(Chicago) May 13, 2016 – This week, the NAMA Vending Data Interchange (VDI) Task Force announced the release of a new standard enabling vending management systems (VMS) and micro market systems (MMS) to work together.
Under the leadership of Chris Lilly of Best Vendors, who serves as Chair, and Coordinator, Dr. Michael Kasavana, the Task Force updated and published a new standard promoting compatibility between both systems, streamlining operational processes and reporting for operators engaged in both channels.
The much anticipated VDI VMS-MMS Integration Standard relies on two essential components:
- Vending Management System (VMS) – the route accounting system typically used to support vending and coffee service businesses.
- Micro-Market System (MMS) – the platform system featuring kiosks and associated services that allow consumers to purchase items from the market using a self-checkout process.
“VDI standards are never published without careful and thorough vetting and testing, and the VMS-MMS standard was no exception,” Kasavana said. “As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, we hope this standard simplifies operators’ user experience of these systems, keeping data in sync and making it easier for them to grow and expand their businesses.”
The following companies served as early adopters and investigators of the new standard:
365 Retail Markets; Cantaloupe Systems; Canteen; and Crane/Streamware.
Visit www.namanow.org/technology/vdi-standards to download a copy of the new VDI standard and to see a list of the full task force involved in this project.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. convenience services industry. With more than 1100 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
