Paytec’s PIT Key: How the Technology Behind Your Purchase Works

In the world of vending, the “key” is a simple but essential tool for thousands of users. Behind this small device lies an advanced and refined technology, the result of years of development in the field of electronic identification and payment systems. In this article, we focus on the technical functioning of Paytec’s PIT key, exploring the physical and electronic principles that make it so reliable and efficient.

The heart of the PIT key: the transponder

The PIT key, as its name Programmable Identification Transponder suggests, is a transponder. But what does that mean exactly? A transponder is a device that not only receives a signal, but also transmits it, as a response. In the case of the PIT key, this signal is used to transmit crucial information, such as credits, serial numbers, and identification codes, between the key itself and the reader. In the past, the PIT key contained a passive chip, today inside it there is an electronic system that manages the communication and data transmission process more efficiently.

Communication between key and reader

When the PIT key is inserted into the reader, a well-defined technological process begins. First, the reader detects the presence of the key thanks to an optical barrier. At this point, a high-frequency magnetic field is activated, produced by a coil inside the reader. This magnetic field is used to transfer energy to the transponder.

Inside the PIT key, another coil intercepts the magnetic field of the reader and powers the transponder electronics, allowing the key to function. This energy is also used to manage the data transmission between the key and the reader.

The key communicates with the reader through an exchange of pulses, which allow new information to be written on the key, to update the credit balance, modify identification data or perform other system operations.

It is important to note that the data transmitted is always encrypted to ensure the security of the transaction. In this way, even if someone were to intercept the signal, they would not be able to decipher the information without the correct cryptographic key.

Consistency and reliability check

A data consistency check is performed for each transaction, both reading and writing, to ensure that the integrity of the information is maintained. This process ensures that the data stored on the key is correct and not corrupted, preserving the functionality and reliability of the system.

Conclusions

The Paytec PIT key is much more than a simple physical medium for paying for coffee: it is a sophisticated device that uses advanced electronics and communication principles to provide a safe, reliable and smooth user experience. Its operation, based on the modulation of an electromagnetic field, allows the transmission of critical data between the key and the reader, ensuring that each operation is performed accurately and safely.

Paytec, with its focus on innovation and security, continues to develop advanced solutions to meet the needs of the vending industry, improving the daily experience of consumers and simplifying management for operators.

Review the second part of the guide here: Euro 1, Tipo 98 or self-programmable 

Curious to see how the Paytec key would look with your logo? Upload an image here, and we will send you a preview along with a special offer!!

REQUEST PREVIEW CUSTOM PIT KEY

The post Guide to choosing your vending key – part 3 appeared first on Paytec.

Click here to read the first part of the guide: PIT or Mifare® 

PIT and Mifare® keys offered by Paytec are available in different variants: Euro 1, Type 1, Euro 98, Type 98 and even a self-programmable version for PIT keys.

Not infrequently, operators ask us “what is best”. As often happens, the answer depends on your needs and the context in which you work. Let’s see what the differences are between the various versions and how they are used.

Euro or Tipo?

Let’s start with a very simple distinction: the choice between Euro 1 or Type 1, and Euro 98 or Type 98, depends solely on the currency with which you intend to use the key. The Euro 1 and Euro 98 keys are designed to be used with Euro currency, while the Type 1 and Type 98 are intended for other currencies used around the world. To simplify, in this article we mainly refer to the “Euro” model, but the same functions are available for the “Type” model.

1 or 98?

The distinction between “1” and “98” is only apparently more complex. Euro 1 and Type 1 keys are the older version, developed by Paytec in the 1990s. During the 2000s, these keys were significantly improved to include new market-demanded functions and to increase security levels. After this re-engineering process, they were renamed Euro 98 and Tipo 98.

These four types are available for both PIT technology and the Mifare® platform.

