‘Open’ versus ‘Closed’ Systems in Cashless Vending

The term “open system” in relation to a cashless payment plan refers to a scheme in which a purchase transaction can be recorded, processed and reconciled without proprietary settlement technology.

A credit card purchase from an Antares vending machine is a good example of an open system transaction. When a credit card is used as payment, the card is swiped, authorized and processed without the use of in house application software.

A situation where unique application software is required to process a non cash transaction, is what is known as a closed system. A closed is usually defined by its environment (e.g. institution, factory etc.)

A closed system may be used to monitor and track internal transactions in your Antares business. With a closed system it is also possible to restrict transactions, account balances, and purchase frequency through a central authority or account.

As an Antares vending operator you can participate in both open and closed systems, although cashless has and continues to be successful in closed environments. Closed systems would provide fast transactions and enhanced security. In addition to this it will also allow Antares vending operators to offer employee bonuses in the form of purchase discounts.

Remote data polling has been the driving force behind the growth in cashless. Since telemetry is important to the development of cashless vending, it is difficult to discuss cashless transactions without including “intelligent vending.”

Cashless vending is expected to drive intelligent vending and hence lead Antares vending operators to discover the benefits of telemetry. This would also include polling line item sales and machine malfunctions via a remote computer.

“Online systems” would require an always ‘on’ communication network. “Off-line systems” that handle credit and debit cards will need to connect on an occasional basis, typically just once a day.