Vending Machines Blog

PPE Vending Machines

Check out the latest addition to our website – PPE vending machines.

PPE or Personal Protective Equipment is something many companies deal with on a daily basis. It is essential equipment for many to help ensure the health and safety of employees.

There are a number of regulations governing PPE access and availability within companies, so it is an area which cannot be overlooked.

Monitoring and tracking stock of equipment can be a nightmare for the employer. This is often due to poorly managed processes taking up valuable time and resources, which can also lead to loss of equipment. Inevitably this leads to new stock purchase and higher outgoings.

We at Intelligent Vending Ltd have been providing PPE vending machines and engineering component vending machines to the industry for some time; however we have now added this new page to our website to showcase our services.

Our PPE vending machines are extremely comprehensive in their feature set. They can be integrated with almost any existing card system, offer full telemetry and audit systems, and are even compatible with contactless biometric systems.

PPE vending is a fantastic solution to the problem of mismanaged equipment as it requires minimal staff input and provides a solid system for PPE control. Also, providing such easy access to personal protective equipment to staff is a great way to demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations.

To read more about our PPE vending machines, please visit the following link:

PPE Vending Machines – Intelligent Vending Ltd

Posted in: Customised Vending, Intelligent Vending Ltd, Product News, Vending Service
Tags: ppe, ppe vending, vending machines

New Look Flavia Creation 400

As of the 20^th September 2010, the Flavia Creation 400 hot drinks machine will sport a fresh new titanium look.

Replacing the old cream finish, the new titanium fascia provides a sleek premium feel, and is intended to better integrate with workplace environments. The previously white lights have now been changed for lights which emit a cool blue glow, further enhancing visual appeal and complimenting the style of many existing electrical products around the office.

In an attempt to boost the intuitive use and user experience of the Flavia coffee machine, the rounded selection buttons have also been replaced with concave versions, to show their purpose more effectively.

There have also been few a slight modifications to the software of the Flavia C400 to make it more simple and easy to use.

The screen saver has been removed, and potentially unfamiliar or unnecessary terms and options have been stripped from the on-screen menu to try and lower the learning curve and reduce the risk of brewing errors. Icons have also been added to some menu items to help users better identify the options they require, and speed up the navigation process.

Finally, a ‘Cappuccino / Espresso’ option has been added to the main menu to reduce confusion and highlight the frothy cappuccino and the improved espresso with smooth crema.

For more information on Flavia coffee machines and the Flavia Creation 400, please visit the following link:

Flavia Machines

Posted in: Flavia ®, Product News
Tags: c400, coffee machines, flavia

Vending Boxes – Ideal Packaging for Vending Machine Products

If you are looking for boxes to package your products properly for vending machines, check out the latest page on our website: vending boxes.

The vending machine boxes we offer are suitable for a wide range of product shapes and sizes, and are an essential requirement for anyone selling irregular shaped products through vending machines.

Packaging products in boxes dramatically increases vending reliability. Not only this, our flat folding boxes can be personalised, providing opportunities for branding and advertising.

While generally most applicable to wall mounted vending machines, there are times when even typical spiral vending machines are not able to dependably handle the dimensions or shapes of some more unusual products.

For more information on product packaging options, please visit the vending boxes page, or feel free to contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Posted in: Intelligent Vending Ltd, Product Help & Advice, Product News
Tags: product packaging, vending boxes

Bag in Box Water Coolers

We have just added a new section to our website for Bag-in-Box water coolers. The Bag-in-Box (BiB) concept is a relatively new application for water coolers in the UK, and provides many advantages over traditional bottled water coolers (as do our POU water coolers).

Especially important in these carbon conscious times are the numerous economical and environmental benefits provided by the bag in box method. As time goes on and environmental factors become more important, so will the issue of the high carbon footprint left by bottled water cooler systems. The bag in box water cooler process is much more environmentally friendly, while also being more hygienic, practical and cost effective. Oh and did we mention, getting rid of the bottles makes water coolers look much … cooler!

For more information on the advantages of bag in box water coolers, and to see the models we have on offer, please visit our: Bag in Box Water Coolers page.

Posted in: Intelligent Vending Ltd, Product News, Watercoolers
Tags: bag in box, water coolers

Touch Screen Gaming Vending Machines

One of Europe’s best known leading soft drinks companies, Britvic Plc, have launched a new touch screen vending machine which will be installed around numerous UK cities, beginning this month.

Britvic Soft Drinks have worked together with Juicy Drench spring water to create vending machines which reward customers with a free drink, providing they successfully beat one of the touch-screen mind games developed for the machines.

The idea is to demonstrate that a properly hydrated brain has a greater capacity for completing tests of mental agility, while of course entertaining the user at the same time.

Similar recent vending machine marketing initiatives include the ‘Share Happy’ vending machine, which uses facial recognition technology to determine the emotional state of the user – and rewarding ice cream if they are deemed ‘happy enough’. More on this story can be found in our blog post here:  Smile, you’re on [a vending machine] camera!

This new ‘intelligent vending machine’ from Britvic will feature around 40 different games – which can also be played online – the games range from mathematically based challenges to traditional ‘spot the difference’ types. Train stations and shopping centres in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and London will be the first locations to see these new vending machines.

