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tamper-proof revenue tracking system. The new configuration of the system relies on infrared (IR) technology to transfer data from bulkheads in the field to a standard personal digital assistant (or PDA). That information can then be used to generate location receipts, or it can be downloaded into a desktop unit for bookkeeping and analysis functions or transmitted over the Internet for near real-time route tracking.
The new system relies on a small unit embedded into the coin mech at the manufacturer, which records and stores each transaction. The battery-powered unit, according to company officials, has a lifetime of approximately seven years or 25,000 vends. Easy to use, route personnel simply query each bulkhead with a standard PDA loaded with “Smartmech” software when making a service call. The encrypted data then flows via IR from the machine to the PDA where it is decrypted and stored.
The new system is available for use on all standard bulkheads as well as flat vend units, cranes, pool tables and kiddie rides. Designed to provide an accurate accounting of each transaction, the new system will assist operators in minimizing or eliminating merchandise loss due to theft, maintaining streamlined inventory controls, assisting in route evaluation and providing a high level of accountability for location management.
For additional information on “Smartmech,” contact the company at tel. (866) 763-8632 or visit smartmech.com. | 
