The term telemetry and telemetry systems is appearing more and more in the description of services for many industries, including the vending industry. But what exactly is telemetry, what is its underlying phenomenon and what is the significance of telemetry systems?
What is telemetry?
Telemetry consists in collecting various types of measurements, as well as recording data from distant points and transmitting them to a single location, i.e. to a telemetry system. Thanks to telemetry, information from many places, often located at great distances or inaccessible, is controlled and analysed automatically in a single IT system. Fast access to data allows monitoring and analysis of results, e.g. sales, which translates into better understanding of the monitored information.
The concept and term telemetry has been around for many years. The term itself comes from Greek and literally means the remote transmission of measurement data - tele means remote and metron means measure. Telemetry is a branch of telecommunications widely used in industries such as healthcare, finance and aeronautics or transport.
How is the data transmitted?
Telemetry data can be transmitted to a telemetry system in many ways. The most common are GSM communication, radio, infrared, ultrasound or satellites. The method of communication, however, depends on the type of data to be transmitted and the capabilities of the telemetry device.
In the case of telemetry VendingMetrics the telemetry device (MetricsBox) collects data automatically. This includes information on e.g. transactions with all details such as product name, price or time of purchase. The MetricsBox also monitors the activity of the vending machine and checks if the machine is operating correctly. The device takes all the data from the machine in real time and then processes it and transmits it to the telemetry system. This data transfer works thanks to the SIM card in the machine - it provides GSM connectivity between the telemetry device and the system.
This type of connection provides continuous access to information. With this connection, the telemetry system receives and updates information in real time, and in case of failure, MetricsBox stores the collected data offline. Telemetry therefore provides uninterrupted and secure access to data from multiple locations.
Telemetry system features
The telemetry system collects transmitted information, e.g. about transactions, products or machine status, and displays it in an accessible form. That form of data presentation is crucial in systems designed for monitoring. Data should be presented in a clear and accessible way because only then the recipient can quickly check the performance of the connected devices and verify the results of the analysed information. Even very complex data analysed by a telemetry system can be easily understood, which significantly facilitates everyday operations.
What other options does the telemetry system offer?
- allows monitoring connected devices in a remote form, without having to check them in person at the location
- analyse the data and present the results in an accessible form for the user
- shows the most important information on the system dashboard so it can be checked with just a glance
- updates data in real-time, online, so we know what's happening in connected devices right away
- pshows the status of connected devices in one place, so we don't have to leave our home or office to check their performance
- notifies us of failures or downtimes
Telemetry systems greatly facilitate the work with devices located at different sites. They help save time and money, allowing us to focus on other aspects of work, e.g. implementation of the system analysis results.
Telemetry for vending
Vending machine management systems are a great example of how telemetry works. Communication between the vending machine and the telemetry system, accessible from a phone or computer, increases the possibilities for vending operators. The key features and benefits that the VendingMetrics telemetry system offers to vending operators are:
- the ability to add credit remotely, e.g. when a product gets blocked in the vending machine
- the system creates and constantly updates a list of missing products in the vending machine, which makes the suppliers' work much easier and faster
- sales reports show which products are selling best and which are selling worst. Thanks to trend analysis you will decide faster to change the product, which will have a positive impact on sales results
- remote control of the number of coins in the coin mechanism
- quick problem detection in the vending machine and troubleshooting
- easy installation of telemetry devices and their transferability to other machines
- possible additional integrations with other devices or softwares
Real-time monitoring saves time on daily drives to the vending machines, optimises deliveries with an accurate list of missing products and increases profits with sales reports. Check more options at https://vendingmetrics.com/ or contact us at [email protected].
