Technology evolves. Purchasing drinks started from as simple as giving cash to a seller going to a process of slipping coins to a vending machine. Moving forward, PepsiCo introduces its “social vending system”, an advanced networked unit that is considered to be a modern approach for interactive vending technology.
Social Vending System features a full touch screen function that enables customers to purchase a drink that can also become a thoughtful way of giving a thirst-quencher to someone. User interface and design have been created with PepsiCo’s partnership with Milwaukee-based DCI Marketing and Protagonist that is sited in Venice Beach, California.
The networked machine will work when users enter the recipient’s name, mobile number along with a personalized text message. After customers input the data, a code will then be generated together with instructions in order to claim the product to another social vending machine.
To make the gift appear to be more personalized, an option is presented where the gift can come with a short recorded video handled by the social vending system itself.
In this case, users of the Social Vending System are permitted to let them purchase a drink for a complete stranger. PepsiCo termed such process to be a “Random Acts of Refreshment.”
PepsiCo Foodservice Chief Innovation Officer, Mr Mikel Durham introduces the machine which aims “to transform a basic transaction into a unique experience”.
This invention focuses on a gift-sharing function known as one of the social elements. Since modern people are now equipped with mobile phones and they tend to be more acquainted with various social media sites, the company also innovates equipment that fits with the trend of their customers.
On the other hand, a concern was brought up regarding the privacy of the customer’s information. But the company (–foul word(s) removed–)ures that privacy issues will be tackled under the terms and conditions that they will impose. The company declares that the customers’ email addresses and phone numbers will not be stored unless permissions are given. It was noted that “PepsiCo also does not share contact information” with their company partners.
There is an ongoing development that is handled with the arrival of the computerized social vending machines. In this way, people will continue to embrace a socially centred technology as they do their daily habits.