Vending at a crossroads: invest in telemetry or get left behind
12 Feb
2025

Mr. Günter Maas, Country Manager D/A/CH for Vendon and Coges (Azkoyen Payment Group), has shared his assessment of the vending industry with Vending Report. His conclusion is clear: those who invest in the right vending technologies will not only increase their revenue but also significantly reduce their operating costs. The message is simple—seize opportunities now and benefit in the long term.

While it may sound like an overused phrase—Friedrich Schiller said it over 200 years ago—it is more relevant than ever: Those who do not keep up with the times will be left behind.

The vending industry at a turning point

The vending machine industry is at a crucial juncture. While some companies are still struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic, others are discovering new opportunities through technological innovations and smart investments. But which strategies are truly worthwhile right now?

Classifying the fragmented German vending market is a challenge in itself. Broadly speaking, the market can be divided into three groups. Operators with an aging machine base are often still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, raising the critical question of whether they should invest in new vending machines, cashless payment systems, telemetry, or all of these at once—despite potential staff shortages. In contrast, newcomers adopt the latest vending technology from the outset but face market saturation. The traditional operator group, which has consistently embraced smart vending solutions, is well-positioned and should stay on this path.

Why telemetry is no longer optional

One thing is certain: technological progress has transformed the vending industry. Any company that has not yet invested in vending telemetry should do so urgently. Real-time telemetry enables precise analysis of vending machines, consumer behavior, and product assortment, making route planning more efficient and reducing operational costs. At the same time, it allows businesses to identify new growth opportunities more effectively.

For those who still believe they can continue to ignore smart vending telemetry, the reality is clear: invest in bill acceptors for at least 30% of your machine base. There is no faster or easier way to achieve an ROI of up to 15% on total revenue.

The ROI of telemetry in vending operations

When it comes to long-term competitiveness, vending telemetry is the key to success. Businesses that continue relying on traditional methods risk losing ground. The case of Der Kaffeemax, which reduced operational costs by over 30% through the use of vending telemetry, is a prime example of how IoT-driven vending solutions can drive efficiency and profitability. The capital saved can be strategically reinvested into cashless payment solutions, interactive vending screens, or advanced vending management tools.

The future of vending: smart, digital, and profitable

The vending industry has undergone a massive transformation in recent years and is now technologically on par with other sectors. Data-driven vending solutions powered by IoT connectivity are no longer optional but essential for sustainable growth. Those who invest and embrace digitalization will maintain their competitive edge. Those who don’t will struggle to keep up.

The choice is clear: adapt and grow or get left behind.

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How Our Cloud Development Team Thrives Across Borders
06 Feb
2025

Innovation Knows No Boundaries

Cloud development isn’t just about writing code—it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. At Coges and Vendon, our cloud development team works from different corners of Europe—Italy, Latvia, and Spain—yet they operate as a single, unified force. While they might not share the same office space, they share the same mission: building the future of vending and payment technology.

The Challenge: Distance vs. Teamwork

How do you keep a team motivated, aligned, and connected when they don’t see each other every day? For our cloud developers, the answer is simple: through trust, communication, and shared goals. Whether it’s brainstorming solutions over video calls, debugging together in real-time, or celebrating each milestone, our team proves that collaboration isn’t about proximity—it’s about mindset.

From Virtual to Reality: A Team-Building Event to Remember

While digital collaboration is seamless, nothing beats meeting in person. That’s why we recently brought our cloud development team together for a team-building event, giving them the chance to step away from their screens and strengthen their personal connections.

From technical discussions to fun activities, the event was a perfect reminder that behind every great line of code is a great team. Ideas were exchanged, friendships were strengthened, and most importantly, everyone left feeling even more inspired to keep innovating.

Why This Matters

💡 Better Collaboration → Stronger relationships mean even smoother teamwork across borders.

🚀 More Innovation → Bringing different perspectives together leads to more creative solutions.

🤝 Stronger Culture → A connected team isn’t just productive—it’s motivated and engaged.

Looking Ahead

As we continue advancing vending and payment technology with smarter solutions, one thing remains clear: no matter where we are, we’re always working together. Because great technology isn’t just built with code—it’s built with collaboration.

👉 Want to be part of an innovative, globally connected team? Let’s talk!

