Vending Alliance and Sierra Wireless Smarten Up Vending with IoT

Device-to-cloud IoT solution provider Sierra Wireless has been selected by the International Vending Alliance (IVA) to digitize their network. The IVA is the largest vending network in the world with nearly 2 million vending machines in over 70 countries. They’ll use Sierra Wireless’ Smart SIM and AirVantage IoT Platform to reinvent their service delivery.

The IVA says an average of one hundred million customers use their vending machines each day, but the process hasn’t been changed or improved in 25 years. Their new “black box” solution from Sierra Wireless has allowed them to offer cashless payment, targeted ads, touch screens, remote monitoring and improved operating efficiency.

“To compete with consumers’ ever-increasing digital expectations, the vending industry needs to reimagine how we interact with our customers,” said Martijn van den Hazenkamp, CEO of IVA. “IVA’s global network has been actively involved in the creation of a new smart vending solution that will change how vending machines operate so that data can be used to drive sales and customer satisfaction. We teamed up with Sierra Wireless, a global leader in IoT, to develop the vital connectivity and data collection requirements in the solution. Working together, we will modernize the vending experience.”

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Sierra Wireless’ Smart SIMs allow the IVA to use a single SIM for the entire network. They are integrated with the IoT platform to manage services, subscriptions, and connectivity. This allows the IVA to provide automated merchandising, preventative maintenance, loyalty programs and more.

“IVA’s solution is a wonderful example of how IoT technology can breathe new life into industries that are facing new competitors and shifting consumer preferences,” said Marc Overton, Senior Vice President and General Manager, IoT Services, Sierra Wireless. “This data-driven vending experience, designed around Sierra Wireless connectivity services, allows IVA to innovate and deliver a completely new experience for customers and more efficient management for operators.”