All the flexibility of the self-programmable key

PIT keys, based on Paytec’s proprietary technology, can also be ordered in an self-programmable version. In this mode, the first time the user inserts the key into the reader, the key is automatically programmed based on the codes provided in this reader. If the key reader is configured in Euro 98 mode, the key will automatically acquire this configuration, so key type 98 along with the security codes programmed into the reader. This automatic programming process is very fast and completely imperceptible to the user.

For the operators, the use of self-programmable keys brings a significant advantage, especially if they have several locations with readers configured in different ways. They can thus keep a single type of keys in stock without the risk of errors when distributing them to their users.

The self-programmable function is available on all Paytec key readers starting from the Oscar series, i.e. from around 2008, and is usually already active when the reader is delivered.

Another noteworthy aspect is the maximum flexibility offered by self-programmable PIT keys. If a key was previously programmed for Euro 1 mode and you now want to use the same key with a 98 coding, you can set the payment system to convert it from 1 to 98, without any inconvenience to the user. Alternatively, you can use the CAIMAN programmer to reset the key as “self-programmable”, practically as good as new, allowing you to start the process from scratch.

Identified keys 98: an additional service by Paytec

In addition to the basic configuration codes (manager code, location code, pin 1 and pin 2), other functions related to bonuses can also be programmed on the key: Free Vend, Free Credit, special discounts,… (These functions will be covered in detail in a forthcoming article.)

These functions cannot be acquired automatically but are subject to additional programming using the Caiman Programmer.

The operator can do it independently with a very simple and fast operation, or he can purchase the keys 98 from Paytec already coded according to his specific needs for each individual function, ready for use. These keys can be identified via a unique user code which can also be laser engraved on the key stick itself, for ultra-personalised management of the supports.

Whatever type you choose, PIT and Mifare® keys provide operators with practicality, convenience and endless sales opportunities. If you need personalized advice to make the right choice, do not hesitate to contact Paytec’s customer service.

Are you curious to see what a Paytec PIT-key with your logo would look like? Upload an image here, and we’ll send you a preview along with a special offer!

REQUEST PREVIEW CUSTOMIZED PAYTEC KEY

The post Guide to Choosing your Vending Key – Part 2 appeared first on Paytec.

The basis of a lasting relationship is undoubtly collaboration, an open dialogue in which efforts, resources and skills are combined to achieve a common goal: increasingly intelligent and effective management of vending.

The EOS approach is mainly based on the correct use of data. Each event relating to the machines represents a fundamental source of information to guarantee a high level of service. Although it requires method and commitment, this is the safest way to work correctly and professionally. Paolo Vezzoli explains: “Whatever happens, I like to understand what the problem is: is it our fault, is it the customer’s fault, is someone trying to take advantage? If we have the data, we can verify. Paytec has always been extremely collaborative in this aspect. ”

One of the main starting points to obtain these useful data is the combination of Caiman EXE – Changegiver in MDB – PayTools.

CAIMAN EXE: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Caiman EXE is a central unit that completely manages receipts and sales data, working in EXE mode towards the machine and in MDB mode towards the peripherals. It includes a key reader (PIT or Mifare) that connects directly to the unit itself and two MDB Cashless ports. Caiman EXE is compatible with all MDB peripherals for cash, cashless and contactless payments, offering great configuration versatility and guaranteeing the integrity of the machine’s intelligence.

Caiman EXE detects all sales events, both with cash and with keys or credit cards, making them available for data exchange with a eventual telemetry system. This allows you to have immediate feedback on the distributor’s activity and to always keep sales data updated. Configuration and audit data collection can be done using a wide range of tools and technologies, including the PayTools app or the IrDa interface embedded in the key reader. The audit also includes all information relating to the MDB changegiver, including the quantities of coins present in the individual tubes.

