Friday, August 29, 2008

Relationship Of Software With Planet Antares Vending

Technological advancements have truly reformed and revolutionized the functioning of the vending industry. Gone are the days of traditional, mechanical vending machines that had to be manually operated for dispensing the products. In the current era, electronic vending equipment is preferred along with additions in the form of digital devices, components and software.

Use of software in vending has many benefits, for both vending operators and customers. Some of the main technologies being utilized for making Planet Antares vending operations more efficient are:

1. remote data monitoring
2. category management
3. DEX
4. handheld devices

All these are technological innovations that provide greater convenience, efficiency and profitability to vending operators.

When you are facing problems like cash embezzlement, sales report errors, vending route inefficiency, etc in your Planet Antares vending business, software can be used to track the root cause of such problems and resolve them effectively.

For example: you can determine the amount of sales and cash collected in the vending machine after each transaction through remote data monitoring. This eliminates the need for repeated visits to different locations and also keeps a check on the employees who handle such operations.

Software can also encourage route drivers to improve their performance. This happens when they can complete work in a single visit instead of making frequent trips to the same place, reducing their burden of work in a significant manner.

Inventory management at the warehouse level as well as in the vending machines becomes simpler with the help of software installed in the vending machines. These transmit data to the headquarters when a machine has minimum level of products left in it. As a result, you will not have to worry about customers finding your Planet Antares vending machines empty.

Evidently, using software has plenty of advantages for your vending business and will only become an essential part of your operations in the future.

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

How To Run A Combination Vending Machines Business

Usually, combination vending machines are found in locations with high customer traffic. You will find that snack and soda items are stocked in combo machines so that people can meet their hunger and thirst requirements at a single place.

In order to start a combo vending machine business, there are various factors to be considered so that your venture can be successful and generate financial rewards in the long run.

1. Fill your Planet Antares vending machines with branded products. Popular brands like Coke and Pepsi are sold through Antares vending machines. At present, these cold drinks are the leading beverages in United States. People of all age groups like to buy cold drinks for quenching their thirst.

2. Combo vending machines need not be large and bulky. Such vending machines have higher capacity but these are also very expensive. When you are starting a vending business, you will not want to invest a lot of money in equipment. It’s best to start with a smaller vending machine such as Planet Antares combo vending machine. These are very popular among vending operators. Their reasonable price and quality features make them the best choice for starting a vending business.

3. Remember that the success of your vending business depends on the locations as well. You need to focus on finding high-end locations that are frequented by a large number of customers all through the day. Good locations for your combo vending machine include schools, offices, hotels and airports.

4. Another crucial factor is the cost of setting up your vending business. Planet Antares Corporation allows you to control your time and money through help and assistance provided at each step of the business setup and operations. Their vending operator programs have very sound strategies that will definitely enhance the profit making capability of your business.

5. Technical assistance is must also be kept in mind. Make sure that your questions are answered in real time. While choosing a vending machine company, test their customer support and technical support staff for business experience and knowledge. You must get relevant solutions without any delays.

6. Don’t forget to ask about the warranty on vending machines. Planet Antares vending machines are always covered by adequate warranty and on purchase of equipment, you will get helpful tips and instructions for handling of vending machines.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Customized Planet Antares Vending Machines

Most of the beginners in vending business have limited capital. This can be a reason for buying customized vehicles for their vending operations. A vehicle with lesser racks, more space for refrigeration or a less expensive cooler using ice packs means that it can be used for years by using additional racks and changing the cooler options.

Requests for roll up side doors are being made by a lot of vending operators, including Planet Antares vending operators. However, they often turn away when they get to know the price of such features. It will cost about $2000 to have two doors put in. the warehouse design also matters in this case. If it has a low dock, it will be a disadvantage as the driver will have to get off the dock to load from the outside.

By using new trucks with side doors in your Planet Antares business, you get the benefits of higher efficiency, ergonomics and safety. Even though shelving systems have their own advantages, full benefits will come with roll up side doors only. Mainly, the medium sized companies purchase these roll up doors. There is also a great demand from small companies with few routes, because they have also seen the benefits firsthand.

You will surely witness an improvement in the efficiency of Planet Antares business operations after customization of route vehicles. If a truck breaks down and the driver has to use another vehicle, he or she will still know where all the products are placed and avoid wastage of time in searching for it.

Certain vending operators prefer to have the installation done in-house instead of sending the vehicle to a manufacturer. However, customizing the vehicle will take a longer time if you do it yourself but you will get the exact specifications that you want.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

DEX For Better Planet Antares Vending Operations

Vending operators across the nation are well aware of the meaning and significance of the term DEX. In the coming time, it is bound to play a significant role in enhancing daily operations of vending business as well as industry.

Different vending operators possess varying levels of know-how about DEX and its power to improve business efficiency. Basically, DEX stands for Data Exchange and is used to refer to the DEX/UCS data exchange standard. It is a protocol used to gather audit information through vending machines built in the last 6-12 years.

You need to install a DEX cable to use this system. It looks like an old quarter inch headphone cable that can be connected through the female connector of a Planet Antares vending machine, which may be available as a loose cable wired to the board or mounted on the controller board.
Data transfer between machines and the host is carried out through a standard RS-232 or serial protocol. Typically, the host is a handheld computer or remote retrieval system. You can reap several benefits by using a DEX system in your Planet Antares vending business such as:

a. Purchase and use of vending machines that have this feature. Your vending equipment should be DEX enabled.

b. You must ensure that there is a method of capturing the DEX data electronically. Since the last 20 years, driver handheld has been the most common option for this function but a new alternative can be the remote monitoring solutions.

c. Once the hardware is obtained, you will need software that can convert raw data into meaningful information.

