Back to the future for electromechanical vendors
24 March 2004
News
New Zealand company, Vending Management Services (VMSL), has developed and is offering an innovative product for upgrading electro-mechanical vending machines. Called the EMU, or electro-mechanical upgrade unit, it transforms an old computer-less vending machine into a state-of-the-art electronic machine with the simple addition of a computerised 'black box'.
"EMU simply plugs into the existing machine and the computer takes control of existing switches, sensors and motors without having to add any additional components," said VMSL's hardware solutions architect, Greg Bauer. "The device enables the vending machine to be reprogrammed without needing to be rewired, improves stock management and control, and allows different columns to have different pricing. The EMU also provides a platform for remote monitoring, electronic lock and cashless payment."
Previously, to provide this level of functionality an entire new vending machine would have to be purchased. "Electro-mechanical machines no longer support the widening range of products that vending operations are looking to market," said VMSL's business development manager, Toby Mills. "EMU allows these operations to continue using their existing fleet of machines for many more years and to benefit from improved inventory and fault management as a result of online telemetry."
EMU units are fully compatible with the company's Vendware and VSeTool fulfillment management solutions.
For more information contact Toby Mills, Vending Management Services, [email protected], www.vendware.net
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Local can be international
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of
Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction,
Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...
Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: The art of measuring the truth
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
All electronic measurements are a lie. The trick is making the lie as small as possible.
Read more...
TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...
Innovative MyLegrand app
RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...
Kulani Energy acquires critical assets from Optipower
News
Kulani Energy preserves engineering, procurement, and construction capability and positions a wholly women-owned firm at the forefront of South Africa’s grid expansion.
Read more...
From Cape Town to Johannesburg
News
Würth Elektronik South Africa has taken a significant step forward with its recent relocation from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marking a new phase of growth and ambition for the company.
Read more...
Lesley Havenga: Building partnerships for Africa’s electronics future
Editor's Choice News
As Würth Electronik expands its footprint across South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan region, Havenga’s blend of manufacturing expertise, supply chain knowledge, and people-centred leadership appears well suited to the task.
Read more...
printer friendly version