“By taking the data from the Caiman EXE master, it is possible to obtain the serial number of the slave-changegiver, the number of coins present in each tube with the relative value, both for each individual tube and for the entire cassette. This way, if a customer complains that the machine didn’t give change, you can easily check the latest reading. If it turns out that there were indeed a few 5 cent coins, it can be deduced that there was a mix-up when the operator loaded the tubes, thus confirming the customer’s version. With the correct data available, everything can be managed appropriately,” explains Paolo Vezzoli.

COLLABORATION: THE “KEY” FACTOR

Collaboration and dialogue often result in innovation. This is the case of the latest software modification made by Paytec to the master systems used by EOS to streamline and make the price update process more efficient. The new prices are set in the management system, with the future validity start date and loaded onto the operator’s PDA. At the first refilling, while reading the audit, the prices are automatically updated, without the need to send a technician on purpose, with a notable reduction in costs.

Another practical example that emerged from the collaboration between Paytec and EOS concerns block keys or service keys. It is a key (PIT/Mifare) that EOS preloads with several blocks of credits, for example 50 blocks of €10. The company purchasing this key can independently transfer these credits to the keys of its staff, simply by inserting first the block key into the reader and then the key to which the credit is to be transferred, without manipulating cash. This credit works like a bonus, with the big difference that the bonuses are scheduled, for example, all users of a certain group receive a monthly credit of €10. With the block key, however, it is possible to load the credit when you want and for who you want, without having to set automatic rules, thus allowing extremely flexible management.

Naturally, all this requires great reliability of the systems, first and foremost in their main function of accepting coins and returning change or reading keys. As is natural, an attentive company like EOS always keeps its eyes open on the market and every now and then allows itself to test some new system.

Paolo Vezzoli states: “In over twenty years of collaboration, there have naturally been challenges and difficulties. However, thanks to the constant and timely support provided to us by the company, we have always been able to quickly address and resolve problems and satisfy needs of the customers who showed up. The reactivity and attention that the Paytec company dedicates to us have allowed us to overcome even the most complex moments together, strengthening our relationship of trust and mutual esteem over time.”

And we at Paytec thank him for this trust!

The post Success story: Collaboration as a key factor – EOS &Paytec appeared first on Paytec.

The key is a very popular element for purchasing drinks and snacks from vending machines, not only in Italy but all over the world. In offices or other private or semi-public places, employees or collaborators who regularly frequent company spaces can request a key at the secretariat or directly from the manager, generally in exchange for a small deposit.

This key can be recharged with coins, banknotes or even a credit card, depending on the peripherals installed on the vending machine, becoming an essential accessory for coffee breaks. Woe betide you if you forget it around!

However, before the key reaches the user’s hands, the operator must make some important decisions to ensure the correct functioning of the system and to maximize earning opportunities. Let’s see together the choices to make!

Part 1: Choose the type of Key: PIT or Mifare®.

Paytec’s offering features two key technologies: Mifare® and PIT.

Mifare® is a widely deployed global contactless smartcard technology, patented by NXP Semiconductors. Paytec has integrated and adapted Mifare® technology to the specific needs of vending.

This allows you to exploit the great advantage of the Mifare® platform, which offers the possibility of using the same contactless support for payment at vending machines and for many other applications, such as public transport, event tickets, access control, company cards, school cards, city cards, parking cards, and electronic purses for canteens and cafes.

Paytec’s range includes both Mifare® keys and cards. Furthermore, with the License Programmer, it is possible to purchase and write the Paytec application on Mifare® media already owned by the customer, such as cards, pendants and tags. This flexibility allows vending operators to easily integrate into pre-existing contexts.

PIT contactless technology, on the other hand, is a proprietary solution from Paytec, specifically designed for the vending sector. It is based on extensive experience in the field of vending payment systems. The PIT Key has recently been further improved to ensure advanced technical control, while offering reliability, security and versatility. The PIT2 key therefore further raises security standards, making the key practically inviolable against attempts at cloning or forgery.

