Operational efficiency takes center stage
At the 2026 NAMA Show, smart coolers certainly were top of mind. At the same time, practical problem-solving — addressing challenges operators face daily — was front and center. Whether the issue was shrink, inventory visibility, route efficiency or warehouse workflows, the common theme was practical problem-solving.
Shrink remains a major concern
Micro market theft is not going away, but the addition of AI is creating tools to better address it.
Panoptyc’s Mac Bolak described a growing emphasis on using AI to identify new forms of theft and shrink. “The AI is rapidly advancing, and we’re able to catch more theft faster and additional types of theft.”
Bolak said operators are responding because the conversation ultimately comes down to return on investment. “We cut shrink by 50% on average when the operational focus is there.”
Bryan Hebert of ProWatch Solutions echoed the concern. “Theft is still a problem with micro markets.”
Hebert added that operators are increasingly looking for visibility into their markets and tools that help mitigate losses. “We’re leveraging AI and other analytics to monitor theft in micro markets. We have cloud camera integrations,” Hebert explained. “We work with the kiosk provider, and we enable the operator to ultimately have visibility into the market and understand what’s happening with loss prevention as well as increasing sales opportunities.”
Operators want workflows that work
Technology providers reported a strong interest in solutions that simplify operations.
Juan Jorquera of Tech2Success said operators are looking for better workflows and easier ways to serve customers. “People are trying to get some better workflows and then also make it easier for their customers to get that improved service.”
Similarly, Gimme’s Evan Jarecki said conversations often begin with a specific operational concern such as warehouse inventory challenges. “It’s still learning about operators who have challenges that can be solved by VMS. In a lot of ways, it’s still always different from every operator, one to the next,” Jarecki said. Of Gimme’s VMS, Jarecki said, “[It’s] in a great, mature state, we can show off how we address those issues.”
Rather than selling technology for its own sake, suppliers are increasingly positioning software as a solution to specific business problems.
Integration matters
Several suppliers emphasized connected platforms.
PayRange highlighted a single ecosystem approach that combines payments, operations and data.
“They can have it all in one platform,” said PayRange’s Aaleyah Davila. The appeal, according to Davila, is reducing complexity while providing greater visibility into business performance.
Simple solutions still matter
One of the most interesting conversations came from Dean Prather of Q-Tote. Unlike many exhibitors promoting software, AI and analytics, Prather focused on a physical solution designed to simplify beverage pre-kitting.
His observation captured a broader lesson from the show: “Don’t forget about your operations back at the warehouse.”
While technology continues to advance, many operational challenges still come down to execution, efficiency and process improvement.
About the Author
Bob Tullio
Bob Tullio is a content specialist, speaker, sales trainer, consultant and contributing editor of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. He advises entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business from the ground up. He specializes in helping suppliers connect with operators in the convenience services industry — coffee service, vending, micro markets and pantry service specifically. He can be reached at 818-261-1758 and [email protected]. Tullio welcomes your feedback.
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