subject: Biometric Snack Vending Machines Are the New Wave [print this page] Snack vending machines are office staples, world-wide. They provide us with easy access to sugary afternoon pick-me-ups, and many people can attest to their value when they've been stranded in dreary places like airports and DMVs. But as technology evolves as an attempt to make our lives easier, so does the technology used in snack vending machines and drink vending machines. There is a Massachusetts-based vending machine manufacturer, aptly dubbed Next Generation Vending and Food Service, that is really revolutionizing the way we purchase our snacks and drinks from these handy machines. How are they doing it? By integrating biometric technology in their design.If you are unfamiliar, biometrics, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary it is defined as "the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral characteristics (as the fingerprint or voice patterns) especially as a means of verifying personal identity".Next Generation is currently testing the machines in the northeast region of the United States and can be found in about 60 locations. The reasoning behind these machine changes? Next Generation president John S. Ioannou says that the main objective in transforming the snack and drink machines machines operations, is to make the customer "feel more engaged." One of things many customers of traditional vending machines hate is digging for exact change and having to do without because you only have a credit card. How these new biometric machines help that conundrum is they allow customers to tie their credit card to a thumbprint. So that way, if someone forgets their wallet, doesn't have cash, or is in a hurry, all they have to do is place their thumb on the pad, and it matches the print to the credit card on file that is tied to that person's biometric data.In addition to the high-tech thumbprint scanning, there are other exciting changes these machines are bringing forth. Next Generation is also testing a machine that boasts a stunning 46" touch-screen display that allows the snack-seeking user to touch an item they're interested in, flip the image, inspect it, and even read the nutritional information on the back of the packaging. This can be a huge help to those who want a quick snack, but aren't interested in blindly purchasing items that aren't exactly in line with their dietary needs.There's nothing more frustrating than having a craving for a specific item, and the snack vending machine is sold out. Well with these new Next Generation machines, there is wireless or Ethernet connection on the machines, so the company can keep a more up-to-date, real-time track record of the stock levels of the machines. Monitors on the Next Generation machines even have the capability to report when there's a coins tuck in the machine.In addition to these new advanced pioneered in the United States, there are several new concepts emerging world-wide, the most notable being a vending machines that uses retinal scans to identify and charge consumers for their snack purchases.