Both types of PIT2 and Mifare® keys offer a series of features that facilitate not only the payment process, thus increasing sales opportunities, but also customer loyalty through easily configurable solutions, such as differentiated prices, free sales, free credits , bonuses, and more. (Further details on these features will be covered in a forthcoming article.)

The initial choice between PIT and Mifare® is crucial, since the key readers installed on vending machines are not interchangeable, and the keys themselves cannot be converted. Changing technology after making a choice involves a significant investment.

All Paytec keys are available in a wide range of colors, such as red, green, yellow, blue, black, transparent and transparent orange. PIT keys can also be personalized with the operator’s logo, offering an additional means of loyalty.

For personalized advice and to make the right choice, we invite you to contact our customer service. If you’d like to see a preview of what a custom Paytec key would look like for your business, send us your logo and we’ll give you a preview, along with a special offer.

REQUEST PREVIEW CUSTOMIZED PIT KEY

The post Guide to choose your Vending Key – Part 1 appeared first on Paytec.

Water at the ideal temperature
Drinking water is always important and even more so in these hot days, it is necessary to maintain proper body hydration. International guidelines advise women to consume approximately 2.7 liters of water per day, while 3.7 liters are recommended for men. But is it better to drink cold or room temperature water?

Cold water: advantages and disadvantages
The low temperature of the water makes us want to drink but its impact on a heated body is not ideal: it induces us to drink less and, once the first perception of coolness is over, it quenches our thirst less.

It is known, in fact, how the body is able to more easily integrate liquids that are at a temperature similar to that of the body. The nomads of the desert know this well and have been quenching their thirst in the boiling sands with hot tea for millennia.

When to drink hot and cold water
Drinking cold water, or at a temperature at least two degrees lower than room temperature, can produce various benefits related to physical exercise, febrile states and weight loss due to its ability to lower body temperature.
Of course we are talking about “slightly” cold water which is recommended to be taken, however, in small sips for a gradual lowering of body temperature.
On the other hand, drinking cold water while eating can cause severe stomach pain and even abdominal bloating because some foods tend to expand when in contact with cold water.

Also drinking hot water, which is 4 or 5 degrees higher than room temperature, has a number of benefits, especially if drunk in the morning. These benefits relate to digestion and purification of the body. In addition, drinking hot water helps relieve symptoms related to headaches, inflammation and neck pain.
Hot or lukewarm water stimulates the blood supply to the tissues and is also an excellent remedy for treating menstrual cramps.
In addition to promoting digestion, it would appear that hot water dissolves fat deposits in the intestine and, especially if drunk on an empty stomach, can help restart intestinal functions.
By neutralizing the acids and gastric juices in the stomach, hot water would aid digestion, increase the absorption of essential nutrients and accelerate metabolism.

Who should never drink cold water
Cold water is not recommended for those suffering from diseases affecting the esophagus and digestive system, as well as for people suffering from achalasia: a rare condition that can make it difficult to swallow food and drinks (the introduction of hot water could soothe and relax the digestive tract).

Water temperature according to the target of the dispenser
When setting the water temperature, it is also useful to take into account the place where the vending machine is installed: in a gym, for example, the temperature can be lowered by a few degrees given the young and healthy average target, while in a place with elderly or frail subjects it may be advisable to keep the temperature closer to the ambient one, only slightly cool.

Technical / economic consequences of regulating the temperature in dispensers
It is obvious how, by keeping the temperature close to the ambient one, the refrigerators of the dispenser work less and therefore have a lower energy consumption.
Generally it is recommended to set the refrigeration temperature of water and soft drinks between 8 and 10°C although in many companies, especially in summer, a lower temperature is required, closer to 4°C.

Diversification of refrigeration in the vending machine
In vending machines, the lower drawers are usually colder: there it is good to place (if present) items such as yogurt and sandwiches. Going up it is advisable to put the cans and finally, higher up, the bottles.
It is recommended to place the cans not too high to prevent breakage (and consequent bursting) when falling.