The use of DEX enabled vending machines is a great idea that can enhance your daily operations as well as keep the vending business sales and revenue estimates in accurate figures and statements. Make sure that you use good quality, reliable vending machines that don’t result in any errors in software programs. Planet Antares vending machines do not face any such problems and support DEX for better vending operations.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Ground Rules For A Rewarding Planet Antares Vending Business

If you look around yourself, you will see vending machines everywhere. Nowadays, customers prefer to use vending machines rather than going to a local store or a restaurant. Most people enjoy the convenience and time saving qualities of vending machines so that they can reduce the amount of time spent away from their work desk.

Vending machines can sell products on their own. Customers can buy products for themselves without any need for you to appoint personnel. Effectively, the vending machines are their own salesmen. You can find them in malls, hospitals, doctor’s clinics, offices, airports, hotels, convenience stores, schools, colleges and other high traffic locations.

To understand the basic aspects of a vending business, read on.

a. Vending machines
It is obvious that you need vending machines to run a vending business. For starters, the most popular kind of vending machines include bulk vending machines. You can pick from small products like candy, gumball, toys, stickers and others that sell well and get reasonable profits too. Full line vending machines like Planet Antares equipment allow users to buy snacks and beverages. These are very popular and in demand at various locations. For those who can invest higher amounts, customized vending machines is another good option.

b. Vending products
You can choose from a variety of vending products. Some of them include beverages, toys, snacks, tissues, cigarettes, newspapers, medicines and even digital products like i-pods.

c. Servicing
The maintenance and servicing of your Planet Antares vending machines is essential for ensuring good business performance. Make sure that the equipment is in good condition through effective cleaning, refilling and overall maintenance. Plan your work schedule for regular servicing of the machines on your vending route.

You can start off as a Planet Antares vending operator with one or two vending machine. This allows you to judge whether you are keen and capable of being a vending business owner without excessive investment in the same. The next step will be location hunting and acquiring. Once this is done, its time to sit back and watch the money roll in!

Friday, August 08, 2008

Planet Antares Vending Machines – A Worthwhile Investment

Vending is a business that is very dynamic and keeps growing. Since its introduction in the U.S., it has evolved greatly. Basically, this business depends on a number of factors for its success. Over the years, a lot of people have made substantial money out of vending business. This makes it a lucrative business and vending machines a worthwhile investment. When you choose good vending programs like those provided by Planet Antares Inc, you are bound to be successful.

Firstly, you must look for the right vending machine manufacturers. Planet Antares vending machines are quality, durable vending machines. These will hardly ever let you down because they are reliable and built to last long.

When you compare them with other equipment, you will realize that these vending machines are available at some of the lowest rates in the market. Thus, they are some of the best vending machines in the vending market. When you use these vending machines, the money invested in them will be paid back in no time at all. By placing good machines in good locations, you can expect to earn more revenue. Don’t hesitate while spending money on quality vending machines because you will get the money back along with better reputation and customer loyalty.

A vital factor for the success of your vending business is the location of your machines. The type of vending machines and the products to be dispensed will determine what kind of location you should go for. Planet Antares vending machines are full line vending machines and are ideal for business locations with 50 or more employees.

As a Planet Antares vending operator, you will have ample time to do what you always wanted to. Servicing your vending machines will take only one day of the week. Many operators keep a regular job along with the vending operations. It is very easy to run a parallel venture along with your vending business. The vending machines will make money for you even when you are attending to other things.

However, vending is not for slackers. It needs hard work and commitment to servicing the machines to make it successful. The machines will make money for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As long as you run it well, a Planet Antares vending business is a very worthwhile investment.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Customizing The Interior Of Planet Antares Vending Vehicles

One of the important elements to maximize the efficiency of inventory handling is the customization of interior of the vending route vehicle. This helps you to run your vending business smoothly and efficiently. Planet Antares vending operators often debate doing the work themselves or hiring vehicle design specialists for the same.

Soft drinks and the volume of beverages that a Planet Antares vending operator will move on a route form the core of the factors that determine the layout of the interior hinges. A lot of space is taken up by soft drinks and these need to be located for a good weight distribution. When there is a mixture of ounces of cans, a simple rack will not be suitable enough.

Vending operators are encouraged by design specialists to only carry what they need on a vehicle. It reduces the weight and extends the life of the truck. Several operators have claimed that on a majority of routes, there are wasteful cases. Not only is this due to the weight factor but also due to the incredibly thin can walls. This makes inventory turnover a critical factor for avoiding nasty leaks. If too much weight is out on the front end of the vehicle, it will wear out sooner than usual. If there is too little weight, the vehicle will bounce and the tires will wear out easily.

Once you have determined the number of beverage racks, the snack shelves must be considered. The amount of shelving required will depend on the quantity and variety of products that the operator wants to transport. For example, chips are light and won’t affect the center of gravity or hurt the driver’s back. Thus, you can stack them on higher shelves.

Moreover, Planet Antares vending operators must consider if they plan to transport perishable products that require coolers to keep them from getting rotten or damaged. A candy cooler is appropriate for chocolate so that the Planet Antares vending operators don’t get a “blooming” effect.

A big mistake made by many vending operators is to underestimate their vehicle weight requirements. Cost and the ability to control the configuration of the space are major issues that are faced by Planet Antares vending operators who want customized vehicle interiors. Usually, each operator tries to do something different when it comes to designing the interior of their vending route vehicles.