THE SITUATION
For many vending operators, expanding their reach to new regions and markets is hindered by their technology platform’s inability to scale operations. Such was the case for Accent Food Services, a Texas-based refreshment services provider offering vending, micro market, and coffee services to its customers. In order to grow its footprint in the market while still upholding the same standards for quality and service the company prided itself on, Accent realized it needed a with unattended retail in mind—capable of providing the data, insight, and customer experience necessary for expansion.
THE CHALLENGE
To best meet the rising demands of its growing operation, Accent looked for a technology platform that addressed its top pain points.
Many systems. Many vendors. Many problems.
Seamless operation is key to scalable success. Yet, Accent had a number of different software systems in place, each run by a different vendor and none of which integrated seamlessly together into a clear view of their operation. Accent recognized that to scale, they needed a single technology system that streamlined the data collection and management process into one, complete view.
Scaling efficiencies as the business scales.
For convenience services operators, data is the lifeblood of a successful operation. Accent had a disjointed view of its data across its that wasted valuable time and resources. In selecting a technology network of machines as well as across new venues it added.
Delivering exceptional experiences, every time.
In addition, Accent had to keep in mind customer expectations and preferences for vending transactions. Overall, Accent recognized a shifting preference for cashless payments, so they desired a platform able to handle their need to go 100% cashless—ranging from credit / debit cards to digital payments. At the same time, they were looking for deeper insights into customers’ buying habits by location so they could better stock machines with the most popular items.
THE SOLUTION
Accent chose Cantaloupe’s SeedTM VMS as the single platform to support the needs of their growing operation.
Seed is the single platform Accent needs to run it s entire operation—from machine-level insight to optimized route scheduling to cashless transactions. By eliminating the need for multiple vendors, Seed simplified the operational burden of managing myriad vending machines, micro markets, and office coffee locations.
One major feature within Seed helped Accent build hybrid routes to more efficiently service machines. In the past, Accent would set three different routes to serve vending, coffee/pantry, and micro markets. Now, they can send a single truck to complete the same effectively manage their workforce, resulting in big bottom line savings. After introducing Seed, Accent reduced their routes by 40% — all while simultaneously increasing the quality of service and merchandising each machine receives.
THE RESULTS
“We’re no longer just a vending machine company; we’re a retailer… [Seed] is why we’ve been able to triple the size of our company over the last four years and expand from a regional company to a truly national footprint in 10 states.”
Josh Rosenberg, President/CEO of Accent Food Services