Test the tastes of customers
There are no absolutely valid taste criteria regarding temperature regulation, without prejudice to the previous considerations of its effect on the health and consumption of the machine.
For this reason, we always advise the vending machine manager to carry out satisfaction tests, placing the water bottles in turn on the 3 different heights of the vending machine and checking which one empties first.
Considering that the temperature between the three drawers can also vary by 2°C, we will have a valuable indication of the liking of our target and the consequent regulation of refrigeration.
 

In conclusion
Choosing the correct water temperature in the vending machines is one of those apparently irrelevant decisions but in reality essential for the success of an overall service.
Just like the right choice of payment system to associate.
If you are looking for some more advice, we are here to offer you high-performance solutions that optimize your work and increase your results.

Contact us: +39 02-9696141 – marketing@paytec.it 

The post Hot water or cold water in vending machines? appeared first on Paytec.

By Roberto Garavaglia, Innovative Payments and blockchain Strategic Advisor

Early morning; the office is crowded. Some colleagues don’t take their eyes off their notebook, others have already faced yet another quarrel with their boss, yet others are unable to restrain the usual humor that earned them the epithet of funny guy. Suddenly, a small group gets up, with one and only goal: the coffee break.
The diversion that this small group of employees usually allow themselves, however, today will offer them something truly unique and unexpected. Alongside croissants, cappuccinos, coffee and chocolate-flavored drinks, the machine offers the curious bystanders a series of new “items”, like a weekend trip to Normandy, a badge to access the metaverse of a well-known fashion brand (including a virtual accessory that you can show!), a charitable donation, a last minute offer for tonight’s concert by a trendy performer, the wing of a castle and a hall in some of the most famous monuments.
If, when reading the title of this article, you were wondering what NFTs and the blockchain have to do with vending machines, well, … now you know where you can get insights! The cheerful group of colleagues, at first astonished by such an “extension of the offer”, will now be happy to answer you.
We’ll leave it to the reader’s imagination to conclude the short tale as he sees fit. Let’s instead come to understand what it really is about.

What are the opportunities for the vending sector and what are the strategic development scenarios?
Blockchain and NFT (acronym for Non-Fungible Token, … yes, we are sure, you certainly have heard these words more than once recently), enable new sales channels, among which Vending stands out. The digitization of a value through NFT allows you to sell any (im)material asset and the rights associated with it, allowing its distribution also through vending machines.
NFTs are not just a trend! Although they have been brought to the fore thanks to crypto-art, they are already able to look beyond, making us understand the relevance they will have in the web3 and in social relationships increasingly mediated by technologies such as artificial intelligence or augmented reality and new digital ecosystems such as the metaverse. The development of NFT projects makes it possible to make several processes more efficient in multiple supply chains where this innovation appears truly disruptive.

Towards the era of “distributed” access
Twenty years later, we can no longer speak of the “era of access” in the Rifkinian perspective, where the accessibility of a product was mediated by central entities: platforms. The role of gatekeepers is now gradually being downsized and the boundaries of the platform economy are fading.
In the web3, access is not mediated by third parties, the data are owned only by those who can claim the availability; trust in exchanges is surrogated in a decentralized algorithm (via smart contract), performed on distributed platforms, including blockchain.
In this context, NFTs play a fundamental role; tools for the digital representation of a value (any asset), offer their own “crypto-uniqueness” to support trading in the absence of intermediaries, optimizing sellout processes and opening new value chains.

To learn more, you can download the slides presented by the writer, a guest of Paytec at the Venditalia fair in Milan City, Thursday 12 May.

The post Blockchain and NFT: opportunities for vending and strategic development scenarios appeared first on Paytec.

Speed, hygiene and practicality are now essential characteristics for any payment method in vending. If upstream of the demand for hygiene we certainly find the recent pandemic, otherwise the wishes of users derive from the need for smart solutions and tools, which facilitate daily operations.