Posted in: Customised Vending, Vending Machine News
Tags: gaming, touch screen, Vending Machine News

Condom Vending Machines at Commonwealth Games

Condom vending machines are likely to be installed in various places around the Commonwealth Games Village in New Delhi, India. The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) is responsible for the plans, and intends to offer free condoms in an effort to reduce the risk of a potential influx in the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections during the fortnight of the competitions.

The plans result from the vast numbers of tourists expected to be brought to the area by the Commonwealth Games. Free condoms are expected to be handed out to athletes competing in the games, as well as to support and administrative staff who will be located at the site.

For others, condoms will be available free of charge from chosen venues around the Games village, and also for a low cost from condom vending machines which are to be installed at selected locations around the village and stadia. About 200 condom machines are expected to be installed in the area – the campaign is part of a larger government initiative to distribute condoms over the country, in continued attempts to reduce the impact and spread of HIV/AIDS.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas
Tags: condom vending, Vending Machine News

Prescription Medication Vending Machines Come to the UK

A first for the UK – Sainsbury’s have begun trials of prescription medication vending machines in two Sussex branches of the superstore.

Upon registering with the vending machine, customers are given a unique ID and PIN number to be later used to collect prescriptions. Before stocking machines with the required medication, a trained pharmacist manually ensures the validity of prescriptions as a preventative measure against potential abuse; the medication is then placed in to the kiosk along with any applicable usage instructions.

To collect prescriptions, customers simply sign in to the vending machine using their ID and PIN code. A list of their prescriptions is then provided on screen, along with any relevant payment information; medicines are then dispensed through the collection point.

The automated kiosk is not intended to replace the existing pharmacy service. Both services will run side-by-side so customers are still able to ask advice from qualified pharmacists if desired. The idea is the vending machines will provide an extra level of convenience and flexibility for the consumer – allowing prescriptions to be collected quickly and at a time that better suits their schedules. It is even possible for a family to group prescriptions together, so they can all be collected at the same time.

The vending machines themselves have a storage capacity of up to 450 packs of medicines and each pack is uniquely identifiable by the kiosk, thanks to a barcode system.

Sainsbury’s currently has a total of 236 in-store pharmacies. If the trials of the prescription vending machines are successful and well received by customers, they are likely to be featured in more stores over the country in the future.

Posted in: Vending Machine News
Tags: medication, prescription, Vending Machine News

Cigarette Vending Machine Ban Cancer Research UK Survey

Results from a recent survey commissioned by Cancer Research UK suggest around three quarters of the public support the ban on cigarette vending machines and the removal of tobacco displays from shops. The vending machine ban is due to be implemented in October 2011, while the removal of tobacco displays is set for total implementation by the end of 2013. However, both campaigns still rely on the government to commit to the regulations which are already in place.

The survey was conducted online and sampled more than 1100 adults, 73% of which favoured the ban on cigarette vending machines, and 77% were for the removal of tobacco displays from retail outlets.

A June 2009 survey found 76% backed the vending machine ban – which is actually 3% higher than the latest survey – while 70% approved of removing tobacco displays from shops. Compared with the latest survey results, this shows that popularity for removing tobacco displays from shops has increased by 7%.

It is thought the motivation behind this survey is to keep the pressure on the government to see the plans through.

Though, some are not entirely convinced by the results, suggesting that surveys from Cancer Research UK are slanted and that the results are inconsistent with the opinions of many people they ask.

Posted in: Public Vending, Vending Machine News
Tags: ban, cigarette, vending machines

Vending Machines Help Endangered Bird

Soft drinks giant, Coca-Cola, has partnered up with a non-profit organisation in Japan to assist environmentalists protect an endangered species of bird, the Okinawa Rail.

With a currently estimated population of around just 720 – down from 1,800 in 1986 – the Okinawa Rail is exclusive to a northern area of Okinawa Island called Yambaru, and is a legally protected species (which has also been declared ‘Natural Monument’).

Coca-Cola have agreed to mount IC audio recorders and microphones to the top of two vending machines in the region. The equipment will record noises and calls from the Okinawa Rail, which when analyzed, should provide researchers with vital data relating to the population and activity of the endangered bird. By using vending machines as the hub for the equipment, additional installation costs are avoided and power can be supplied directly by the existing feed to the machines.

The decline of the Okinawa Rail is thought to be a result of threats to their habitat, including tree felling, farming and building. Also, introduced predators such as cats and dogs are partially responsible for their drop in numbers.

In 1996 Yambaru became a national park and a number of additional nature reserves were created in the area by conservationists.

By using vending machines as the hub for the equipment, additional installation costs are avoided and power can be supplied directly by the existing feed to the machines.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas

Book (Cigarette) Vending Machines

A German publishing company has found a new purpose for cigarette vending machines – book vending!

As the laws on smoking and tobacco retail steadily get more restrictive for many countries over the world, cigarette vending machines are increasingly under threat. They have already been banished from a number of places including the American state of Wisconsin and the European island of Guernsey. A date of October 2011 has also been set for a ban on cigarette vending machines in England, Wales and probably Scotland too.

Of course, this means there are thousands of vending machines out there which are now (or soon to be) void of purpose and likely to be destined for the scrap heap. But now this might not have to be the case…

German publishers, Hamburger Automatenverlag have found a novel use for the cigarette machines – adapting them to dispense condensed books. Novels, poetry and comics are among the selection of literature on offer, which is authored locally and available at a cost of 4 Euros per vend.

Posted in: Vending Machine News, Vending Overseas