An operations guide to shrink mitigation in unattended retail

by Ben Wheeler — Dir. of Business Dev. - Automated Retail, T-ROC

Unattended retail offers customers speed, convenience, and around-the-clock access. For operators, it can open new revenue channels while reducing the need for…

Studies examine biometric kiosk adoption, predictive vending maintenance

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Two academic studies examine what it takes to make unattended systems more useful to passengers and more reliable for operators.

Studies examine how self-service technology can expand health care access

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

This edition of our academic research roundup looks at two studies exploring how kiosks and vending machines could remove barriers to care in very different…

Modern vending: Factory-built, field-tested

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

Behind great vending customer experiences lies a collaborative design process involving cabinet manufacturers, payment providers and software developers. In…

What 2 studies reveal about self-service success

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Two academic studies suggest the most effective self-service deployments balance automation with accessibility and user-centered design. Although the research…

Research shows healthcare kiosks are growing smarter — and more human

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Four published academic studies suggest kiosk and vending technologies are becoming more intelligent, more accessible and more responsive to community needs.

What the latest academic research says about kiosks and vending machines

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

Three recent studies examine topics ranging from customer acceptance of self-service kiosks to AI-powered healthcare kiosks and the growing role of vending…

The true cost of vending: Why zero cost Is not too good to be true

by Dave Berman — Co-Founder & Director, VendEase

Modern vending should not be something a client has to nurse along. It should be a managed service that quietly does its job: stocked, monitored, maintained…

The location isn't the product. The workforce is

by Vivian Chan — Owner, Lumi Vending

Most vending operators evaluate a location the same way a real estate agent evaluates a building: square footage, foot traffic count and lease terms. I used to…

Predictive vending: Why telemetry Is changing the way we think about service

by Dave Berman — Co-Founder & Director, VendEase

The most important change in the vending industry is not simply contactless payment, better screens, or smarter-looking machines. It is visibility. We can now…

Modern vending's smart alternatives

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

Modern vending is expanding, bringing new opportunities for consumers, business owners, operators and investors alike. Successful operators are combining…

Secure your automated retail future

by Robert Holley — Head of Channel, New Routes to Market, Aeris

True operational resilience requires a strategy that treats cellular connectivity as a core part of the enterprise network. This involves moving toward…

Why legacy vending machines still have untapped value in 2026

Legacy vending machines are quietly being re-evaluated, not as outdated assets, but as infrastructure with untapped potential.

Foot Traffic Lies. Here Is What Actually Makes a Vending Location Work

by Jose Perez — CEO, VMFS USA

Understanding the difference between people walking past and people who will actually buy is the single most important skill to have in the vending business.

Office comeback? What return-to-work means for vending sales

by Richard Slawsky — Editor, Connect Media

The return to office work is helping the vending industry recover from the steep losses it suffered during the pandemic, but the rebound remains uneven.

Modern vending, where smart investment meets smart design

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

In today’s vending landscape, success depends on the alignment of smart investment and well-designed technology, a winning combination for strong performance…

Foodture: A new category of retail-ready meals

Unattended retail already has fun, but they were not designed for today's consumer who desire consistency, cravability, and performance. Foodture was built to…

Presented by Foodture

Classic vending: Built to last, designed to evolve

by Dale Laszig — Founder, DSL Direct LLC

Smart technology has transformed vending from a single-product transaction into a more flexible retail experience.

How smart coolers can power up vending kiosks

Smart coolers are becoming a strong option for vending kiosks and modern retail.

From vending machines to autonomous retail: The evolution of grab and go shopping

Customers want physical shopping to feel as quick and simple as online purchasing. The demand has led to the rise of autonomous retail — stores where customers…