Telemetry System Becomes Eyes and Ears of a Unique Candyfloss Vending Machine

Managing vending machines across the country can be a time consuming and expensive business. Ensuring that they are turned on, constantly stocked and working correctly often means that operators are travelling up and down the country, sometimes unnecessarily. This wastes both time and money and ultimately affects the profit.

One forward thinking company, Intermatic Manufacturing has not only developed a unique candyfloss vending machine, but has incorporated a telemetry system that becomes the eyes and ears of the machine. By integrating the Telemodem 2 Mobile industrial modem from Jekyll into the Candyfloss vending machine, operators are notified immediately via SMS text if there are any problems or stock needs replenishing. Alternatively, the operators can connect to the modem through their mobile phone and interrogate the data. They are then instantly able to check that the machine is on and working fault-free.

“The Telemodem2 was ideal for our needs.” explains David Hawthorne from Intermatic. “We have over 100 Candyfloss machines installed throughout the UK and Ireland and some operators cover a wide area. The use of the Jekyll telemetry system means that they can manage their time and prioritise their daily tasks, as they know the exact status of all their machines.”

The Telemodem2 Mobile is one in a range of industrial modems from Jekyll that offers versatility and flexibility for companies wanting to incorporate a fit and forget wireless data collection solution. Enabling communication over the GSM/GPRS network, the modem is easy to install and its lower operating power means it can be used in situations where previously remote data acquisition has not been possible. Vending is the perfect example.

For Intermatic and its operators, this telemetry solution is now a vital management tool. The remote diagnostic feature allows them to check on their machines as often as they want and through this feature they can check that the machines haven’t been accidentally switched off, so losing them valuable revenue. A quick call to the site manager means that the machine can be turned on, so pleasing customers and avoiding an unnecessary journey to flick a switch.