at predefined intervals.

· For systems where there are communication costs, the data is pulled nightly.

If the communication costs are insignificant, the data can be collected more often. However, since collecting the DEX data typically takes the vending machine ‘off-line’ for 10 to 40 seconds, you would not want to do this during the busy periods of your Antares vending operation.

Remote monitoring works most of the time. However, when a problem occurs, a service visit to the machine may be required to correct the problem. Potential problems may include an antenna being displaced or vandalized, or the connection between your office and the machine being lost.

Handheld won’t become obsolete

At the end of the day, the best system may involve a combination of different methods. An early hope of the remote DEX collection systems was that driver handhelds would not be needed. Since most drivers use handhelds for other purposes like inventory control, product planograms changes, and collecting additional data (like refunds and test vends), most Antares operators would still choose to use handhelds even if most machines have remote connections. In some circumstances where a single product is vended out of a machine, the driver may be able to service the machine without a handheld.