In the field of vending, cashless payment methods are nothing new: there are different types and each of them has its pros and cons. In fact, it has been shown that the sales volumes of vending machines do not depend only on the products offered and the positioning of the machine, but also on the choice of the most appropriate payment method.

How many times has a user renounced a purchase because he did not have coins in front of a vending machine that only accepted those or, vice versa, felt encouraged to buy more thanks to the ease of interaction between the payment App or key and the machine?

How to choose then? The correct answer is: based on the situation and needs.

What are the most popular cashless payment methods for vending?

Keys: a simple, practical and immediate tool that favors the increase in consumption and the frequency of use of vending machines. In many respects the key still represents the ideal substitute for the use of cash. The numerous features that have been added over the years have increased its versatility: think of the special discounts, free credits, various bonuses, the happy-hour functionality.

They can be recharged, depending on the installation, with coins, banknotes or – in more advanced installations – even with a credit card, helping even more to reduce the use of cash and all the problems associated with cash management.

They are useful in closed contexts (companies, offices) or semi-closed (schools, hospitals) and with loyal customers

They are the most popular payment solution in the vending market today and have long since entered the “payment habits” of users.

They can be branded to promote the operator’s brand but offer few strategic possibilities in terms of interaction between operator and consumer to learn about their habits and preferences; it is therefore not possible to use this tool for personalized promotions.

Finally, they have the well-known disadvantage of being forgotten (at home, when changing bags or clothes).

Credit cards: convenient and widespread, they are economically more demanding for the seller because they require additional costs (banks, intermediaries).

They favor the purchase in environments where traditionally there is no cash available or at hand (gyms, swimming pools, bathing establishments, etc.). They are ideal for use in public or semi-public locations, with occasional customers and high traffic (ports, airports, stations, automatic shops, but also hospitals, universities, etc.).

They are particularly suitable for impulse purchases and have the advantage of being a tool that customers usually already own. In fact, cards enjoy a very wide penetration in the population, with 2.17 million POS installed in Italy, 90% of which accept contactless cards and often also mobile solutions such as Applepay and Googlepay.

Payment Apps: relatively recent, they have many advantages and a single limit: you must have a smartphone. After the initial phase of registering your profile, they are always available, immediate and allow easy interaction between the operator and the user for the exchange of information (promotions, reminders, storage of consumption habits, etc.) that are not possible with other payment methods. With the Apps you can stimulate the desire to buy in a personalized way.

They can be recharged with different methods, from coins to credit cards and even with other apps. The more modern versions also offer the possibility of selecting the product via the telephone keypad, without touching the keypad of the vending machine.

Perfect in private locations with recurring users, young and more sensitive to new technologies such as universities, call centers, gyms etc.

Security of payment methods

Whichever solution is best for your needs, be sure to act safely.

This is particularly true for credit card and App solutions: “hacking” an App has a very different impact than cloning some key!

Security, when it comes to electronic payment methods, must concern the custody, handling and traceability of the currency but also compliance with the rules on the management of sensitive user data (the latter shared with the operator).

As always, the “beacon” to follow in this case is the choice of a verified and reliable partner who can offer a platform with solid regulatory and technological bases, time-tested.

Contact us to study together the most suitable payment solution for your vending machine!

The post CASHLESS payment systems: yes but which one to choose? appeared first on Paytec.

Today, in Europe, Vending Machines use two main IT protocols: EXE (EXECUTIVE) and MDB (MultiDrop Bus).

What’s the difference? Let’s find out by retracing their history!

From mechanical to electronic distributors

We are in the 60s, in the United States, and the first vending machines make their appearance. They are tools designed to distribute cold drinks; their operation is completely mechanical (they use electrical connections and relays).

We have to wait until the 80s to witness the entry of electronics into daily life; the microprocessors thus began to be used also in vending machines.

Shortage of coins? The origin of validators

In the 70s, in Italy, a very special situation arose: perhaps due to tourists who use them as souvenirs or for simple speculation … there are no coins!