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Key trends in vending and coffee: what operators need to know
29 Jan
2025

A steady evolution

The vending and coffee industries, much like other sectors, continue to evolve at a steady pace. These changes aren’t dramatic but are shaped by gradual shifts in customer expectations, technological progress, and the need for operators to optimize their business. At Coges, with nearly five decades of experience, we’ve seen these evolutions firsthand. By staying connected with our customers and understanding their day-to-day challenges, we’ve developed a grounded perspective on the current trends and the practical solutions that can help operators thrive.

What’s behind these changes

The forces driving change in vending and coffee aren’t revolutionary but are rooted in familiar challenges: managing costs, meeting customer demands, and staying competitive. Many operators are focusing on extending the life of their current machines rather than investing in new ones, finding smarter ways to enhance what they already have. Customer preferences are also shifting toward higher quality, convenience, and sustainability. Meanwhile, operational efficiency is becoming more critical as businesses look to reduce expenses and streamline processes. These drivers are neither new nor surprising—they’re natural responses to an industry adapting to economic realities and evolving consumer needs.

The practical trends operators need to know

One significant trend is the focus on upgrading rather than replacing machines. Operators are refurbishing their vending equipment with IoT features and interactive screens to modernize their fleets cost-effectively. This allows them to stay competitive while enhancing the customer experience. Another trend is the growing demand for premium coffee and fresh, healthy vending options. Consumers value quality more than ever, and tools like telemetry make it easier to maintain high standards by tracking cleaning schedules, monitoring stock, and optimizing product offerings. Sustainability is another area where operators are making strides. By leveraging IoT technology, they can reduce energy use, minimize waste, and operate more efficiently, meeting both environmental goals and customer expectations.

Looking ahead with realistic solutions

The changes in the vending and coffee industries may not be groundbreaking, but they are meaningful. Operators are finding smarter, more efficient ways to adapt, and at Coges, we’re proud to play a role in supporting that evolution. As Daniele Ioriatti, Head of Sales at Coges, explains, “Our goal has always been to provide practical solutions that help operators run their businesses effectively, without overcomplicating things.” By focusing on thoughtful upgrades, operational efficiency, and sustainability, the industry is moving forward in a way that benefits everyone—from operators to their customers. At Coges, we’ll continue to listen, adapt, and provide tools that make this progress possible.

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Coges change-giver coin mechanisms: advanced solutions for vending
17 Jan
2025

Coges offers three innovative change-giver coin mechanisms designed to meet the different needs of the vending industry. Sofis, Hexis and Unica represent the best of Coges’ experience, combining precision, flexibility and cutting-edge technologies. Discover their main features and the advantages offered by each:

 

Sofis: Essential, precise and flexible

Discover Sofis

Sofis coin mechanism is the ideal solution for those looking for a functional and reliable MDB payment system for any vending machine.

  • Optimal precision: Over 96% acceptance at first insertion thanks to the new coin recognition module.
  • Flexibility: Customizable configuration of the tube group to adapt to any location.
  • Simple maintenance: Designed for easy management and continuity of service.
  • Ease of use: Programming and firmware update via USB port.

Sofis is perfect for those looking for an essential but high-performance device, suitable for all daily vending management needs.

 

Hexis: Advanced technology and integrated cashless solutions

Discover Hexis

Hexis coin mechanism represents a step forward in vending innovation, combining cash payment and integrated cashless solutions.

  • Multi-frequency technology: Advanced coin recognition system that analyses over 200 parameters to guarantee maximum precision and security against counterfeits.
  • Cashless Compatibility: Supports MyKey, MIFARE and Pay4Vend app, can be connected to a credit card reader to offer a complete and versatile payment experience.
  • Advanced data management: Integrated accounting detection and the possibility of downloading data via USB for detailed analysis.
  • Remote connection: Optional support for 4G modules for connection to the Nebular system, ensuring remote monitoring and control.

Hexis is the ideal solution for those who want to combine flexibility, security and technological innovation, with an eye on the future of vending management.

 

Unica: Precision and control for advanced management

Discover Unica

Unica coin mechanism is designed to increase vending machine revenues thanks to its high-precision technology and integrated cashless system.

  • Real-time reading: It accurately monitors the number of coins in the tubes, reporting any inconsistencies.
  • Cashless Compatibility: Supports MyKey, MIFARE, LEGIC and Pay4Vend app, can be connected to a credit card reader to offer a complete and versatile payment experience.
  • Color graphic display: Allows you to view operating data and tube content clearly and immediately.
  • Complete data collection: Includes the details of sales, coins in the cash box and in the tubes, with simple export via USB.
  • Global connection: Compatible with Nebular via optional 4G module for remote monitoring and bidirectional control from management software or web portal.

