How does vending machine telemetry work?
Vending machine telemetry connects a small device to the machine’s MDB (Multi-Drop Bus), listens to every transaction between the controller and its peripherals, and reports that data to the cloud over 4G LTE — typically within two seconds. Operators see sales, cash and stock for their whole fleet in real time, from a desk or phone, instead of driving to each machine. This is the foundation of vending machine remote monitoring and feeds the vending management and inventory-tracking tools operators rely on.
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Background
Most vending machines (manufactured after 2000) are typically equipped with and MDB (Multi-Drop Bus) system. It’s the most common protocol for communication between the vending machine control board and vending machine peripherals. It’s everywhere - it’s on the coin mech, note reader, credit card reader and other devices as well. You can even find it on auto car wash stations or commercial shared laundries sometimes.
This MDB port enables vending machines to be compatible with peripherals of different brands.
Data Gathering
The communication on the MDB port is quite active. Some vending machines will query the peripherals every 100ms, that’s faster than a blink. The Vending on Track telemetry system will listen on this MDB port, keep track of each communication packet, and store the transactions and sales in its internal storage space.
Data Aggregation and Transport
After saving the useful information locally on the device’s internal storage, the telemetry device will upload the information to the cloud server using 4G LTE network in the next available time slot (typically less than 2 seconds).
Data Processing and analyzing
Having received the uploaded data, the Vending on Track app server will process the data stream, and based on historical data and previous sessions, it could generate
- sales reports
- coil inventory stats
Whenever there is a critical event happening, the Vending on Track server will notify corresponding stakeholder using email or SMS.
To learn more, read our complete guide to vending machine remote monitoring or see how telemetry powers inventory tracking.
Are you looking for fix for “Telemetry in Progress”? Follow this link