MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Skywire Corp. and Ameritech Cellular and Paging will jointly provide wireless monitoring for vending machines throughout the Midwest.
The service will combine Skywire’s software package, called Vendview, and Ameritech’s cellular network to provide vending companies with daily information from their machines. Operators can determine inventory levels, money in the cash box and any maintenance requirements.
The Vendview software then automates the production of vendor load, truck load, route itinerary and cash accountability reports, Skywire said. The end result for consumers is less sold out selections, fewer jammed machines and less “exact change” requirements.
The service is currently offered in seven Midwestern markets, but the company said it will expand to more than 40 markets in Ameritech’s operating region.
“Vending machine monitoring is one of the leading, cost-justified wireless applications that exist today,” said Stuart Huels, product manager of Ameritech Wireless Data in St. Louis. “To meet the need, we have created specific airtime plans tailored for wireless monitoring applications.”