Unica is the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in control and international compatibility, thanks to support for currencies other than the Euro.

 

Three solutions, one goal: innovate vending

Whether you are looking for an essential and reliable system like Sofis, an advanced technological solution like Hexis, or precision management and global connectivity like Unica, Coges has the right answer for every need.

Choose the coin mechanism that best suits your business and discover how Coges solutions can improve the efficiency and performance of your vending machines.

For more information contact the sales representative in your area!

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Christmas holidays 2024
13 Dec
2024

We would like to inform you that Coges will be closed during Christmas holidays from the 20th December 2024 till the 6th of January 2025 included.

For any technical urgency you can always send an email to technical.support@coges.eu or call:

  • Giulio Slanzi (dial +39 3423418894) available on the following days: 23th and 27th December
  • Marta Leonardi (dial +39 3481514520) available on the day 30 December
  • Michele Gardellin (dial +39 3484696082) available from the following days: 2th and 3th January
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Qpay terminal: the answer to 3 big problems facing vending operators
11 Dec
2024

Coges, a trusted partner in payment solutions for the vending and retail industries, in partnership with WiPay, proudly announces the launch of its new Qpay terminal. Designed to address the specific challenges faced by vending operators, this advanced payment solution promises to simplify operations, enhance security, and improve customer satisfaction. With over 40 years of experience in providing payment systems, Coges continues to innovate with Qpay, a versatile terminal that is ready to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing vending landscape.

Minimizing Downtime and System Failures

For vending operators, every minute a machine is out of order due to payment system malfunctions translates to lost sales and dissatisfied customers. Traditional vending machines, particularly those with external keypads and card readers, are often prone to mechanical failures. These disruptions lead to costly repairs and service calls.

Qpay tackles this issue head-on with its PIN-on-screen feature, removing the need for external keypads, which are more susceptible to wear and tear. Additionally, the terminal’s contactless technology reduces the risk of failure associated with traditional card insertion systems. These features ensure a smooth, uninterrupted payment experience for customers, reducing downtime and maintenance costs for operators.

“We understand how critical reliable payment systems are for vending operators, so we partnered with Wipay to bring the Qpay terminal into our lineup. By integrating this PIN-on-screen technology with our own systems, we’re making it easy for operators to access a dependable, modern payment solution directly through us, helping them reduce downtime and keep their machines running smoothly.” explains Stefano Bertoldo, product marketing manager at Coges.

Advanced Data Collection and Management

Beyond payment processing, Qpay offers advanced data management features that are invaluable to vending operators. Many operators struggle with collecting and analyzing transaction data, which is crucial for optimizing machine performance, stocking, and overall business strategy.

Qpay integrates seamlessly with Coges’ MyKey system, enabling real-time monitoring of sales data, transaction histories, and customer preferences. This consolidated view of vending operations allows operators to make informed decisions, improve inventory management, and better tailor product offerings to consumer demand. Additionally, the secure integration with WiPay ensures all transactions are monitored and tracked, enhancing the transparency of financial reporting.

“Operators need more than just a payment system—they need insights into their business performance. Qpay delivers real-time data that helps operators stay on top of their sales, inventory, and customer trends, ultimately improving profitability.” explains Stefano.

Enhanced Security for High-Risk Environments

Security is always a top concern for vending machine operators, particularly those in high-traffic or high-risk environments. Vending machines that hold significant amounts of cash are prime targets for theft and vandalism. Traditional payment terminals with external card readers are also vulnerable to tampering and fraud.

Qpay offers superior security features, including secure, encrypted communication with bank servers for every transaction. The PIN-on-screen feature helps to protect against skimming devices, and for more demanding locations, Coges is also developing a vandal-proof version (Q6000) of the terminal. These features make Qpay the best option for operators looking to protect their assets and provide a secure, trustworthy experience for customers.

Conclusion

The Qpay terminal is more than just a payment processing device—it is a comprehensive solution that solves some of the most significant challenges facing vending operators today. By addressing cash management risks, minimizing system malfunctions, improving data collection, and enhancing security, Qpay represents a new standard in vending machine payment technology. As the vending industry continues to evolve, Qpay ensures that operators can stay competitive, efficient, and secure.

