On this episode of the Automation and Self Service Podcast, we're discussing the evolving world of smart kiosks and automated retail. This episode features a conversation with Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times and Kiosk Marketplace, and Lee Mokri, Founder and VP of Sales at Byte Technology. Discover how Byte's versatile technology is expanding unattended retail beyond traditional vending, enabling new opportunities in diverse sectors like healthcare, higher education and niche consumer markets.Mokri and Carpenter discuss how Byte's innovative solutions are transforming access to goods and services. From providing 24/7 fresh meals in hospitals to enabling ranchers to sell frozen meats directly to consumers, you'll hear how smart kiosks are redefining the landscape of commerce. Tune in to explore the future of automated retail.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.
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Starting a vending machine business: Unbundled model reduces startup costs
In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times, and Jack Brown, CEO of Legacy Ventures Group, discuss the company's "unbundled" vending packages. Brown's model aims to increase accessibility to vending business ownership, particularly for veterans, women and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, by offering flexible entry points with lower initial investments. The conversation examines the structure and potential impact of this alternative to traditional vending business setups.Brown explains Legacy Ventures Group's business philosophy, emphasizing strategic planning, collaborative partnerships and long-term growth. The discussion focuses on the company's approach to providing tailored solutions and support, highlighting its commitment to addressing the specific needs of individual entrepreneurs. The podcast explores the company's stated goal of facilitating sustainable business development through innovative problem-solving.Carpenter and Brown detail the practical aspects of the "unbundled" package concept, outlining how it allows for phased business development. The episode provides information on the potential benefits and challenges of this approach, offering listeners an overview of how Legacy Ventures Group is attempting to modify the vending industry's traditional entry barriers.
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Beyond the kiosk: How AI is reshaping automated retail
The world of retail is rapidly transforming, and at the heart of this change lies the powerful force of artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation with Ray Friedrich, chief strategy officer of East Street Business Advisors, Sandra Carpenter, host of Networld Media Group's Automation and Self Service podcast and editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times, discussed the exciting and sometimes daunting landscape of AI-driven automated retail. The podcast explored how AI is revolutionizing the customer experience, moving beyond simple automation to offer highly personalized recommendations and purchasing journeys.Friedrich shared compelling examples of how AI is being used to tailor offers and even entire shopping experiences, while also addressing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this level of personalization. The conversation also tackled the critical issue of data privacy, discussing how retailers can ethically leverage the vast amounts of data generated by automated systems to improve operations and build consumer trust.Beyond personalization and data, Carpenter and Friedrich examined the evolving role of human workers in this increasingly automated environment. Friedrich offered insights into the potential for new opportunities and discussed how businesses and individuals can prepare for this significant shift in the job market.Friedrich's predictions for the future of this rapidly growing tech offer a glimpse into how these advancements might fundamentally change the way consumers shop and interact with brands, painting a picture of a retail landscape that is both innovative and customer-centric.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.
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Melanie Day: Revolutionizing campus hair care with self-service solutions
In this episode of the Automation and Self Service podcast, we explore the innovative world of campus wellness with Melanie Day, founder of In Living Curls. Day shares her journey of bringing hair care vending machines to Kentucky colleges, including Morehead State University. We discuss the impact of this initiative on student well-being, particularly for students of diverse backgrounds, and explore the challenges and triumphs of introducing this unique self-service solution.Discover how technology is empowering students with personalized hair care options while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. Listen to learn how In Living Curls, grounded in accessibility, affordability, and community, is transforming the college experience.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.Follow In Living Curls's self-service journey on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
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GRUBBRR: Automating the future of restaurants
In this episode of the Automation & Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter explores the world of restaurant automation with Parrish Chapman, chief revenue officer of GRUBBRR.GRUBBRR is a provider of self-ordering technology that streamlines restaurant operations and improves customer experiences. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, GRUBBRR helps businesses increase efficiency, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction.Chapman shared insights into the latest technologies shaping the industry, including self-ordering kiosks, AI-powered solutions and data-driven analytics. Learn how GRUBBRR's innovative platform can streamline operations, improve customer experiences and seamlessly integrate with existing POS systems and payment platforms.Subscribe to Networld Media Group's YouTube channel to keep up with the latest Automation and Self-Service podcasts.
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