To solve this problem, peripherals that are not very common in European vending are introduced: coin and banknote validators that do not dispense change but store the credit introduced on a cashless support. In essence, these are plastic cards to be stamped (the precursor of the current key).

The EXE-protocol

In the 1980s, Mars Electronics, born from the snacks manufacturer Mars, developed the first serial protocol (Protocol A), known as the “Executive Protocol”.

The system was born first to manage the changegiver, and over the years it has evolved to be used also by cashless systems.

With the EXE protocol, the sales transaction is controlled by the changegiver and the prices can be managed in the machine or in the changegiver itself.

The MDB-protocol

The 90s are here. The “Coke” (now Coca-Cola), needs a low-cost change-giver system, which leaves the electronic part for the control of the sales transaction in charge of the distributor. The MDB protocol is born: MultiDrop Bus.

The MDB then becomes open source and evolves, but its operating mode always responds to the serial logic in which each device only obeys the command sent by the “electronic brain”: the master.

Inexpensive and easily extensible, MDP was adopted by NAMA in 1994, and took the name of ICP (Internal Communications Protocol) after being further developed by EVMMA (European Vending Machine Manufacturers Association).

In 1998 the MDB and ICP specifications are harmonized and released as MDB/ICP version 1.
The current specification (version 4.3), is supported by NAMA, EVMMA and EVA and allows a complete treatment of cash and cashless transactions with higher added value services.

MDB also lends itself well to functions such as remote vend (the ability to select the product directly from the phone screen), basket (the ability to select multiple products and purchase them with a single payment) and the management of prepaid coupons.

Which protocol to choose today?

The MDB protocol is today the only machine-peripheral interconnection Vending protocol that can be defined as a standard worldwide. However, some of the largest vending markets in Europe (Italy, France and Spain) have never abandoned Executive, which still represents 90% of VMCs here.

This derives in part from the habit of operators to use protocols already present in their fleet, in part from the legislature of these countries which provides for particular methods of transmission of fees to the Revenue Agency.

In fact, the EXE protocol offers the advantage of being able to completely extract even complex audit reports from the master system (which are designed to manage the accounting data of the transactions), a function not always possible directly from the vending machine, designed to dispense products.

The hybrid protocols of the years 2000

At the beginning of the new century, compromise solutions are born between the two protocols. This time the master (cashless system or changegiver) connects in Executive to the vending machine and in MDB to the other peripherals.

This type of architecture combines the advantages of the two protocols: the completeness of information management of EXE and the cost-effectiveness and modularity of MDB.

Its diffusion in countries that previously used purely EXE, has allowed the operators to broaden the range of their offer and has allowed them to choose to connect the individual peripherals based on criteria of convenience between price and performance.

An alternative protocol: a master system as a central unit between the VM and the payment systems

The most common problems for vending machine operators are theft and vandalism.
In these cases, usually, the thieves attack the coin mechanism.
In cases where the coin mechanism is equipped with a master in EXE protocol, not only are the accounting data also lost, but it will be necessary to report to the Revenue Agency which will have to authorize the replacement with a new master, with consequent blocking of the work. and loss of income.

By separating the central unit from the coin mechanism, however, the damage will be limited to the loss of the collection present in the coin mechanism and the value of the device to be replaced.

This is what happens, for example, with our Caiman system.

We advice, the choice is yours

As always, the choice of the best protocol will be conditioned by the business context, by the related constraints (for example the legislative ones, different for each country) and by the operator’s objectives.

Case-by-case evaluation and possible intelligent integration of protocols is the most cost-effective solution.
This is what we mean when we declare that we are a “safe guide in vending”: the experience gained over the years and our natural tendency to adapt products and services to the specific needs of companies makes us, first and foremost, consultants.

Our experts are therefore at your disposal for any doubt, information or comparison.

The post Protocols for vending machines appeared first on Paytec.