For more information about Qpay, please contact our sales team.

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Join Our Webinar: “Connecting the dots: IoT in vending and coffee for 2025”
02 Dec
2024

What’s driving change in the vending and coffee industries? Join experts from Vendon and Coges for an exclusive webinar exploring the IoT connectivity and innovative payment technologies shaping the future of these sectors.

During the webinar, we’ll cover key topics essential for your business, including:

  • Emerging trends and forecasts for 2025, with insights into the key factors driving transformation in the industry
  • Advanced telemetry features, designed to optimize operational control and management
  • Real data from our cloud platform and practical case studies, showing how our clients are leveraging these technologies to boost efficiency and profitability

Whether you’re a vending operator, coffee service provider, or equipment manufacturer, this webinar is tailored to provide you with practical tools and innovative ideas to navigate the next phase of technological evolution.

📅 The webinar will be held on Thursday 12 December at 2.00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into cutting-edge solutions and learn how to apply them to your business.

Register now and get ready to embrace the future of vending and coffee!

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“Engine Connect is the brains of our vending machines !” says D8
21 Nov
2024

For over 20 years, D8 and Coges have worked hand in hand to push the boundaries of vending payment systems. What started as a simple integration of key-based payments alongside cash has grown into something much more sophisticated. Thanks to Coges’ solutions and their Engine Connect IoT device, D8 now boasts a fully integrated payment and telemetry system.

Facing challenges before telemetry

Can you walk us through some of the main challenges you had with managing your vending machines before telemetry? Were there specific pain points around monitoring, inventory, or maintenance?

“Managing our vending machines was tough before telemetry,” shares Bertrand Korwin, Back Office Manager. “The pandemic hit us hard, and with raw material costs rising, it became obvious we needed to be more agile. Telemetry was a game-changer. It let us roll out pricing campaigns quickly and efficiently, without all the logistical headaches or needing technicians on-site. Now, we can tweak prices remotely for each machine with just a click.”

In just two years, we’ve upgraded over half our fleet with telemetry and connected everything to our ERP. This gives us real-time visibility into sales, helping us better understand what our customers want. Plus, we can spot technical issues before they become problems, monitoring Engine performance remotely, which means we can support our technicians better, cut down on intervention times, and avoid unnecessary trips.

The Nebular management program has been a lifesaver too—its simplicity and clarity make it easy for new team members to get up to speed quickly while helping us stay on top of everything across our network of vending machines.

Innovation and efficiency through collaboration

How has working with Coges helped in terms of innovation and efficiency?

“Working with Coges has completely changed how we think about monitoring and maintaining our machines,” says Benjamin Pradolin, Head of Payment Solutions at D8. “We can now keep an eye on each system remotely, which is a huge step forward for our payment services. With over-the-air updates, we can roll out the latest Coges software across our entire fleet in just a few hours. No more manual updates, which saves us so much time.”

Being able to manage everything from one place—whether it’s issuing free credits, blacklisting, or setting operating hours—has made us much more efficient. “A few years ago, this would’ve sounded like science fiction. Today, it’s our everyday reality, and it’s turned our support team into a proactive, strategic asset,” Pradolin adds with a smile.

Making a difference with telemetry

How has Coges’ telemetry made a difference for D8? Can you highlight any specific areas?

“Our partnership with Coges has been a journey. We’ve watched their products evolve from simple key readers to sophisticated payment and telemetry solutions,” says Bertrand Korwin. “They’ve supported us every step of the way, helping us transition smoothly from key-based payments to apps, credit cards, and now telemetry. We couldn’t have made that leap without their solid technical support.”

Unexpected benefits and synergies

What benefits have come from this collaboration? Any surprises along the way?

“Over time, the Engine has become more than just a payment system—it’s the brain of our vending machines. It helps us meet customer expectations, manage inventory smartly, anticipate stock shortages, and keep an eye on the technical health of our machines,” Korwin explains.

This technology also boosts our internal operations. Our sales team can adapt strategies to match market trends, and our technical team stays on top of system performance and issues. With real-time inventory management, our operations team can launch super-targeted pricing campaigns that respond to customer needs in the moment.

