Connected machines can help operators manage payments, telemetry, stock, routes, and service more efficiently. But before making decisions, operators need clear answers: what works with their machines, what hardware is needed, what data they can see, and how the setup fits their daily operations.

At Venditalia 2026, these were exactly the questions many operators brought to the Coges stand. We collected the most common ones and answered them here — as a recap for those who visited us, and as a practical overview for those who could not attend.

FAQ: operator questions answered

Hardware and connectivity

Do Coges solutions work with machines from different manufacturers?

Yes. Coges solutions are designed to work with different vending and coffee machine types.This includes IoT connectivity, payment systems, closed-loop payments, and loyalty tools. Compatibility depends on the machine model, communication protocol, and installed hardware.

Can older or legacy machines be connected?

In many cases, yes. Older machines can often be connected, but the available data may be more limited. The final setup depends on what the machine can technically provide.

Does connectivity require additional hardware?

Yes. An IoT device is required to collect data from the machine. The exact hardware depends on the machine type, protocol, and the features the operator wants to use.

Can I test the solution before a full rollout?

Yes. A pilot or test setup can usually be arranged.

Card payments

Does Coges offer card payment solutions?

Yes. Coges offers card payment solutions for vending and coffee machines.Depending on the setup, operators can choose from tap-to-pay and PIN-on-screen card readers.

Can card payments work without additional hardware?

Generally, card payments require payment hardware. However, with the Q5000 MDB version, it is possible to connect directly to the vending machine through the MDB protocol without extra hardware or additional payment systems.

Does the QPAY PIN-on-screen device work outside Europe?

No. QPAY is currently available in Europe.

Does QPAY support closed-loop wallets and local payment methods such as Satispay?

QPAY supports different payment options depending on the market and integration setup, including Satispay. Availability of other specific methods, such as closed-loop wallets, should be confirmed case by case.

Cash systems

Does Coges also offer cash payment solutions?

Yes. Coges has long experience in cash payment systems, including coin changers, coin validators, and bill readers. These systems can be part of a wider payment setup together with cashless and telemetry solutions.

Elysium

What is Elysium?

Elysium is a smart 3-in-1 interactive screen for vending machines. It replaces the front panel of the current vending machine and turns it into an interactive point of sale. It integrates a touchscreen, telemetry, payment system, and engagement tools.

Which machines is Elysium compatible with?

Compatibility depends on the machine model, screen setup, cabinet space, and technical configuration. The specific machine model should be checked before confirming installation.

Can Elysium be installed on legacy machines?

Yes. Elysium can support the modernization of existing machines. However, compatibility must be verified based on the machine structure and technical setup.

Why is Elysium useful for operators?

Elysium helps operators update the machine interface without replacing the entire machine.It supports clearer product communication, interactive content, and a more modern user experience at the point of sale.

SmartLink

What is SmartLink?

SmartLink is a vending communication protocol developed by the European Vending Association together with the OPC Foundation. It is based on OPC UA technology and connected to the specification known as “Unattended Retail – Core Components.”

In simple terms, SmartLink gives the vending industry a common communication language.

Why is SmartLink important?

Operators often work with different machines, suppliers, payment systems, and software platforms. SmartLink helps reduce integration complexity and supports better communication between different parts of a connected setup. Read more.

Is SmartLink already an industry standard?

SmartLink was officially launched at Venditalia 2026 as a new communication standard for vending, coffee, and unattended retail systems. It is still in a development and adoption phase. The goal is for payment system and vending machine manufacturers to adopt it in the coming years, creating a common direction for machine connectivity and integration.

Vendon Cloud

What is Vendon Cloud?

Vendon Cloud is a cloud platform for managing connected vending and coffee machines. It helps operators monitor sales, payments, stock, machine status, routes, reports, and locations remotely from one system.

Is Vendon Cloud suitable only for vending machines?

No. Vendon Cloud supports both vending and coffee machines.

What kind of data can I see in Vendon Cloud?

Operators can view sales, payment data, machine status, stock information, technical events, reports, maps, and route planning information.The available data depends on the machine, hardware, and protocol.

Can I send actions to the machine from Vendon Cloud?

Depending on the setup, yes. Operators may be able to manage actions such as refunds, price scheduling, remote firmware updates, configuration changes, or other machine-level commands directly from Vendon Cloud.

Can route planning be connected with our own warehouse or business system?

Yes. This may be possible through API or system integrations. The setup depends on the external system and the required data exchange.

Does Vendon Cloud have an API?

Yes. API options are available for integrations with external systems such as POS, ERP, warehouse, or business intelligence tools.

How is Vendon Cloud different from competitors?

Many providers offer similar features, but operators often still manage them in separate systems. Vendon Cloud connects vending and coffee machine data, payments, refunds, loyalty, reports, and route planning in one platform. This helps teams work with less complexity and less time lost between systems.

Want to know what fits your machines?

Every fleet is different. If you have questions about compatibility, payments, telemetry, Elysium, SmartLink, or Vendon Cloud, contact Coges and our team will help you understand the right setup for your machines and business needs.