Crane Merchandising Systems has announced its strategic partnership with USConnect®, a consortium of industry-leading, independent vending and food service operators. Focusing on the strategic use of technology, USConnect employs an optimized delivery and shared services model that has incorporated Crane’s VendMAX as the preferred VMS for its affiliates since its inception in 2012.
With the introduction of Crane Cashless and its fixed, low rates, USConnect companies will benefit from increased cost savings while continuing to leverage enhanced functionality, including integrated alerts, complete cashless reconciliation, remote DEX and cashless ROI analysis that can only be experienced through the pairing of these two solutions, according to the release.
“As a company that strongly promotes technology-based solutions for the modernization of the vending and food service industry, we are always seeking the right technologies and partners to enhance our business model and drive value for our customers and the end consumer,” said Jeff Whitacre, president of USConnect, in a prepared statement. “The implementation of VendMAX, Navigator and Crane Cashless has provided a solid foundation for many USConnect affiliates – including my two vending operations. Through this strategic partnership we are able to provide our affiliate companies with affordable access to an intuitive and powerful VMS, an incredibly reliable cashless solution and the most innovative machines in order to transform the vending industry.”
The majority of USConnect affiliates run VendMAX with new affiliates implementing every month. The total opportunity for Crane Cashless exceeds 100,000 units over the next 5 years. Additionally USConnect affiliates who purchase Crane’s new media platform of machines will benefit from the telemetry and cashless that are fully integrated into the machine, as well as the built-in retail tools that drive same-store sales.
“We are honored to be a strategic partner to USConnect and their affiliates,” said Brad Ellis, president of Crane Merchandising Systems, in a prepared statement. “Cashless is such a vital aspect of our industry’s growth and it offers the incredible potential to positively affect same-store sales and new business, yet much of the industry remains understandably apprehensive. USConnect’s commitment to deploying cashless and leveraging technology to change not only the consumer experience in vending, but also the economics of vending for the operator, is fully aligned with our vision and strategy for the future.”
Crane Cashless will be on display at the 2014 NAMA OneShow at Crane Merchandising Systems Booth No. 601.