“The potential is huge,” Pradolin adds. “We’re looking forward to integrating Coges cloud platform even more closely with our ERP system. Imagine a world where operators only head out when Coges platform sends an alert, or a technician is automatically dispatched when a fault is detected. That’s the future we’re aiming for.”

Looking ahead, our partnership with Coges is opening up exciting possibilities. We’re gearing up for even more automation to keep things running smoothly and make sure our customers always have the best experience. With Coges by our side, we’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.

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Coges and Vendon at Vendex North
31 Oct
2024

We are thrilled to announce our participation at Vendex North, taking place on November 6th in Leeds (UK)! There we will showcase our innovative telemetry solutions for the vending industry and for coffee machines, as well as our Nebular Pay contactless credit card readers, perfect for vending.

Chris Pyrah, Sales Area Manager for Coges and Vendon in the UK, comments: “The IoT solutions we offer transform the way vending operators operate, allowing them to have complete and real-time control, optimise costs and improve the end-customer experience. Thanks to remote machine monitoring, optimised inventory management and intelligent route planning, these solutions allow operators to streamline business processes, ensuring maximum performance for both vending machines and table-top coffee machines.”

Come and visit us at stand 130 and at the Coffetek stand: our team will be at your disposal to show you all the news and answer all your questions.

Don’t miss it! See you in Leeds!

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Turning downtime into uptime: How Gedac Vending transformed with IoT connectivity from Coges
17 Oct
2024

Meet Gedac Vending, a long-standing vending operator in Italy. Like many in the business, they faced challenges in managing their widely spread vending machine fleet. To improve their operations and keep customers happy, they needed a smart, comprehensive solution—and that’s where Coges, a leader in payment systems and IoT technology for vending and coffee business, stepped in. 

The Challenge: overcoming operational roadblocks 

Before working with Coges, Gedac Vending faced several key issues: 

  • Breakdowns without alerts: Vending machines in public areas often malfunctioned without warning, leading to unreported downtime—and lost sales. 
  • Restocking inefficiencies: Their restocking strategy relied on outdated data, leading to inconsistent stock levels and less-than-optimal machine performance. 
  • Refund frustrations: Without real-time data, processing refunds was slow and inaccurate, negatively affecting customer satisfaction and revenue. 

The Solution: real-time IoT connectivity with Coges 

Enter Coges’ Engine Connect devices—a game-changer for Gedac Vending fleet. By seamlessly integrating these devices into their vending machines, Coges enabled real-time monitoring and management through their cloud platform. And since Gedac Vending was already a long-term customer of Coges, the whole integration process was quick, smooth, and required minimal downtime. 

The Results: boosting efficiency and revenue 

Here’s how things changed for Gedac Vending: 

  • Less downtime, more sales: With real-time alerts, Gedac Vending operations team could fix machines before their breakdowns turned into lost sales—leading to increased revenue. 
  • Optimized restocking: Real-time inventory tracking allowed Gedac Vending to fine-tune their restocking process, ensuring machines were always well-stocked while reducing waste—whether that’s fuel, time, or product. 
  • Streamlined transactions: With real-time sales data, Gedac Vending was able to speed up and improve the accuracy of refunds, making customers happier and operations smoother. 
  • Remote updates: Now, Gedac Vending IT team can update payment systems and firmware remotely, saving time and resources while ensuring their machines are always up to date. 
  • Seamless software integration: Coges’ IoT system integrates effortlessly with Gedac Vending existing software, Vega Digisoft, making it easier for business managers to access data and oversee operations. 
  • Sales insights: Gedac Vending sales team now gets detailed insights into sales, from the time of purchase to the payment method used (whether it’s MyKey, cash, credit card, or mobile app). This helps them tailor their approach to each location, maximizing performance. 

 

A Trusted Partnership 

Throughout their collaboration, Coges provided top-notch customer service, ensuring Gedac Vending could fully leverage their telemetry system without missing a beat. The result? Significant operational improvements and a measurable boost in revenue. 

Conclusion 

For any vending operator, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency are crucial for success. By adopting Coges’ IoT solution, Gedac Vending not only solved their operational challenges but also gained significant improvements in performance and revenue. The real-time data, seamless connectivity, and remote management tools are game changers for anyone managing a fleet of vending machines. If you’re in the vending business and looking to stay competitive, solutions like this are no longer optional—they’re essential. 

  

Ready to revolutionize your operations? Contact Coges today: marketing@coges.eu 

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