Most vending operators don’t spend much time thinking about communication protocols. Until they have to connect a machine from one supplier, a payment system from another, a telemetry platform from a third, and business software from somewhere else.
Then communication standards suddenly become very important.


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The hidden challenge behind connected vending
The vending industry has become increasingly connected over the last decade.

Telemetry platforms provide real-time machine data. Cashless payment systems have become standard. Interactive screens, age-verification systems, loyalty solutions, and cloud services continue to expand what machines can do. But there is a downside to this expanding technology landscape.

Many of these technologies were developed independently and often communicate using different standards and interfaces. As a result, integrations can become more complicated, technology choices can become restricted, and introducing new services may require significant effort.
For operators managing mixed fleets, this complexity is a familiar reality.


Why is the industry introducing SmartLink?
To address this challenge, the European Vending & Coffee Service Association (EVA), together with the OPC Foundation and industry stakeholders, has developed SmartLink.

The goal is straightforward: Make it easier for machines, payment systems, peripherals, telemetry platforms, and business software to exchange information using a common communication framework.

Rather than creating another isolated technology, SmartLink aims to provide a shared foundation that can support interoperability across the vending ecosystem.
For operators, the long-term objective is greater flexibility – when choosing equipment, when introducing new technologies and also when integrating solutions from different suppliers.


Why does this matter now?
SmartLink is in the late stages of development, just been tested by Coges and EVA at this years Venditalia. Adoption is in the near future. That is exactly why now is the right time to understand it.

The decisions manufacturers, payment providers, telemetry companies, and software developers make over the next few years will influence how the technology landscape evolves. Operators who understand the direction of the industry early will be better positioned to evaluate future investments and technology choices.

The question is no longer whether vending will become more connected. It’s how the industry will manage that connectivity?


Join the discussion
To help operators understand the opportunities and challenges behind SmartLink, Coges, Engeltec and EVA are hosting a live webinar featuring experts directly involved in the initiative.

The session will include:
– Why the industry decided to create SmartLink
– The practical challenges it aims to solve
– What SmartLink means for operators in technical aspects
– A dedicated live Q&A session

A full 30 minutes of the webinar will be reserved for audience questions, giving participants the opportunity to discuss SmartLink directly experts involved in its development.


Event Details
📅 17 June 2026
🕑 14:00 CEST
🌐 Online via Microsoft Teams

Speakers
Erwin Wetzel – Director General, EVA
Matteo Pegoraro – R&D, Coges and SmartLink working group contributor
Robert Fritzsch – Technical Specialist for Payment Systems & Telemetry, ENGELTEC GmbH & Co. KG
Moderator: Daniele Ioriatti – Head of Global Sales, Coges


If you would like to understand where connected vending is heading and ask your questions directly to the experts involved in SmartLink, register for the webinar today.


Register and ask your question!