Hiring the Right Professionals for Your New Vending Machine: Key Considerations

Designing a new type of vending machine is a complex task that requires expertise from various fields. To ensure your machine meets the needs of the market and is technologically sound, it is essential to hire the right professionals. In this article, we provide insights into the key areas such as payment systems and product delivery systems, as well as specific professional roles that are crucial for the success of your vending machine project.

Payment Systems

The trend towards cashless transactions is likely to continue, and this shift presents significant challenges and opportunities for those designing vending machines. As cashless payment systems become more common, vending machines need to be designed to accommodate a range of payment methods. While traditional card readers configured to run with MDB (Magnetic Stripe) are prevalent, they are likely to be phased out in the near future in favor of newer, more modern protocols. This transition necessitates a thorough understanding of the implications for your vending machine design and operation.

Although MDB has been in use for a very long time and is due for replacement, it is crucial to ensure that your machines are accessible to the most common forms of payment favored by the market. By 2025, it is highly likely that cash and coins will be excluded from the payment methods favored by customers, with smart phone, watch, and card options becoming the dominant forms of payment. Therefore, compliance with modern payment systems should be a priority in your vending machine design. This will involve significant time, effort, and expense, but it is essential for the long-term success of your machine.

Product Delivery Systems: General Considerations

But first, let's address the choice of expertise for product delivery systems:

Designing the product delivery system for your vending machine requires a comprehensive understanding of the internal workings and delivery mechanisms. The choice of professionals will depend heavily on the specific details of the machine. However, as a general guideline, here are the key experts you should consider:

UX Architect/UX Designer: An experienced UX architect or designer with a background in human factors engineering or vice versa is essential. This professional will help ensure that the user interface is intuitive and easy to use, enhancing the overall customer experience. It's crucial to find someone with experience in UX design, but not necessarily someone with a background in vending machines. Industrial Designer: For the external appearance and function of your vending machine, an industrial designer will be responsible for creating a visually appealing and functional machine that meets the needs of your target market. Mechanical Engineer: To design and ensure the mechanisms inside the vending machine work flawlessly, a mechanical engineer is essential. They will be responsible for the structural and mechanical design of the machine. Electrical Engineer: An electrical engineer will design and connect the electrical parts of the machine, ensuring that all components are seamlessly integrated and operate efficiently. Programmer: To make the vending machine communicate and interact with the outside world, a skilled programmer is necessary. They will handle the software and algorithms required for the machine's operations. Fabrication Shop: A fabrication shop will be responsible for building the prototype, ensuring that the physical design and components are constructed accurately according to the specifications. Patent Attorney: To protect your design and ensure you do not infringe on any existing patents, it is crucial to consult with a patent attorney. This professional can provide legal advice and assistance in securing the necessary patents for your vending machine.

Conclusion

Designing a new vending machine is a multifaceted task that requires a combination of technical expertise and human factors engineering. By carefully selecting the right professionals for each role, you can ensure that your vending machine meets modern payment standards and provides a seamless and enjoyable customer experience. The key is to find professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, ensuring that all aspects of the vending machine are addressed effectively.