Most people picture a vending machine when they think of an at-work snack and drink solution. Indeed, it is a well-loved Seattle break room technology, but it’s not the only kind. New equipment and updated practices have transformed the break space, and our service, in the last few decades. They have pushed the boundaries on what we can do, and how we will be able to serve our clients in the future.
Vending Machine Updates
New options with the latest Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue vending machines offer a better experience. It’s easier to interact with the machine and payment is seamless. Here’s what’s new:
Screens: A Winning Break Room Technology
Vending has come a long way from mechanical bottle dispensers. Many machines have screens that show pricing and the selection number so you always get what you want. Some even have full-color screens near the keypad. These can give Tacoma employees snack ideas or show them the sale price of their favorite item. That delivers better value to your team.
It’s possible to view nutritional information on one of these screens, too. Staff can then make informed snack decisions, before buying. They see which items are healthy choices that will keep them fit and performing their best.
Payment Systems That Take More
Most vending machines now take cashless payments. That can be a credit or debit card. It can also mean paying from a mobile wallet. This is a great convenience to employees. No matter if they have cash, a card, or just their phone, they can buy the snack or cold drink they need.
Micro Market Break Room Technology
Micro markets are a great example of how we are seeing break room technology evolve. Staff love these open-concept refreshment service solutions. The Bellevue micro market self-checkout is a big part of its success. There are new innovations in this space, too, which expand where micro markets can be placed.
Self-Checkout Boosts Possibilities
The dream was to have an unattended mini-store in the office for employee satisfaction. There would be room for more snacks, beverages, and fresh food than fit inside a vending machine, offering variety. The result was the micro market. Much of its value comes down to the self-checkout kiosk, which offers lots of benefits. Employees can scan and pay for their own items. That allows the market to always be open with no need for a cashier.
The kiosk is interactive as well. The latest promotions offer staff the chance to try something new or save money. Users can have a micro market account and add money at the kiosk. They can use this account to pay, giving more flexibility when buying products.
A self-checkout also gives the service provider real-time information about the market from miles away. We know what’s been sold and what needs to be stocked. That lets us deliver the best service without wasting resources.
Micro markets are so successful, that they are being put outside the office. In some areas, micro markets are going into hotel lobbies and apartment complexes.
Smart Coolers are the Best of Markets and Vending in One
The newest evolution is a cross of the vending machine and the micro market. There are different kinds, but most look like a glass-front vending machine. The latest snack and drink products are inside. To use it, you swipe your credit card at the digital screen, or device, on the outside of the smart cooler, which causes it to unlock. Some models can even read a person’s face.
When the door is open, shoppers browse options, read labels, and decide what they want. It’s easy to put items back and choose something else. Once the door closes, a timer starts so you can still change your mind. When the transaction timer ends, the items’ prices are charged to the card swiped. It’s seamless and secure. This solution can bring refreshments and essentials to more than just offices. Items such as gallons of milk, earplugs, or technology could be placed inside.
A Coffee Brewer Revolution
In its day, the Seattle office coffee brewer was a marvel, day after day brewing great-tasting coffee for the entire office. The newest coffee brewers don’t brew by the pot, though. Or even the cup. No, the latest coffee machines make specialty drinks that rival the coffee shop.
Single-Cup Can Be Hands Off
Single-cup coffee machines offer a freshly brewed drink for each person. The variety of drinks to make is limited only by which pods are in the break room. Simply put the pod in the machine and push your selection. New brewers make touching the machine a thing of the past. Using QR codes, apps, or wireless technology, it’s possible to brew a hot drink hands-free. Perfect for fast brewing and anywhere germs are a big concern.
Bean-to-Cup Delivers Fresh Drinks
A popular Tacoma single-cup coffee machine is the bean-to-cup coffee brewer. It takes whole beans, grinds them, and then brews the grounds into a fresh espresso, coffee, or specialty beverage. The sound of the grinder and the smell of brewing coffee transform a break room. Your team feels like they have entered an office cafe.
Some of these high-end brewers even use real milk to create the frothy cappuccinos and lattes your staff love. The sophisticated technology inside offers alerts about cleaning and digital displays that walk users through their use. It’s a sophisticated office coffee solution for offices that want cutting-edge technology.
Get Break Room Technology that Helps You
In the Bellevue office, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technology. That’s true for the break room as well. The benefits are better decisions, access to more variety, and unsurpassed quality. It transforms a break room into an experience that impresses staff and keeps them productive.
If you want to discuss how the vending services and technology can help your team, contact Vista Vending online or call 253.592.2843. We have local knowledge and great services that will upgrade your break room to the best it can be.
